Hummus is a classic Turkish and Middle Eastern meze made from pureed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s creamy, nutritious, and full of flavor. Hummus is perfect as a dip for fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as a spread in sandwiches. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s always a hit at any table.
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2-4 tablespoons cold water (to adjust consistency)
- Paprika or ground sumac (for garnish, optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas. If you want extra smooth hummus, peel the skins off the chickpeas by gently rubbing them between your fingers or in a clean kitchen towel. This step is optional but helps create a creamier texture.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture starts to come together.
- Add Olive Oil and Water: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Continue blending until the hummus becomes smooth and creamy. If the consistency is too thick, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or cumin as needed.
- Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving dish. Drizzle with extra olive oil and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or sumac and fresh parsley. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or as part of a meze platter.
Things to Consider
- Chickpea Peeling: Peeling the chickpeas isn’t required, but it makes the hummus smoother and creamier. It can be time-consuming but worth the effort if you prefer a silky texture.
- Tahini: Tahini is an essential ingredient that adds richness to hummus. If you don’t have tahini, you can substitute it with peanut or almond butter, though the flavor will differ.
- Consistency: If your hummus is too thick, add more water or olive oil to reach the desired consistency. For a lighter, fluffier hummus, use more water.
Tips
- Garlic Intensity: If you want a milder garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw, or reduce the number of garlic cloves.
- Make Ahead: Hummus can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
- Extra Toppings: For added texture and flavor, top your hummus with roasted chickpeas, pine nuts, or a sprinkle of za’atar.
This Hummus recipe is an easy, delicious meze that’s perfect for any gathering or simply as a healthy snack. It’s rich in flavor and pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. Afiyet olsun!