Cucumber Sticks Hummus
Crisp, cool cucumber sticks paired with a creamy, garlicky hummus made from scratch. We skip the canned stuff and cook dried chickpeas with a hint of baking soda for that silky-smooth texture. It's a light, refreshing snack or party starter that feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients.
For 4 servings
- prep
Soak the chickpeas overnight.
Rinse the dried chickpeas well in cold water. Place them in a large bowl, cover with at least 3 inches of water, and let them soak for 8 hours or overnight. They should double in size.
- pressure cook · ~20 min
Pressure cook the chickpeas with baking soda until very soft.
1.Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to the pressure cooker.2.Add 3 cups of fresh water and a pinch of baking soda.3.Close the lid and cook on high heat for the first whistle.4.Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 15-18 minutes.5.Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.TIPThe baking soda softens the skins, giving you a much smoother hummus. Don't skip it. - prep
Drain and reserve the cooked chickpeas.
Open the pressure cooker. The chickpeas should be very soft and easily squished between your fingers. Drain them, but reserve about half a cup of the cooking liquid. Allow the chickpeas to cool slightly.
- mix · ~5 min
Blend the hummus to a silky-smooth consistency.
1.In a blender, combine the warm chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, chopped garlic, olive oil, salt, and cumin powder.2.Blend on high, adding the reserved cooking liquid a few tablespoons at a time, until the mixture is smooth and thick.3.Add 2-3 ice cubes and blend again for a final 2-3 minutes until the hummus is light, creamy, and pale in color.TIPBlending with ice cubes incorporates air and gives the hummus a restaurant-style creamy texture. Be patient with this step. - prep
Cut the cucumber into thick sticks.
Wash the cucumbers and pat them dry. Do not peel them for a better crunch and color. Trim the ends, cut them in half lengthwise, and then slice each half into thick, finger-like sticks.
TIPUse firm, seedless cucumbers for the best crunch. Removing the seeds prevents the sticks from becoming watery. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the cucumber sticks and hummus.
1.Spoon the creamy hummus into a wide serving bowl.2.Use the back of a spoon to create a shallow swirl on the surface.3.Arrange the cucumber sticks around the hummus or on a separate platter.4.Drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over the hummus and dust lightly with paprika.TIPFor a party, serve the hummus in a small bowl placed inside a larger plate, with the cucumber sticks fanned out around it. It looks beautiful with minimal effort.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use firm, seedless cucumbers (like Persian or English) to avoid watery sticks.
- 2Reserve the chickpea cooking liquid — it adds body and flavor when thinning the hummus.
- 3Blend with ice cubes for 2-3 minutes to achieve a light, airy, restaurant-style texture.
- 4Let the hummus rest for 10 minutes after blending to allow flavors to meld.
- 5Make the hummus a day ahead; it thickens overnight and tastes even better.
- 6For a thinner dip, add a tablespoon of ice water at a time while blending.
Adapt it for your goals.
Roasted Red Pepper
Add 1/2 cup of roasted red peppers (drained) to the blender for a sweet, smoky hummus — perfect for a colorful party dip.
Spicy HarissaSpicy Harissa
Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of harissa paste after blending for a North African-inspired kick that pairs beautifully with cool cucumber.
AvocadoAvocado
Replace 1/3 of the chickpeas with a ripe avocado for an ultra-creamy, green-hued hummus with extra healthy fats.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant Protein
Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, keeping you full and energized without meat.
High in Fiber
Both chickpeas and cucumbers provide dietary fiber, supporting healthy digestion and stable blood sugar.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Tahini and olive oil contribute monounsaturated fats that help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Hydrating Crunch
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this snack naturally hydrating and low in calories.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the texture will be less creamy. Use 2 cans (drained and rinsed) and skip the baking soda step.
