Surprisingly, making homemade hummus is remarkably quick and easy. The creamy and flavorful results from this quick and easy homemade version are far superior to those from any store-bought product.
This quick and easy version of homemade hummus requires almost no effort to create
And results in a good product that only takes a maximum of 10 minutes to make, from ordinary canned chickpeas and ingredients that most people have stocked in their kitchens.
Ingredient List
For The Hummus:
- One can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
- Juice from 1 large lemon (1/4 of a cup)
- Tahini (1/4 of a cup)
- 1 small garlic clove, diced
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil (more can be added for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt
- 2-3 tablespoons of water
- A sprinkle of ground paprika that can be used to serve
Optional garnishes:
- A small handful of chickpeas
- Some fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or mint)
- Some pine nuts or cut pistachios
- A small amount of olive oil
- A small amount of Za’atar seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start with rinsing and draining your chickpeas in a fine-mesh strainer.
Rub the chickpeas with a clean cloth to remove the skins; this step is not necessary if you want a little texture in your hummus.
Step 2: Blend Tahini and Lemon
In a food processor, add tahini with an equal amount of lemon juice.
Process for 1 to 2 minutes until creamy and whipped. This step is vital for that smooth texture.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Pour the tahini mixture into the food processor and add olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and a generous pinch of salt.
Process for 30 seconds. You should smell the mixture at this point.
Step 4: Add the Chickpeas
Add chickpeas and tahini and process for 1 minute.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the rest of the chickpeas, and process for 1 to 2 minutes more. The mixture should be thick and smooth.
Step 5: Adjust the Texture
With the food processor on, pour in water, 1 at a time, until the desired texture is reached.
Hummus should be creamy and spreadable. Adjust the seasoning with salt, lemon juice, or garlic as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl and gently press the back of a spoon into the center to form a shallow well.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika, and add any desired garnishes.
Enjoy with warm pita bread, cut-up fresh vegetables, or with any dippers of your choice.
Pro Tips for Perfect Hummus
- The Tahini Trick: Always blend tahini and lemon juice first. This forms the creamy base that transforms any hummus from good to great.
- The Temperature Factor: Room temperature tahini is easier to blend than a cold one. If your tahini is cold, take it out of the fridge and wait for it to come to room temperature.
- Texture Control: For exceptionally smooth hummus, the chickpeas need to be peeled. This process is tedious, but it can be well worth it for special occasions. For the daily hummus, don’t stress this process.
- Garlic Guidelines: Start with less garlic than you think you need. Remember, this is one of those ingredients that you can add more of, but cannot take it back. Raw garlic can pack a punch.
- Water Wisdom: While the processor is running, gradually add the water. Too much water, added too quickly, will cause the hummus to be too thin.
Replacements and Substitutes
Lack Tahini? Try 1/4 cup of natural peanut butter or almond butter and mix it well. It is a good and different replacement.
- Lemon Alternatives: Try lime juice or both lime and lemon juice for a different citrusy flavor.
- Chickpea Swaps: You can also use white beans (cannellini or navy) as a replacement for chickpeas. It will provide you even creamier texture.
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Add 1/4 cup of roasted red peppers.
- Herb Hummus: Blend in 1/4 cup fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill.
- Spicy Hummus: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small jalapeño.
- Beet Hummus: Blend in 1 small roasted beet to achieve an earthy flavor and beautiful color.
Suggested Accompaniments
You can use this hummus for almost any occasion.
As an appetizer, you can serve it with warm pita triangles, fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, or crispy pita chips.
It can be thinned out with a bit of water to serve as a creamy salad dressing or used as a base for grain bowls. It also makes an excellent sandwich spread.
For entertaining, wipe some fresh assorted vegetables, assorted crackers, and some fresh herbs and feta cheese around the bowl,
Then pour in some hummus in the center, and add some feta cheese and olives on top. There’s a lot of room for creativity in how the platter can be assembled.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Freshly made hummus can last for one week in the fridge if placed in an air-tight container.
Also, the flavors get better after a day or two, so this would be great if you are planning on meal prepping or entertaining.
Hummus can lose its creaminess when frozen, but it still tastes great.
To serve, let the container sit at room temperature, and when the time comes, give it a nice stir.
From experience, I’d say it’s best if frozen for a month, and it can last in the freezer up to 3 months without the quality reducing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Hummus grainy or chunky?
If the food processor is not working long enough, the hummus won’t get to the right consistency
So it’s important to make sure the blade gets the right amount of tahini and water and is well stirred. Otherwise, it’s best to keep mixing when it gets thick.
