Hummus Recipe

The Perfect Homemade Hummus Recipe That Anyone Can Master

Hummus, a beloved Mediterranean spread, converts ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that dances across taste buds with remarkable complexity.

Creamy chickpea-based delights have captivated food enthusiasts worldwide for generations, offering a delectable blend of nutrition and intense flavor.

Smooth and sophisticated, this versatile dip brings unexpected elegance to casual gatherings and sophisticated appetizer tables alike.

Robust tahini provides deep nutty undertones while fresh garlic contributes vibrant aromatic dimensions to the classic recipe.

Nutritional powerhouses merge seamlessly in this simple yet extraordinary preparation, creating a sensory experience that transcends typical snack expectations.

Rich proteins and healthy fats combine to deliver a satisfying texture that feels simultaneously light and indulgent.

Culinary enthusiasts appreciate how minimal ingredients can produce such a convertative and memorable dish.

Best Ever Hummus: A Simple, Flavor-Packed Dip

  • Creamy Comfort in Every Bite: This hummus delivers an incredibly smooth, velvety texture that melts perfectly on your tongue, making each spoonful a luxurious experience.
  • Quick and Foolproof Preparation: With simple steps and basic kitchen tools like a food processor, even novice cooks can create restaurant-quality hummus without stress or complicated techniques.
  • Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious dip that supports overall wellness and provides sustained energy.
  • Versatile Flavor Canvas: The balanced blend of tahini, lemon, and cumin creates a classic hummus base that can be easily customized with additional toppings or used as a spread, dip, or sauce for multiple dishes.

Key Ingredients for the Best Hummus

Main Ingredients:
  • Chickpeas: A protein-packed legume that forms the base of authentic hummus with creamy texture and nutty flavor. Dried chickpeas provide better taste than canned varieties.
  • Tahini: Smooth sesame seed paste that adds rich, nutty depth and essential creaminess to the hummus. Look for pure, high-quality tahini without added oils.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy citrus that balances flavors and adds freshness. Fresh squeezed is always preferred over bottled.
  • Garlic: Pungent aromatic that provides sharp, intense flavor to the hummus. Choose fresh, firm garlic cloves for best taste.
  • Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds depth and traditional Middle Eastern flavor profile. Ground cumin works best.
Finishing and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil that enhances texture and adds luxurious mouthfeel. Extra virgin olive oil provides best flavor.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that amplifies and balances all other flavors in the hummus.
  • Baking Soda: Helps soften chickpeas during cooking and creates smoother final texture.
  • Paprika: Mild, sweet spice used for garnishing and adding subtle color and flavor.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that provides bright green garnish and subtle herbal note.
  • Ice Water: Helps achieve ultra-smooth, light consistency when blending.

How to Make Creamy and Smooth Hummus from Scratch

Step 1: Prep the Chickpeas

Boil chickpeas with baking soda for 20 minutes until they become soft and puffy. Drain completely and rinse under cool water.

Step 2: Crush Garlic Blend

In a food processor, combine:
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Salt

Pulse until garlic is finely chopped. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the garlic’s sharp flavor.

Step 3: Whip the Tahini

Add tahini to the garlic mixture and blend until smooth, scraping down the processor sides as needed.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Slowly drizzle in ice water while blending, adjusting the amount to achieve a silky, spreadable consistency.

Step 5: Incorporate Chickpeas and Spices

Add to the processor:
  • Chickpeas
  • Cumin
  • Olive oil

Blend for 2 minutes until the mixture becomes incredibly smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with:
  • Extra olive oil
  • Sprinkle of paprika
  • Fresh chopped parsley

Serve immediately with warm pita or fresh vegetables.

