Classic Hummus
A truly creamy and smooth homemade hummus that's miles better than store-bought. This authentic recipe whips tahini and lemon before blending with chickpeas for an ultra-light texture. Perfect as a dip or spread, and ready in minutes.
For 8 servings
Whip the tahini and lemon
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice.
- Process for 1 minute, then scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Process for another 30 seconds until the mixture is thick, creamy, and pale. This step is key for a smooth texture.
Blend the hummus
- Add the rinsed chickpeas, chopped garlic, cumin powder, and salt to the whipped tahini.
- Process for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is thick and fairly smooth.
- With the processor running, slowly stream in the ice water and the reserved aquafaba.
- Continue to blend for another 1-2 minutes until the hummus is exceptionally smooth and creamy.
Serve the hummus
- Taste the hummus and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lemon juice to your liking.
- Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl.
- Use the back of a spoon to create a decorative swirl on top.
- Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with paprika before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest hummus, take a few extra minutes to peel the skins off the chickpeas before blending.
- 2Use a high-quality, runny tahini for the best flavor. Brands from the Middle East are often excellent.
- 3Adding ice-cold water is a secret trick that helps make the hummus exceptionally light and fluffy.
- 4If you have time, using dried chickpeas (soaked overnight and cooked until very tender) will yield an even creamier result.
- 5Let the hummus rest for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- 6Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. A layer of olive oil on top can help keep it fresh.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is naturally vegan. Enjoy it with your favorite plant-based sides.
gluten freeGluten free
Hummus is naturally gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free crackers, rice cakes, or fresh vegetable sticks instead of pita bread.
healthyHealthy
For a lower-fat version, reduce the tahini to 2 tablespoons and replace the volume with extra aquafaba or water.
quickQuick
Use pre-peeled garlic and bottled lemon juice to save a few minutes of prep time for an even faster dip.
high proteinHigh protein
Blend in 1/4 cup of shelled edamame or a scoop of unflavored protein powder to boost the protein content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, making hummus a great option for vegetarians and vegans to support muscle repair and growth.
High in Dietary Fiber
The fiber from chickpeas aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Contains Heart-Healthy Fats
Tahini (from sesame seeds) and olive oil provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Good Source of Minerals
Hummus provides important minerals like manganese, copper, and folate, which are essential for various bodily functions.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, hummus is considered a very healthy snack. It's rich in plant-based protein and fiber from chickpeas, and contains healthy fats from tahini and olive oil, which are good for heart health.