Hummus
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Total Time
5 mins
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Servings
6 - 8
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Calories
186 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Hummus
Description
Hummus is made by processing cooked chickpeas with tahini, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil until a paste forms with a soft dipping consistency. This version uses canned chickpeas for convenience, reserving some liquid to adjust texture and maintain moisture. Salt and pepper are added carefully, considering saltiness variance in canned beans.
The tahini, a sesame seed paste, contributes richness and depth, while the lemon juice and garlic provide brightness and gentle bite. The texture is not completely smooth due to chickpea skins but attains a creamy, thick spread suitable for dipping or spreading on breads.
Traditionally served on plates or shallow bowls, hummus is garnished with whole chickpeas, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of paprika to elevate both taste and presentation. It pairs well with pita bread, vegetables, or as part of Middle Eastern-style meals. The recipe notes provide guidance for using dried chickpeas, selecting tahini, and tips on achieving preferred smoothness.
Hummus can be refrigerated up to five days or frozen, making it practical for advance preparation or multiple uses throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 400g / 14 oz chickpeas drained (reserve liquid and a few chickpeas for garnish) (Dried Chickpeas - Note 1, canned, 1 can
- 1/4 cup chickpea liquid from canned chickpeas
- 1 garlic minced, medium clove
- 1/4 cup lemon juice fresh
- 1/2 cup tahini sesame paste), mixed well before using (Note 2, hulled
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
Garnish
- paprika pinch of paprika, more olive oil, reserved chickpeas
- olive oil
- chickpeas
Instructions
- Extra smooth optional steps: If you want ultra smooth hummus, do one of the extra Smooth Hummus steps below (I rare bother!).
- Reserve for garnish: Reserve 10 or so chickpeas for garnish.
- Blitz! Place remaining chickpeas, garlic, lemon, tahini and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Blitz until it becomes a paste.
- Season - Add salt and pepper - if using canned chickpeas, add salt gradually because the saltiness varies from brand to brand.
- Thin sauce - Add reserved liquid from can. Blitz for a couple of minutes until smooth - but note you will have tiny little grains in it, it won't be 100% smooth unless you do one of the extra steps below.
- Adjust - Adjust lemon and salt to taste, adjust thickness with more liquid. It should be a soft dropping consistency, like ketchup.
- Serve the traditional way: dollop a big scoop of hummus on a plate or shallow bowl. Use a spoon to spread it and make swirls on the surface. Top with reserved chickpeas, drizzle generously with more olive oil and sprinkle with paprika.
Optional- easy ways to make ultra smooth hummus (Note 4)
- Method 1: Drain chickpease, place in large bowl and fill with water. Grab handfuls and rub between your hands submerged in the water - skins will rub off and float to surface. Skim floating skin off, drain and use per recipe.
- Method 2: Tip all contents of can INCLUDING liquid into heatproof bowl. Cover loosely with lid or clingwrap, microwave on high for 3 minutes. Drain then use per recipe (hot chickpeas blitz smoother).
Notes
- Canned chickpeas offer convenience and usually produce smooth hummus; brand saltiness varies, so season salt carefully.
- For dried chickpeas, soak overnight and cook until very tender before using, reserving cooking liquid to adjust hummus texture.
- Use hulled tahini for a milder, less bitter flavor and mix it well before measuring.
- Hummus does not become completely smooth due to chickpea skins; some texture is traditional and preferred.
- Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or as a dip, garnished with reserved whole chickpeas, olive oil, and paprika.
- Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6- 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 186 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 74g | |
| Calories | 186cal | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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