5 Secrets to the BEST Hummus Ever
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BEST Hummus
Discover how to make the creamiest, most flavorful hummus with this easy-to-follow recipe that balances tangy lemon, nutty tahini, and smooth chickpeas. Perfect as a dip, spread, or sauce, this versatile and customizable hummus is elevated by simple pantry ingredients and expert tips for ultimate creaminess and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using canned chickpeas) or 1 to 1.5 hours (if cooking dried chickpeas)
- Total Time: 20 minutes (with canned chickpeas) or up to 2 hours (if cooking dried chickpeas)
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, rinsed and drained)
- ⅓ cup tahini
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water or reserved chickpea cooking liquid (aquafaba)
Optional Variations
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, blended in
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 tablespoon harissa paste for spice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil, chopped
- ½ cup cooked beetroot, mashed or blended
- ½ ripe avocado
Garnishes
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Smoked paprika or za’atar for sprinkling
- Freshly chopped parsley or toasted pine nuts for topping
Instructions
- Prep the Chickpeas: Rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly or cook dried chickpeas until tender. For an ultra-smooth hummus, peel the skins off the chickpeas by gently pinching each one, although this step is optional and time-consuming.
- Blend the Base Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and minced garlic. Pulse until the mixture starts to become smooth.
- Adjust Texture With Liquid: Gradually add cold water or reserved chickpea cooking liquid (aquafaba), blending continuously. This step ensures a light, creamy texture without adding excess oil or thinning out the flavor.
- Season and Refine: Add ground cumin, salt, and drizzle in extra virgin olive oil while blending. Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Serve with a Swirl: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and create a swirl on the surface with a spoon. Drizzle additional olive oil on top and sprinkle with smoked paprika, za’atar, or fresh herbs for a beautiful and flavorful finishing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality tahini for best flavor and smoothness.
- Peeling chickpeas enhances creaminess but can be skipped for convenience.
- Add cold water or aquafaba slowly to avoid making the hummus too runny.
- Use fresh raw garlic but adjust the amount carefully to prevent overpowering the dip.
- Let the hummus rest for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Hummus can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight and stir well before serving.
- Reheat gently if desired, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup (about 60g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: hummus, creamy hummus, best hummus recipe, chickpea dip, tahini dip, Middle Eastern appetizer, healthy dip
