Homemade Hummus

Homemade hummus is one of those must-have recipes that packs in all of the Mediterranean vibes! It’s creamy, smooth, and packed with flavor and it’s perfect for dipping or spreading on just about anything. Once you make your own, you’ll never want to grab store-bought hummus again.

 

Ingredients

Making the best hummus requires making it with the best high-quality ingredients. And it’s so simple!

• Chickpeas – Also known as garbanzo beans, these are the base of every hummus — they give it that rich, creamy texture. Be sure to drain and rinse them well to avoid excess liquid. You can buy them canned or soak dried chickpeas.
• Tahini – This sesame seed paste adds a deep, nutty flavor that elevates the hummus. 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Always use the highest quality olive oil. It adds a silky smoothness and rich flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings brightness and a bit of zing that ties everything together. 
• Water – This helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Fresh Garlic – Garlic cloves bring a little kick to the hummus. As always, measure with your heart. Just be sure to grate the garlic clove so that it mixes in evenly.

Variations

Hummus is one of those recipes that’s super easy to customize. Whether you’re sticking to a traditional and authentic hummus recipe like this, or looking to get creative, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

• Roasted Red Peppers – Make a red pepper hummus for a smoky, sweet twist. They’ll also give your hummus a pretty pop of color. Or use multiple bell peppers for a colorful version.
• Spices – A dash of cumin or smoked paprika can add a warm, earthy note that takes the flavor to the next level. You could also sprinkle a little sumac on top for a tart, lemony finish.
• Herbs – Fresh herbs like fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro bring a vibrant, fresh flavor. 
• Spices – Add a little salt to taste, sprinkle in some ground cumin, or sprinkle on some sesame seeds for garnish. You can also add za’atar for some extra flavor.
• Pesto – Toss in some Mediterranean flair with a dollop of pesto.
• Avocado – For an ultra-creamy texture, blend in some ripe avocado. 
• Beet – If you want to add some color, roasted beets give hummus a vibrant pink hue and add an earthy, slightly sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Spicy – For a kick of heat, add in some chili powder or cayenne. Or, toss in a fresh jalapenos or a few spoonfuls of harissa paste.
• Sun-Dried Tomato – Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy element that pairs perfectly with the creamy chickpeas. 
• Olive Tapenade – Blend in some chopped olives or an olive tapenade for a briny, salty flavor. 
• Carrot Hummus – Roasted carrots add a subtle sweetness and a fun color variation. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies!
• Garlic – Want to add nuanced flavor? Use roasted garlic instead of fresh. Just give the cloves a drizzle of olive oil, roast and they’ll be ready to be mixed in.
• Za’atar – Give your hummus true Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavor with a dash of this spice.

How to Make this Homemade Hummus Recipe

Making hummus at home is super simple!

1. Process the Chickpeas. Add the chickpeas to your food processor or blender and pulse until they start to form a rough paste.
2. Blend the Ingredients. Toss in the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, water, and garlic. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Chill the Hummus. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to let all the flavors meld together.
4. Serve and Enjoy. Stir it up and serve in a large bowl with your favorite pita, veggies, or even as a sandwich spread!

What to Serve With Homemade Hummus

Hummus is so versatile — you can use it in so many ways! For a lighter option, pair it as an appetizer with crunchy sliced cucumbers, carrots, celery, toast, pita bread, or pita chips or put it on a cheese board. Or serve it as a salad dressing.

You can also use it to jazz up pretty much anything — try it as a spread on sandwiches or alongside grilled proteins like chicken, pork, beef, or seafood. Even use scratch-made hummus to thicken a sauce or as a marinade for any protein.

Storage and Freezing

Storing hummus is easy which makes it perfect for meal prep or a snack to keep on hand throughout the week.

How to Store Homemade Hummus

Keep homemade hummus handy to dip into for up to a week in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container.

Can I Freeze Hummus?

You can freeze homemade hummus for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.

Common Questions about Homemade Hummus

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