Hummus
Published on October 18, 2023
Quick Summary
Hummus- this creamy, silky, and smooth hummus is easy to make at home and tastes so much better than store-bought hummus. Serve with pita bread, pita chips, or vegetables for a simple appetizer or snack!
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Pin ItHummus is one of my all-time favorite appetizers and snacks. I could eat it every single day. Sure, you can buy hummus at the store, but homemade hummus is SO much better and SO easy to make. I am going to teach you my tips and tricks for making the BEST hummus ever.
I love this hummus recipe because you only need a few ingredients and it takes less than 10 minutes to whip up! I promise after you make it once, you will be hooked for life.
This savory, nutty dip silky, smooth, and SO creamy. Serve with warm pita bread, pita chips, or cut up vegetables. It is the perfect party appetizer or snack. I always have it in my fridge.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Chickpeas– to keep the recipe simple I use canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans). Rinse and drain before using.
- Baking soda– Add a little baking soda to the water to make it more alkaline. This will help break down the pectin in the chickpeas and will quickly soften their skins, which will give you the creamiest hummus ever! You don’t have to peel the chickpeas when you use this method because the skins are so soft and blend in nicely.
- Tahini– tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and is a staple in hummus. It looks similar to natural peanut butter, but is more bitter than sweet. It has an earthy, nutty flavor that tastes like sesame seeds. You can find it at most grocery stores by the peanut butter or in the international aisle.
- Lemon juice– always use fresh lemon juice. It adds a tanginess and fresh flavor to the hummus.
- Olive oil– olive oil adds a rich flavor and makes the hummus super smooth. It also balances out the acidity from the lemon juice.
- Garlic– gives the hummus a nice kick. You can customize how strong you want the garlic flavor. I always add 2 small cloves.
- Salt– to enhance all of the flavors.
- Ice water– you will need a little water to thin out the hummus. Adding ice helps incorporate air and moisture. The air makes the hummus light and creamy, and the moisture makes it super smooth. Make sure you use a powerful blender or food processor that can chop the ice.
How to Make Hummus
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chickpeas and baking soda. Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Cook for 20 minutes or until the chickpeas are mushy. Drain the chickpeas and rinse with cold water so they cool down.
- In a food processor or high powered blender, add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until pureed, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
- With the machine running, slowly pour in the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the hummus is creamy and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. You may need to add more lemon or salt.
- Use a spatula to scrape the hummus into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and desired toppings. Serve with pita bread, pita chips, or cut up veggies.
Topping Ideas
- Drizzle of good quality olive oil
- Spices- sprinkle of paprika, smoked paprika, everything but the bagel seasoning, za’atar, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, basil, mint, dill, or thyme)
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Add chickpeas or crispy chickpeas on top
- Pepitas or pine nuts
- Caramelized onions or pickled red onions
- Crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- Finely chopped cucumbers, peppers, artichokes, or tomatoes
- Capers or chopped olives
What to Serve with Hummus
- Pita bread or naan bread
- Pita Chips
- Cut up vegetables
- Crackers or pretzels
- Roasted vegetables
- Chicken gyros
- Falafel
- Spread a sandwich or wrap with hummus.
- Top a salad or grain bowl with hummus.
How to Store
Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before using. I like to make hummus on Sunday so I have it in the fridge for snacking all week!
More Appetizer Recipes
Hummus
Ingredients
- 15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup tahini paste
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 small cloves garlic, chopped (or 1 large clove)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water
- Garnish: Drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle of paprika, chopped fresh parsley
- For serving: pita bread, pita chips, or cut up veggies
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chickpeas and baking soda. Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 20 minutes or until the chickpeas are mushy. Drain the chickpeas and rinse with cold water so they cool down.
- In a food processor, add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Blend until pureed, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
- With the machine running, slowly pour in the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the hummus is creamy and smooth. I usually use 4 tablespoons of ice water.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. You may need to add more lemon or salt.
- Scrape the hummus into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with a little fresh parsley. Serve with pita bread, pita chips, or cut up veggies
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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Simply the best. I’m now a convert. No more store bought. Amazing. Easy. So much flavor.
Right? It is so easy and SO good!
Wow! I just made this and I’m beyond in love! The simplicity and flavors are on point and it’s incredibly smooth. I love that you use everyday pantry items, it makes it so easy.
Great recipe!
Thank you!
It is my favorite hummus recipe! Glad you loved it!
This hummus recipe is phenomenal, I am amazed at how smooth it turned out! Flavor profile is spot on, my new go-to hummus recipe, thanks Maria!
It is SO creamy!! I make it every week. I am glad you loved it.
This is the best hummus I’ve ever had. It is creamy and delicious. Cooking the chickpeas makes a huge difference in taste and texture. Love it!!!!
It’s my favorite!!
WOW. What a great tip to cook the garbanzo beans. The hummus turns out sooo smooth. I did reduce the tahini paste to a couple tablespoons (personal preference). This recipe is great. Thank you so much!
It is so smooth! My favorite hummus! Glad you liked it too!
I would really love to make your recipe, but I’m pregnant and in New Zealand and been told to avoid tahini due to salmonella outbreaks with tahini over the last few years. I cried a bit inside when my midwife told me this. Is there anything at all you can think of as a good substitute for tahini?
You can try almond butter or cashew butter, but I always use tahini.