Skip to content

Appetizer - Creamy Classic Hummus

Velvety smooth, nutty, and perfectly seasoned, this homemade hummus is leagues ahead of store-bought. It takes just 15 minutes and a handful of pantry ingredients to whip up this Middle Eastern classic. Serve it with pita, veggies, or spread on wraps and sandwiches.

image.png

🕒 Total Time

  • Prep: 5 minutes
  • Cook: 10 minutes
  • Total: 15 minutes

🍽 Yield

  • Serves 8

🧾 Ingredients

  • 1 (15oz / 425g) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
    (or 1½ cups / 250g home-cooked chickpeas)
  • ¼ cup (60g) smooth tahini, stirred well
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons (45–60ml) fresh lemon juice (from ~2 lemons)
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons (30–45ml) ice water, as needed for consistency
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Optional Garnishes:
    Extra olive oil, paprika, parsley, sumac, or za’atar

🥣 Instructions

  1. Blend Base Ingredients: Add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt to the bowl of a food processor. Blend until thick and mostly smooth, about 1–2 minutes. Scrape down the sides.

  2. Add Ice Water: With the processor running, slowly pour in 2 tablespoons (30ml) of ice water. Continue blending for about 5 minutes, until very smooth and slightly warm to the touch. Add more water (1 tsp at a time) for a thinner consistency.

  3. Finish with Oil: While blending, drizzle in 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more lemon juice, salt, or cumin if needed.

  4. Serve: Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls on the surface. Garnish with more olive oil and your choice of paprika, parsley, sumac, or za’atar.

🔁 Optional Variations

  • Extra Creamy: Boil canned chickpeas with ½ tsp baking soda for 10–20 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
  • Flavored Hummus: Blend in roasted red pepper, sundried tomato, olives, or herbs like cilantro or dill.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Store covered in the fridge up to 1 week. Flavors deepen over time.

🧂 Pro Tips

  • Stir tahini well before measuring to ensure the right texture.
  • The hummus should be slightly warm after 5 minutes of blending – this means it's whipped to creamy perfection.
  • Use ice water – not room temp – to achieve that fluffy, smooth consistency.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

  • Pita bread (warm or toasted)
  • Fresh veggies: cucumber, carrots, radishes
  • Wraps and sandwiches
  • Drizzled over falafel or grain bowls

🌡 Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  • Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

🔢 Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 149 kcal
  • Carbs: 17g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 152mg

This creamy hummus will be your new go-to dip—easy, customizable, and so satisfying!