Can I make Hummus without using a Food Processor?
While a food processor gives the best results, you can use a high-powered blender or even a hand masher for a rougher texture.
Add liquid incrementally so the blender has a high enough viscosity to process.
How can I make my Hummus more Flavorful?
Being adventurous in taste and adjusting works. Don’t be hesitant to add more acid, more garlic, or more salt.
Also, make sure you’re using good tahini; it really matters in the flavor at the end.
How do I thicken or thin down my Hummus?
Add one tablespoon of water while the blender is running. More chickpeas or tahini for thickening.
Is it possible to make hummus with dried chickpeas?
Yes, using dried chickpeas, you will want to use half a cup and let them cook until supremely tender. The more tender the chickpeas, the smoother the thickness will be.
Is Hummus healthy?
Yes. With the chickpeas, you are eating a great source of protein, fiber, and, along with the tahini and olive oil, which are healthy sources of fat. This is a great snack to have.
Conclusion
As soon as you get the hang of the technique, you can get creative and design new signature flavors of your own.
This homemade version tastes so much better than the store-bought.
And, in addition, its cost is only a fraction of the cost of the store-bought version. It has the fresh and vibrant taste that comes with being homemade.
Easy Homemade Hummus Recipe
Surprisingly, making homemade hummus is remarkably quick and easy. The creamy and flavorful results from this quick and easy homemade version are far superior to those from any store-bought product.
Ingredients
- For The Hummus:
- One can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
- Juice from 1 large lemon (1/4 of a cup)
- Tahini (1/4 of a cup)
- 1 small garlic clove, diced
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil (more can be added for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt
- 2-3 tablespoons of water
- A sprinkle of ground paprika that can be used to serve
- Optional garnishes:
- A small handful of chickpeas
- Some fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or mint)
- Some pine nuts or cut pistachios
- A small amount of olive oil
- A small amount of Za'atar seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start with rinsing and draining your chickpeas in a fine-mesh strainer.
Rub the chickpeas with a clean cloth to remove the skins; this step is not necessary if you want a little texture in your hummus.
Step 2: Blend Tahini and Lemon
In a food processor, add tahini with an equal amount of lemon juice.
Process for 1 to 2 minutes until creamy and whipped. This step is vital for that smooth texture.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Pour the tahini mixture into the food processor and add olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and a generous pinch of salt.
Process for 30 seconds. You should smell the mixture at this point.
Step 4: Add the Chickpeas
Add chickpeas and tahini and process for 1 minute.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the rest of the chickpeas, and process for 1 to 2 minutes more. The mixture should be thick and smooth.
Step 5: Adjust the Texture
With the food processor on, pour in water, 1 at a time, until the desired texture is reached.
Hummus should be creamy and spreadable. Adjust the seasoning with salt, lemon juice, or garlic as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl and gently press the back of a spoon into the center to form a shallow well.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika, and add any desired garnishes.
Enjoy with warm pita bread, cut-up fresh vegetables, or with any dippers of your choice.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Hummus
- The Tahini Trick: Always blend tahini and lemon juice first. This forms the creamy base that transforms any hummus from good to great.
- The Temperature Factor: Room temperature tahini is easier to blend than a cold one. If your tahini is cold, take it out of the fridge and wait for it to come to room temperature.
- Texture Control: For exceptionally smooth hummus, the chickpeas need to be peeled. This process is tedious, but can be well worth it for special occasions. For the daily hummus, don’t stress this process.
- Garlic Guidelines: Start with less garlic than you think you need. Remember, this is one of those ingredients that you can add more of, but cannot take it back. Raw garlic can pack a punch.
- Water Wisdom: While the processor is running, gradually add the water. Too much water, added too quickly, will cause the hummus to be too thin.
Replacements and Substitutes
Lack Tahini? Try 1/4 cup of natural peanut butter or almond butter and mix it well. It is a good and different replacement.
- Lemon Alternatives: Try lime juice or both lime and lemon juice for a different citrusy flavor.
- Chickpea Swaps: You can also use white beans (cannellini or navy) as a replacement for chickpeas. It will provide you even creamier texture.
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Add 1/4 cup of roasted red peppers.
- Herb Hummus: Blend in 1/4 cup fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill.
- Spicy Hummus: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small jalapeño.
- Beet Hummus: Blend in 1 small roasted beet to achieve an earthy flavor and beautiful color.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Amount Per Serving: Calories: 120Total Fat: 8gg