If you have been searching for a truly delightful and creamy dip that never disappoints, look no further than this Best Hummus Recipe. Bursting with bright lemony notes, rich tahini, and the perfect touch of garlic and cumin, this hummus strikes a balance between smooth texture and bold flavor like no other. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving a wholesome snack, this recipe is simple enough for any home cook yet impressive enough to steal the show every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—bringing harmony to the texture, depth to the flavor, and vibrancy to the look of the hummus. These everyday staples come together to create something truly special.
- Lemon Juice (5-6 Tbsp): Provides a refreshing tang that brightens the entire dish and balances the richness.
- Garlic (2 large cloves): Adds a subtle punch of warmth and aroma, essential for that classic hummus undertone.
- Fine Sea Salt (1 1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering the delicate balance.
- Cooked Chickpeas (3 cups or two 15 oz cans): The creamy base, bringing body and subtle earthiness, with some reserved whole chickpeas for garnish.
- Ice Water (6-8 Tbsp): Helps achieve that irresistibly smooth and silky texture without thinning out the flavor.
- Tahini (2/3 cup): This sesame paste delivers a nutty richness that is signature to the classic hummus taste.
- Ground Cumin (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle warmth and complexity that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/4 cup plus more for drizzle): Contributes silkiness and a fruity note that lifts the dish aesthetically and aromatically.
- Parsley (1 Tbsp, finely chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous pop of green for bright color and slight earthiness as a garnish.
- Ground Paprika (to serve): Offers a smoky, vibrant dusting that’s as lovely to look at as it is to taste.
How to Make Best Hummus Recipe
Step 1: Combine Lemon Juice, Garlic, and Salt
Start by blending lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly grated garlic in your food processor until everything is combined. This resting step allows the garlic’s sharpness to mellow and infuse into the tangy lemon base, setting the tone for the entire hummus.
Step 2: Add Tahini for Creaminess
Next, add the tahini to the mix and blend until the mixture turns thick and smooth. Tahini is the heart of this hummus; it not only contributes richness but also creates that luscious, creamy texture that makes this the Best Hummus Recipe.
Step 3: Blend in Ice Water Gradually
With your processor running, slowly pour in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time. This step is the secret weapon for a velvety and light finish. The chilled water helps loosen the tahini and lemon juice blend without sacrificing richness.
Step 4: Add Chickpeas, Cumin, and Olive Oil
Now it’s time for the chickpeas, cumin, and olive oil. Blend these together until your hummus is ultra-smooth and creamy, which should take about five minutes. Don’t rush—scraping down the sides will ensure the texture is uniform and silky perfect.
Step 5: Adjust Seasonings to Taste
The best cooks always taste as they go. Here, tweak the salt, lemon juice, and cumin until the hummus sings exactly how you like it. This is your chance to make this the Best Hummus Recipe tailored perfectly to your palate.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your beautiful hummus to a serving bowl. Make a shallow well in the middle and drizzle extra virgin olive oil on top. Sprinkle with reserved chickpeas, finely chopped parsley, and a dusting of paprika to finish with stunning color and flavor contrast.
How to Serve Best Hummus Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you add personality to your hummus plate. The reserved whole chickpeas provide a nice texture contrast, while the olive oil drizzle enhances mouthfeel and richness. Parsley adds a fresh green pop, and paprika introduces both color and a mild smoky aroma. Feel free to play with additional herbs, pine nuts, or even a sprinkle of sumac for a bold twist.
Side Dishes
Hummus shines brilliantly when paired with warm pita bread, crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers, or as a spread on sandwiches and wraps. It also works beautifully alongside Mediterranean dishes such as falafel, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables, making it an incredibly versatile staple.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive party platter, serve your best hummus recipe in a shallow bowl surrounded by colorful dippers such as red bell pepper strips, radishes, and artisan crackers. You can also dollop flavored olive oils, za’atar, or caramelized onions on top to elevate it further. Beautifully layered in jars or jars with multiple flavors gives an eye-catching and delicious appetizer display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the joys of this hummus is that leftovers keep beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Before serving again, stir gently to reincorporate any separated liquids and drizzle with a fresh splash of olive oil to perk it up.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Best Hummus Recipe at a later date, freezing is an option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Hummus is typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warmer, gently warm small portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Stir well and add a little olive oil or water if the texture feels too thick after heating.
