Why buy hummus when you can create this classic hummus recipe in just 15 minutes? This incredibly delicious dip is simple and easy to make, offering a healthy snacking option and simplifying party planning!
Canned chickpeas are a versatile and healthy pantry staple. I always have cans of chickpeas in stock for two primary reasons:
- To prepare Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken (if you haven’t already, I highly recommend trying this simple, flavorful chicken recipe!).
- To make homemade hummus.
The Timeless Appeal of Classic Hummus
Hummus, a staple dip from the Middle East, traces its roots back to 13th-century Egypt. This delightful combination of chickpeas, lemon, sesame, and garlic has been savored throughout the Middle East for centuries. It is a versatile food, popular in a huge array of dishes.
Now, a globally recognized staple, hummus boasts countless variations and flavors. However, the classic hummus flavor profile remains unmatched. The following recipe delivers on that promise, and it is so fast!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Hummus
To create this exceptional hummus, you will need the following essential ingredients.
- Chickpeas: I opt for organic canned chickpeas, usually from 15.5-ounce cans. Remember to drain the chickpeas thoroughly before use.
- Tahini: Elevate the flavor profile by selecting a high-quality tahini. The choice of tahini significantly impacts the final taste of your hummus.
- Garlic: This recipe calls for one large clove of garlic. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your personal taste preferences. Those who love garlic may add more.
- Salt, Pepper, and Cumin: Season generously according to your preference. I prefer using kosher salt. When substituting with regular table salt, begin with approximately 3/4 teaspoon instead of the recommended 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Lemon Juice: This recipe requires 1/4 cup of lemon juice, which I typically extract from half of a medium-sized fresh lemon. You can customize the amount of lemon juice to align with your preferred level of tanginess.
- Olive Oil: Choose your preferred extra-virgin olive oil. In hummus, the olive oil’s flavor is prominent, so it’s essential to select one that you find delightful.
- Parsley: This versatile herb is among the many optional toppings you can incorporate to enrich the flavor of your hummus.
Key Tips for Achieving Smooth, Silky Hummus
Hummus enthusiasts often have distinct preferences – some favor a thicker consistency, while others opt for a smooth and silky texture. If you lean towards the latter, here are two fundamental tips to ensure your hummus achieves that perfect silky consistency.
The first crucial step is to de-shell the chickpeas. Yes, you read that correctly – every single chickpea! This process generally takes about 7 to 10 minutes for an entire can of chickpeas. Is it okay to skip this step? Certainly. De-shelling isn’t mandatory for making hummus, but it is highly recommended. Removing the outer casings results in incredibly smooth hummus, making the minor effort and extra time well worth it.
The second essential tip for achieving velvety smooth hummus is to slowly drizzle the olive oil into the food processor while it’s running. This technique enables the olive oil to fully and evenly meld with the other ingredients, resulting in a harmonious and smooth hummus texture.
Creative Ways to Serve Hummus
Traditionally, classic hummus is served as a delectable dip accompanied by pita bread. However, this versatile dip and spread can be creatively incorporated into countless other delightful culinary applications!
- Serve it as a delightful dip alongside an assortment of fresh vegetables, pita bread, pita chips, and your favorite crackers.
- Spread it generously onto sandwiches, toast, and bagels for a flavorful twist.
- Utilize hummus as a means to infuse vegan creaminess into various sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hummus
When consumed in moderation, hummus can be a wholesome and satisfying addition to your diet. It’s brimming with essential vitamins and minerals that have been linked to various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, improved digestion, reduced risk of heart disease, and enhanced blood sugar control (source: Healthline).
Store your homemade hummus in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
While it’s technically possible to freeze hummus in freezer-safe containers for up to three months, it’s not the most advisable practice. The flavor profile tends to diminish after thawing, resulting in a less vibrant taste compared to fresh hummus. The longer it remains frozen, the more pronounced the flavor degradation becomes.
Trust your senses! Give the hummus a sniff. If it emits a sour odor or tastes sour, it’s time to discard it. Fresh hummus should have a pleasant, nutty aroma and a creamy, savory flavor.
Classic Hummus Recipe
Marlynn Schotland
15
15
8
servings
Equipment
-
Food Processor
Ingredients
-
1
can
(15.5 ounces) chickpeas -
¼
cup
lemon juice -
1
garlic clove -
½
cup
tahini -
1
teaspoon
kosher salt -
½
teaspoon
fresh ground black pepper -
¼
teaspoon
ground cumin -
3
tablespoons
extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Optional Toppings
-
sesame seeds, pepitas, chopped parsley, sliced almonds, crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
-
Drain the chickpeas into a colander and rinse them under cold water for about one minute. Gently pat dry, then de-shell each chickpea and discard the shells. Place de-shelled chickpeas into a food processor.
-
Add the lemon juice, garlic clove, tahini, salt, pepper, cumin, plus 2 tablespoons water to the chickpeas in the food processor. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, with the food processor still running, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil.
-
Stop the food processor and taste the hummus. If necessary, add more lemon juice, water, or extra-virgin olive oil, one teaspoon at a time, and mix again until combined.
-
Spoon into a serving bowl. If desired, top with extra drizzle of olive oil, pepitas, sesame seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, and/or chopped parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories:
138
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
4
g
,
Protein:
3
g
,
Fat:
13
g
,
Saturated Fat:
2
g