The Easiest Hummus Recipe Plus 13 Delicious Ways to Jazz Up Your Dip
Enjoy classic hummus and explore creative, healthy twists with these beginner-friendly recipes, tips, and flavor combinations.
Hummus, a creamy, satisfying dip based on chickpeas, has long been a staple of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Beyond its irresistible flavor and adaptable texture, hummus is lauded for its simple ingredients, plant-based protein, and heart-healthy fats. Whether you’re a hummus newbie or already a convert, mastering the basic recipe unlocks endless possibilities for creative and nourishing snacking. This guide brings you the ultimate classic hummus recipe and thirteen inspired variations, along with tips for perfect texture, serving ideas, and answers to common hummus questions.
Table of Contents
- Classic Basic Hummus Recipe
- How to Make Creamy, Smooth Hummus
- Tips and Tricks for Flawless Hummus
- 13 Delicious Variations to Jazz Up Hummus
- Hummus Nutrition Facts
- Ways to Serve Hummus
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Classic Basic Hummus Recipe
This foundational hummus recipe is quick, foolproof, and requires only a handful of pantry staples. It’s perfect for beginner cooks and can be customized endlessly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Serves: 8
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt in a food processor or high-powered blender.
- Process until the mixture is very smooth. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For extra creaminess, puree for an additional 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately; hummus keeps for up to one week in an airtight container.
How to Make Creamy, Smooth Hummus
The secret to restaurant-quality, ultra-creamy hummus is all in your technique and the texture of your chickpeas. Here are proven strategies for the dreamiest dip:
- Cooked Chickpeas: Use freshly cooked chickpeas or boil canned chickpeas for several minutes to soften further. This smooths out the shells and yields a silkier texture.
- Don’t Skimp on Tahini: Good-quality tahini is essential for flavor and creaminess. Use a little extra if you want an even richer taste.
- Add Cold Water: Gradually stream in ice-cold water as you blend to help emulsify the ingredients and make the hummus fluffier.
- Blend Thoroughly: Process the mixture for several minutes, pausing to scrape the bowl as needed, to aerate and smooth out the dip.
- Peel the Chickpeas (Optional): For an ultra-smooth finish, pop the skins off cooked chickpeas before blending. This takes extra time but can yield stunningly creamy results.
Tips and Tricks for Flawless Hummus
- Balance flavors: Taste and tweak the seasoning, lemon juice, and tahini to your liking. Each batch of hummus can require minor adjustments.
- Consistency control: If hummus seems too thick, slowly add water or extra olive oil while blending. If too thin, add more chickpeas or a spoonful of tahini.
- Smoothness hack: Use a blender for the smoothest hummus, though a food processor also works well with a little extra time.
- Fresh garlic: Mince or roughly chop garlic before adding so it distributes evenly without raw bites.
- Oil-free option: Skip the olive oil for a lighter, oil-free hummus. Replace with more chickpea liquid or water as needed.
13 Delicious Ways to Jazz Up Hummus
Once you’ve got classic hummus down, try one of these innovative variations—each adds vibrant color, flavor, and personality to your spread.
- Avocado Hummus: Blend in a ripe avocado for creamy, green goodness and a boost of healthy fats.
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Add roasted red peppers for smoky sweetness and bright color.
- Beet Hummus: Blend in cooked beets for a magenta hue and earthy depth.
- Spicy Sriracha Hummus: Stir in sriracha or hot sauce to taste for a zesty kick.
- Lemon-Dill Hummus: Fold in chopped fresh dill and extra lemon juice for a fresh, herby dip.
- Curry Hummus: Mix in a teaspoon of curry powder for fragrant warmth and golden color.
- Olive Tapenade Hummus: Swirl in chopped kalamata olives for salty, briny contrast.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus: Add minced sun-dried tomatoes for tang and bold color.
- Everything Bagel Hummus: Top with a sprinkle of “everything” seasoning for crunch and savory appeal.
- Carrot-Ginger Hummus: Blend in cooked carrots and fresh ginger for a lightly sweet, lively variation.
