appetizer

Hummus

This smooth and creamy Hummus is inspired by our 2019 trip through the Middle East, where we fell in love with the flavors of the region. Traditional hummus blends tender chickpeas with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to create a velvety dip that is both simple and deeply satisfying. A swirl of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika or sumac adds warmth and color. Perfect with warm toasted pita, crisp vegetables, or crackers, this homemade hummus is a versatile appetizer packed with authentic flavor and nostalgia from our travels.

Servings: About 3 cups
Total Time: 15 min
Pan: Serving bowl

Ingredients

Hummus Base
  • 2 cans (15 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained with liquid reserved
  • 1 large clove garlic, finely diced (or more, to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
  • 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
Optional Garnish
  • Paprika or sumac
  • Additional olive oil for swirling
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
Creamy hummus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chickpeas Drain 2 cans (15 oz each) of chickpeas, reserving the liquid. Place the drained chickpeas directly into a food processor.
  2. Add garlic and tahini Add 1 finely diced large garlic clove and 2 tablespoons tahini to the food processor with the chickpeas.
  3. Add lemon juice and salt Pour in 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice and add 1/2 teaspoon salt to the mixture.
  4. Blend until smooth Process the chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and salt until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  5. Adjust consistency With the processor running, slowly add the reserved chickpea liquid a tablespoon at a time until the hummus reaches your preferred consistency. It will thicken as it sits, so making it slightly thin now is ideal.
  6. Serve Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra if desired) and sprinkle with paprika or sumac.

Notes

  • Using the reserved chickpea liquid creates a silkier hummus than adding water.
  • For extra-smooth hummus, peel the chickpeas before blending.
  • Chill for 1 hour for best flavor, though it can be served immediately.

Tags

dip appetizer Middle Eastern Mediterranean vegetarian smooth