Hummus, a creamy and protein-rich dip, is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It's traditionally made with cooked chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, seasoned simply. This homemade version is both nutritious and versatile, pairing perfectly with pita bread, falafel, grilled meats, or as a topping for various dishes.
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Globally celebrated, Hummus began as a humble, affordable food, evolving into a culinary sensation with unique regional variations. Homemade Hummus not only allows for creative twists but is also healthier, free from preservatives. Hummus is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, appealing to vegans and non-vegans alike with its delicious taste and ability to bring people together.
Ideal for any social event, family meal, or as a tasty snack, Hummus is a reliable favorite. It offers nutritional benefits, being a great source of protein and fiber, and caters to those seeking a delicious yet health-conscious option.
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make Hummus, you'll need simple, readily available ingredients from any grocery store. Let's take a look at what they are below.
- Cooked/Canned Chickpeas: These legumes, with their mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture, give Hummus its classic smooth and velvety consistency.
- Tahini: This paste of roasted, ground sesame seeds adds a rich, nutty taste to Hummus, with a hint of bitterness that complements other flavors.
- Cumin Powder: Essential in Middle Eastern cooking, cumin adds a warm, earthy, and subtly smoky flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: It brings depth and a robust, aromatic quality to Hummus.
- Lemon Juice: Its bright tanginess refreshes Hummus, balancing the richness of tahini and boosting overall flavor.
- Olive Oil: Its variety, from fruity and smooth to peppery, subtly alters Hummus's taste.
- Cayenne Pepper/Chili Powder/Paprika (Optional): Add a spicy kick with cayenne, or choose paprika or chili powder for a milder, smoky or sweet heat.
- Parsley or Coriander Leaves (For Garnishing): These herbs add a fresh, aromatic touch to finish the dish.
How to Make Hummus at Home?
Dive into the delightful world of homemade Hummus with our easy-to-follow recipe. Watch our step-by-step video and browse through photos to master this creamy, versatile dip perfect for any occasion. Let's get started!
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Hummus
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked Chickpeas, or 2 (15 oz canned chickpeas)
- 3 small Garlic Cloves, chopped
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper, or less heat chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil, and more for serving
- ¼ cup Tahini
- ¼ cup Water, regular or water drained from cooked chickpea or can ( + more to adjust consistency if needed)
- Paprika, for garnishing
- Coriander Leaves, or parsley for garnishing
Instructions
To make Homemade Hummus
- In a blender, combine cooked chickpeas, garlic cloves, cumin powder, cayenne pepper, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, and ½ cup of water. You can use canned or stovetop/instant pot-cooked chickpeas.
- Securely close the blender lid and blend until you achieve a crumbly texture. Pause to add 2-3 tablespoons of water if needed. Scrape the jar's sides and mix well.
- Close the lid and blend until the mixture turns smooth and thick. Your homemade hummus is ready. Adjust salt to taste if desired. Enjoy!
To Serve
- Enjoy this garnished with olive oil, paprika, and chopped parsley. It pairs perfectly with pita, falafel, veggies, meats, or your favorite dishes.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Getting the Right Texture: If your Hummus is too thick, a little water blended in can bring it to that creamy dreaminess. Too runny? Add a bit more chickpeas or tahini to thicken it up.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste while blending! Feel free to tweak the flavors with extra salt, lemon juice, or spices until it's just right for your palate.
- Tahini Tip: Since tahini can vary in bitterness, start with a small amount and add more as needed. It's a key player in getting that classic Hummus flavor.
- Olive Oil for Creaminess: A splash of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can take your Hummus from good to great, adding both flavor and a creamy texture.
- Chickpea Choice: Whether you're using canned or home-cooked chickpeas, make sure they're well-drained and rinsed. Home-cooked might give you a smoother blend, but canned chickpeas are super convenient.
- Blend Well: Give your Hummus some time in the blender to get everything nicely mixed and smooth. Patience pays off with a velvety texture.
- Dress It Up: Garnishing is key! A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and some finely chopped parsley not only make your Hummus look great but add an extra layer of flavor.
- Tahini Substitutes: If you're out of tahini, try almond butter, peanut butter, or Greek yogurt as alternatives. Each adds a unique flavor and texture to customize your hummus to taste. Experiment to find your perfect replacement.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Hummus is a versatile and delicious Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dip that pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are some popular options to serve with it:
- Pita Bread: A classic companion, serve Hummus with pita wedges or torn pieces for dipping.
- Fresh Vegetables: Dip carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, celery, or broccoli florets in Hummus for a healthy snack.
- Falafel: Pair Hummus with falafel for a delicious, classic Middle Eastern treat.
- Olives: Greek or Kalamata olives add a salty, tangy contrast to creamy Hummus.
- Grilled/Roasted Vegetables: Enjoy Hummus with grilled or roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, broccoli, and more.
- Flatbread or Naan: For a variation, try Hummus with other flatbreads, croutons, or naan.
- Tabouli: This bulgur, parsley, tomato, mint, and lemon juice salad is a refreshing side with Hummus.
- Meats: Roasted chicken, lamb, or beef pair wonderfully with Hummus for meat eaters.
- Pickles: Add pickled vegetables like beets or turnips for a tangy touch.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Top Hummus with roasted chickpeas for an enjoyable crunch.
Storage Suggestions
Keep your Homemade Hummus fresh for up to a week by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This versatile, flavorful dip is perfect for enhancing everyday meals.
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