Description
This classic Middle Eastern hummus recipe is a creamy, smooth, and flavorful chickpea and tahini dip that’s perfect as an appetizer or snack. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, ideal for serving with pita bread, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Hummus
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
Optional Garnishes
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Sprinkle of paprika or sumac
- Chopped parsley
- Toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Prepare Tahini Mixture: In a food processor, combine tahini and fresh lemon juice. Process for 1 minute until the mixture is creamy and whipped, which helps create a smooth texture in the finished hummus.
- Add Flavorings: Add the minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, and salt to the tahini-lemon mixture. Process again until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
- Incorporate Chickpeas: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas into the food processor. Process for 1 to 2 minutes, until the hummus is thick and creamy. This step ensures chickpeas are fully blended and a creamy consistency is achieved.
- Adjust Texture: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired smooth and spreadable texture is reached. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect hummus consistency.
- Season and Taste: Taste the hummus and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice as needed to balance flavors.
- Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with paprika or your choice of garnish such as chopped parsley or toasted pine nuts. Serve with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For extra smooth hummus, peel the chickpeas or use warm cooked chickpeas instead of canned.
- Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Customize garnishes based on preference for added texture and flavor.
