Hummus

How to make authentic, creamy, homemade hummus made from scratch using simple ingredients -- chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. This is such an easy hummus recipe that everyone will love! 

I am loving sharing all of my favorite Greek and Middle Eastern recipes and it wouldn't be complete without sharing the best hummus recipe. This famous creamy dip is made with simple ingredients but is so popular paired with pita bread or naan bread. 

It is so easy to make homemade hummus! You just throw the ingredients into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. There are some tips and tricks to making the creamiest hummus dip. 

What is Hummus?

It is a creamy Middle Eastern dip made with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Traditional hummus was only made with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. 

It is generally served Now there are many variations of classic hummus from red pepper hummus to cilantro jalapeno. 

What ingredients are in Hummus?

This hummus recipe is made with only 7 ingredients. You can use canned chickpeas for a quick hummus recipe or cook the chickpeas from scratch. I will share both methods with you!

• Chickpeas -- you can use canned or jarred chickpeas or you can cook dry chickpeas ahead of time. I prefer just to use canned or jarred chickpeas since they are readily available but I bring them to a boil to further soften them for the creamiest hummus. Whole Foods Market offers jarred chickpeas.
• Tahini Paste -- tahini is made with ground toasted sesame seeds. It is an integral ingredient in hummus and is the essence of creamy hummus. It helps to create smooth hummus and adds a nutty flavor. 
• Garlic -- you can add 1 to 2 garlic cloves in this recipe but if you really love garlic, I would suggest adding 3 garlic cloves for a punch of garlic flavor.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil -- this helps to make it extra smooth and creamy with rich olive notes. I like to drizzle extra-virgin olive oil all over the top of my hummus when serving in a bowl or on a platter. 
• Lemon Juice -- freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor to this hummus recipe and balances out the earthiness from the tahini. 
• Salt -- this is one of the most important ingredients so taste the hummus and add more salt as needed.
• Water -- this needs to be ICE COLD water which helps to create the lightest, and fluffiest hummus texture. Add more water as needed for your desired consistency. 

What to top hummus with?

There are so many ways you can top hummus to make it extra gourmet.

I love to top hummus with a few more chickpeas, a drizzle of olive oil, pine nuts, paprika, fresh parsley, or small blocks of feta cheese. 

How to make Hummus:

Here is my step-by-step guide for making the perfect hummus at home. It is easier than you think and uses the freshest ingredients.

1. For a really smooth hummus, you need really soft chickpeas. If you are using canned or jarred chickpeas, you can just throw the can of chickpeas into the food processor with the rest of the ingredients. For extra smooth hummus, you can cook the canned or jarred chickpeas in water and ½ teaspoon of baking soda over medium heat which helps to soften the chickpeas even further. Cook for 25-30 minutes and then drain. If want to make quick and easy hummus, you can skip this step.
2. Add the drained chickpeas into a food processor with the tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Blend for at least 3 minutes or until the hummus is smooth.
3. Slowly add the ice-cold water. Start with 3 Tablespoons and add more as needed. This helps to create a light and fluffy texture. Run the food processor for 1-2 minutes longer or until the hummus is completely creamy.
4. Taste for seasoning and add more salt as needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Spread onto a platter or into a bowl and top with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. 

What to serve with Hummus?

You can serve hummus in so many different ways. It can be served as a dip and can be enjoyed with pita bread, crackers, vegetables, or crostini. It can also be served with homemade naan bread, which is similar to pita bread.

It can be served on a crudite board with fresh vegetables or on a meze platter with other Middle Eastern appetizers and dips like tzatziki sauce. 

It can be served with Greek Chicken or on Greek Chicken Gyros.

It can be served on a vegetable wrap with fresh hummus. 

FAQS about making homemade Hummus:

What type of chickpeas should I use?

You can use canned, jarred, or dried chickpeas that you cook until softened. 

If you use canned or jarred chickpeas, you can cook them in baking soda and water to make them even softer to create the creamiest hummus.

If you are cooking dried chickpeas, I suggest soaking overnight and cooking for at least two hours or until the beans are completely softened.

If you want to make a quick and easy hummus, I suggest using canned or jarred chickpeas.

What are some hummus variations?

You can make all sorts of hummus flavors once you get the traditional hummus recipe down. 

For cilantro jalapeno hummus, add 1 bunch of cilantro stems and ½ to 1 jalapeno to the hummus.

For roasted red pepper hummus, add ½ jar of roasted red peppers.

For a spicier and smoky hummus, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of cumin. 

How to store hummus dip:

Hummus should be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Homemade hummus last at least 7-10 days.