Description
This homemade hummus recipe offers a creamy, flavorful, and fresh take on the classic Middle Eastern dip. Made from soft simmered chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of ice water for perfect texture, it’s an easy and wholesome appetizer or snack. Served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of spices like paprika, sumac, or za’atar, it’s vibrant, healthy, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Hummus Base
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large clove garlic, minced or grated
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus additional to taste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 ice cubes
- 3 to 5 tablespoons ice water
To Garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Ground paprika or sumac
- Za’atar
- 1 tablespoon reserved chickpeas (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chickpeas: Place rinsed chickpeas in a pot and cover with water. Add baking soda, bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes until the chickpeas are softened but not mushy.
- Prepare Garlic-Lemon Mixture: While the chickpeas cook, combine minced garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to mellow the sharpness of the garlic.
- Drain and Set Aside Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the cooked chickpeas. Reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish if desired, and transfer the rest to a food processor or blender while still warm to enhance blending.
- Add Lemon-Garlic and Salt: Strain the lemon-garlic mixture into the food processor with chickpeas and add kosher salt. Blend the mixture until smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate Tahini and Ice Cubes: Add ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons of tahini and two ice cubes to the food processor, then blend again until the hummus becomes creamy and silky in texture.
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually add 3 to 5 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while blending to achieve your desired smoothness and consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the hummus and adjust salt and lemon juice according to preference. Transfer the mixture to a serving plate, create a shallow well in the center, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with reserved chickpeas and a sprinkle of paprika, sumac, or za’atar.
Notes
- Using warm chickpeas helps in achieving a creamier hummus texture.
- Letting garlic sit in lemon juice mellows the flavor and reduces pungency.
- Adding ice cubes during blending helps to keep the hummus light and fluffy.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and salt to your taste preference.
- Reserved chickpeas make an attractive garnish and add extra texture.