Tips for Enhancing Your Hummus Flavor

  • Boost Texture: Boil chickpeas with baking soda to soften and help remove tough skins for a silkier consistency.
  • Garlic Technique: Let garlic and lemon juice mixture rest for 10 minutes to mellow the sharp garlic flavor and create a more balanced taste.
  • Tahini Secret: Use high-quality tahini and blend thoroughly to prevent separation and ensure a creamy, smooth hummus.
  • Water Wisdom: Add ice-cold water gradually while blending to achieve the perfect light and airy texture without making it too runny.
  • Blending Mastery: Process chickpeas for at least 2-3 minutes to break down completely, creating an ultra-smooth and creamy dip that rivals restaurant-quality hummus.

How to Keep Hummus Fresh for Longer Enjoyment

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent air exposure and minimize oxidation.
  • Freezing: Freeze hummus in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well to restore original creamy texture before serving.
  • Reheating: Bring cold hummus to room temperature by letting it sit out for 15-20 minutes. If desired, gently warm in microwave using 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating and prevent separation.

Best Accompaniments to Serve with Hummus

  • Pair with Warm Pita Bread: Scoop up the creamy hummus with freshly toasted pita bread for a classic Mediterranean experience that brings out the rich, nutty flavors of the dip.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the hummus's richness and enhance its lemony undertones.
  • Serve alongside Roasted Vegetables: Arrange grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant around the hummus for a colorful, nutritious platter that adds texture and depth to the dish.
  • Match with Spicy Mezze Plate: Create a vibrant spread with olives, feta cheese, spicy pickles, and marinated artichokes to transform the hummus into a full Mediterranean-style meal.

Fun Twists on Traditional Hummus Recipes

  • Classic Mediterranean Remix: Replace cumin with za'atar spice blend for an authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile, adding a herbal and tangy dimension to the traditional hummus recipe.
  • Roasted Red Pepper Fusion: Incorporate fire-roasted red peppers into the blending process, creating a vibrant, smoky version that adds depth and rich color to the classic hummus.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Blend in fresh jalapeño peppers during processing to introduce a zesty heat that transforms the creamy texture with a spicy southwestern accent.
  • Herb-Infused Garden Style: Mix fresh chopped cilantro, dill, and green onions into the final blend, providing a fresh, green brightness that elevates the traditional chickpea spread with natural herbal notes.
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Hummus Recipe

Hummus Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Mediterranean magic blooms in this silky smooth hummus, blending chickpeas, tahini, and garlic into a creamy canvas of rich flavor. Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika, you’ll savor each luxurious bite of this classic Middle Eastern dip.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas
  • 0.5 cup tahini
  • 0.25 cup lemon juice (from 1.5 to 2 lemons)

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 medium-to-large clove garlic, roughly chopped
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Drizzle of olive oil (for garnish)
  • Sprinkle of ground sumac or paprika (for garnish)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Submerge dried chickpeas in water with baking soda, allowing them to soften and become plump over 20 minutes of gentle boiling. Carefully drain and rinse the chickpeas under cool running water to remove any residual baking soda.
  2. Place peeled garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, and kosher salt into a food processor. Pulse until the garlic is finely minced and the mixture becomes fragrant. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the flavors to mellow and integrate.
  3. Pour rich, creamy tahini into the processor and blend thoroughly, periodically scraping down the sides to ensure uniform consistency.
  4. Gradually introduce ice-cold water while continuously processing, adjusting the liquid quantity to achieve a silky, smooth texture that is neither too thick nor too thin.
  5. Add ground cumin, the prepared chickpeas, and extra virgin olive oil to the mixture. Process for approximately 2 minutes, ensuring the hummus becomes exceptionally creamy and uniformly blended.
  6. Taste and fine-tune seasonings with additional salt, lemon juice, or cumin as needed. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, creating a slight depression in the center.
  7. Finish by drizzling high-quality olive oil over the top, sprinkling sweet paprika, and garnishing with freshly chopped parsley leaves for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Prepare chickpeas in advance by soaking overnight for better texture and easier digestion.
  • Chill tahini and lemon juice before blending to achieve a smoother, more consistent hummus.
  • Reserve some whole chickpeas for garnishing to add visual appeal and crunchy texture.
  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer, more authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Allow hummus to rest for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors fully develop and meld together.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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