Name: Creamy Homemade Hummus with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1/3 cup good-quality tahini; 2-4 tablespoons cold water, or more if needed; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 medium cloves garlic, peeled and smashed; juice of 1 lemon (2-3 tablespoons); 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained; extra drizzle of olive oil; chopped fresh parsley; sprinkle of ground sumac or paprika; toasted pine nuts

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Introduction

Hummus is a creamy and flavorful Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas and tahini. It’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a healthy accompaniment to many dishes. This simple recipe will guide you to a smooth and delicious hummus every time.

A white plate with a round bowl in the center filled with creamy off-white hummus topped with a swirl of golden olive oil, sprinkled with red spices and green herbs. Surrounding the bowl are triangular pieces of toasted pita bread with golden brown spots on the top left, round slices of bright orange carrots at the bottom left, yellow carrot sticks at the bottom right, and fresh green cucumber slices on the right. The whole plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/3 cup good-quality tahini
2-4 tablespoons cold water, or more if needed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 medium cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
Juice of 1 lemon (2-3 tablespoons)
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Optional toppings: extra drizzle of olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, sprinkle of ground sumac or paprika, toasted pine nuts

Instructions

Step 1: Add tahini, cold water, olive oil, cumin, salt, garlic, and lemon juice to a food processor. Puree until smooth.
Step 2: Add the chickpeas. Puree for 3-4 minutes, pausing halfway to scrape down the sides of the bowl, until the hummus is smooth. If it seems too thick, add in another tablespoon or two of water.
Step 3: Taste and season with additional salt, cumin, and/or lemon juice if needed.
Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with your desired toppings. Or transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

For an extra creamy texture, peel the chickpeas before blending.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
Try adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.
Adjust garlic and cumin to your taste for a personalized flavor.

Storage

Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, let it come to room temperature or add a splash of water and stir to restore creaminess. Hummus does not freeze well as it can change texture.

How to Serve

A white plate with a bowl of creamy hummus in the center topped with a swirl of golden olive oil, sprinkled with green herbs and red spices. Surrounding the bowl are several layers: on the left, toasted pita bread triangles with a light golden-brown color and some grill marks; at the bottom, round, bright orange carrot slices; on the right, thin yellow bell pepper sticks; and at the top right, green cucumber slices with visible seeds and a fresh texture. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but they need to be soaked overnight and cooked until tender before using. This often results in a fresher taste and better texture.

How do I make my hummus less thick?

Add cold water a tablespoon at a time while blending until you reach your desired consistency. Olive oil can also help make it creamier.