FAQs
Can I make hummus without tahini?
While tahini is a classic and key ingredient for the authentic flavor and creaminess, you can make a tahini-free version by adding extra olive oil or a bit of Greek yogurt for creaminess. However, it won’t have that distinct nutty depth tahini provides in the Best Hummus Recipe.
What can I use instead of canned chickpeas?
You can cook dried chickpeas from scratch by soaking them overnight and boiling until tender. Homemade cooked chickpeas often have a fresher flavor and creamier texture, making your hummus even better, though canned chickpeas work wonderfully too for convenience.
How do I make hummus less thick?
The key to adjusting thickness is to add ice water gradually while blending. Adding the water slowly allows you to control the consistency precisely, ensuring your hummus stays creamy but not runny—this technique is essential in the Best Hummus Recipe.
Is it necessary to peel chickpeas for smoother hummus?
Peeling chickpeas can make your hummus ultra-smooth, but it is time-consuming and optional. Using high-quality tahini and blending thoroughly usually compensates for the texture. Most people won’t mind the slight graininess at all, especially in this Best Hummus Recipe.
How long does homemade hummus last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade hummus can last up to 5 days. The fresh lemon and garlic flavors are at their peak during this time, so enjoy it while it’s freshest for the Best Hummus Recipe experience.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Best Hummus Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Its glorious texture and vibrant flavors make it an unbeatable classic that you’ll turn to again and again, whether for everyday snacking or as the star of your next gathering. So grab your food processor, gather these simple ingredients, and get ready to impress your taste buds with a recipe that delights every single time.
Print
Best Hummus Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-8 servings
- Category: Dip
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This best hummus recipe offers a creamy, smooth, and flavorful Middle Eastern classic made from cooked chickpeas, tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Perfect as a dip or spread, it is easy to prepare in a food processor and customizable with garnishes like parsley and paprika.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5–6 Tbsp lemon juice (from 2 lemons, or to taste)
- 2 large garlic cloves (minced or grated)
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- 3 cups cooked chickpeas (or two 15 oz cans, drained, reserving 2 Tbsp for garnish)
- 6–8 Tbsp ice water (or to desired consistency)
- 2/3 cup tahini
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more to drizzle)
For Garnish
- 2 Tbsp reserved whole chickpeas
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
- Ground paprika (to taste)
Instructions
- Mix lemon, garlic, and salt: In a food processor, combine 5 Tbsp lemon juice, minced garlic, and 1 1/2 tsp sea salt. Blend briefly to combine and then let the mixture rest for 10 minutes. This step helps mellow the garlic and blend the flavors.
- Blend in tahini: Add 2/3 cup tahini to the processor and blend until the mixture is thick and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- Incorporate ice water: With the processor running, add 6-8 Tbsp of ice water slowly, one tablespoon at a time. Continue blending until the hummus is smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl occasionally to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Add chickpeas, cumin, and olive oil: Add the cooked, drained chickpeas, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the food processor. Blend for about 5 minutes until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add more ice water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the hummus and add extra salt, lemon juice, or cumin as desired to enhance the flavor balance.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Sprinkle reserved whole chickpeas on top, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, garnish with finely chopped parsley, and dust with ground paprika for color and a subtle smoky flavor.
Notes
- For best texture and flavor, soak and cook dried chickpeas instead of using canned.
- Adjust lemon juice and garlic according to your taste preferences for tanginess and pungency.
- Use ice water to achieve a light and fluffy hummus texture.
- The longer blending time helps create a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Hummus can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a sandwich spread.