- Spinach-Edamame Hummus: Add cooked edamame and baby spinach for a protein boost and vibrant green color.
- Chipotle-Lime Hummus: Add pureed chipotle in adobo and a squeeze of lime for smoky, tangy heat.
- Toasted Pine Nut Hummus: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil on top for rich flavor and crunch.
What others are reading
Pro-Tip Table: Creative Hummus Flavors
| Variation | Add-Ins | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | 1 ripe avocado | Mild, creamy, buttery |
| Roasted Red Pepper | 1/2 cup roasted peppers | Sweet, smoky, tangy |
| Beet | 1 small cooked beet | Earthy, subtly sweet |
| Spicy Sriracha | 1-2 tbsp sriracha | Hot, garlicy, bold |
| Lemon-Dill | 2 tbsp chopped dill | Bright, herbaceous |
Hummus Nutrition Facts
Hummus is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats, essential vitamins, and minerals. Its simple ingredients make it suitable for most vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Here’s a typical nutrition breakdown for a classic serving (about 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 106
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g (2 g fiber, 0 g sugars)
- Total Fat: 8 g (1 g saturated)
- Sodium: 244 mg
Compared to many creamy dips, hummus is lower in saturated fat and free of cholesterol. Including fresh veggies and whole grains as dipping options boosts overall nutrition even more.
Ways to Serve Hummus
Hummus’ versatility makes it an ideal appetizer, snack, or mealtime addition. Try it with:
- Freshly sliced vegetables: cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, radishes, celery, cherry tomatoes
- Whole grain crackers, pita chips, or warm pita bread
- Spread onto sandwiches, wraps, or toast instead of mayo
- As a topping in veggie grain bowls or salads
- Swirled into soups or roasted veggie plates for creamy contrast
- Paired with grilled meats or falafel for a Mediterranean feast
For parties and gatherings, create a hummus platter with several variations and colorful dippers for a stunning, crowd-pleasing spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make hummus without tahini?
A: Yes, you can substitute unsweetened nut or seed butters (like sunflower) for tahini, but the classic sesame flavor will be missing. For best results, reduce the amount slightly and taste as you go.
Q: How do I fix hummus that’s too thick or too thin?
A: Thin, watery hummus can be thickened by adding extra chickpeas or a spoonful of tahini; thick hummus can be loosened with more olive oil, cold water, or reserved chickpea liquid. Add these ingredients gradually and blend until the perfect texture is reached.
Q: How long does homemade hummus last?
A: Store homemade hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Always check for off smells or changes in appearance before eating leftovers.
Q: Can I freeze hummus?
A: Yes, hummus freezes well. Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator and stir well before serving—some separation is normal.
Q: Is hummus healthy?
A: Hummus is widely considered healthy due to its combination of plant protein, fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients. It supports vegetarian and vegan diets and can be made oil-free for lighter options. However, portion control is advisable due to its calorie density.
Q: What are the best garnishes for hummus?
A: Classic garnishes include a swirl of olive oil, chopped parsley, paprika or sumac, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and za’atar. Creative options: sliced olives, diced tomatoes, feta, or roasted chickpeas for crunch.
Conclusion
From classic to creative, homemade hummus is easy to master and endlessly adaptable. With this guide, you can enjoy the smoothest dip, discover your favorite way to jazz it up, and wow your guests with an array of delicious flavors. Get ready to dip, spread, and savor your best hummus yet.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a20504373/hummus-recipes-1/
- https://healthiersteps.com/how-to-make-the-best-homemade-hummus/
- https://rainbowplantlife.com/how-to-make-amazing-hummus-at-home/
- https://jenniferskitchen.com/all-about-hummus-and-a-recipe-for-healthy-oil-free-hummus/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a20464977/healthy-hummus-recipes/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a38006861/red-lentil-hummus-recipe/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a62542594/carrot-sriracha-hummus-recipe/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a38686124/is-hummus-healthy-good-for-you/
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