Easy Homemade Hummus
There’s nothing quite like the creamy, rich texture of homemade hummus. It’s a versatile dip that complements a variety of dishes or stands alone as a healthy snack. With its nutty flavor and vibrant, fresh ingredients, this Easy Homemade Hummus recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Perfect for parties, game days, or a simple afternoon snack, making your own hummus is easier than you think. Let’s dive into the details!
What Sets This Recipe Apart
This Easy Homemade Hummus recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Using just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a smooth and creamy dip that’s both delicious and nutritious. What really makes it special is the use of roasted garlic, which adds a sweet and mellow flavor that elevates the hummus beyond the store-bought version. Plus, this recipe is adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite herbs or spices.
What We’re Using
- 1 (16 oz) can chickpeas (garbanzos), in water: The base of our hummus, providing protein and fiber.
- 4 cloves garlic (whole): Roasted garlic adds a sweet, rich flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 cup tahini: This sesame seed paste gives hummus its creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: The acidity brightens the dip and balances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a smooth finish.
- Black pepper: For garnish, bringing a slight heat to the dish.
- Vegetables (such as red, green, and yellow bell peppers): Perfect for dipping and adding color to your spread.
- Baked pita chips: A crunchy accompaniment to your creamy hummus. See NOTES for preparing them.
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Food processor: Essential for blending the hummus to a smooth consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
- Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the food processor and ensure everything is well mixed.
- Roasting pan: For roasting the garlic until it’s sweet and caramelized.
Directions: Easy Homemade Hummus
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with a little olive oil, and wrap it in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Chickpeas
Open the can of chickpeas and drain them. Rinse the chickpeas under cold water and set them aside. For an extra creamy hummus, you can peel the skins off the chickpeas, but this is optional.
Step 3: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, roasted garlic cloves (squeezed out of their skins), tahini, fresh lemon juice, Kosher salt, and olive oil. Blend on high until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lemon juice for acidity, salt for flavor, or even a pinch of cumin for warmth.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle black pepper on top. Serve with an assortment of cut vegetables and baked pita chips for dipping.
Substitutions by Diet
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of tahini.
- Lower fat: Substitute some tahini with Greek yogurt.
- Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan; just ensure your pita chips are also vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-free: Pair with gluten-free veggies or chips.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
Making hummus is generally straightforward, but here are some common pitfalls:
- Hummus is too thick: If your hummus comes out thick, slowly blend in water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Hummus is bland: Ensure you’re using enough salt and lemon juice. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Inconsistent texture: Make sure to blend long enough to achieve a smooth finish. Scrape the sides of the food processor to incorporate all ingredients.
- Over-roasting garlic: Keep an eye on the garlic while it’s roasting. You want it soft and golden, not burnt.
Storage Pro Tips
Homemade hummus is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later use. Here are some tips:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freezing: Hummus can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Texture adjustments: After freezing, the hummus might separate. Blend it again with a little water to restore its creamy consistency.
Troubleshooting Q&A
My hummus is too bitter; what can I do?
Bitterness in hummus can often come from the tahini. Try using a different brand or toasting the tahini lightly before adding it to the recipe.
Can I add more flavor to my hummus?
Absolutely! You can add spices like cumin, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro also make excellent additions.
Why is my hummus grainy?
This could be due to not blending the ingredients long enough. Make sure to blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Can I make this hummus without tahini?
Yes! If you want to skip tahini, you can replace it with additional olive oil and a bit of seed butter like sunflower or pumpkin seed butter for a similar creamy texture.
Quick Weeknight Wins
- Quick Pita Sandwiches: Use your hummus as a spread for easy sandwiches.
- Vegetable Sticks: Pair your hummus with fresh veggie sticks for a healthy snack.
- Hummus-Stuffed Peppers: Make a quick meal by stuffing bell peppers with hummus and fresh herbs.
- Hummus Pasta Salad: Toss pasta with hummus and your favorite vegetables for a satisfying dish.
Wrap-Up
Making Easy Homemade Hummus is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch that’s far tastier than anything you can buy at the store. This recipe invites creativity—feel free to experiment with flavors and textures to suit your taste. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this hummus will be a hit. So grab your ingredients, fire up that food processor, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, healthy snack that you can feel good about.
If you’re ready to elevate your snack game, try this Easy Homemade Hummus today! You won’t regret it.
Easy Homemade Hummus
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Roast the Garlic - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with a little olive oil, and wrap it in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden.
- Step 2: Prepare the Chickpeas - Open the can of chickpeas and drain them. Rinse the chickpeas under cold water and set them aside. For an extra creamy hummus, you can peel the skins off the chickpeas, but this is optional.
- Step 3: Blend the Ingredients - In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, roasted garlic cloves (squeezed out of their skins), tahini, fresh lemon juice, Kosher salt, and olive oil. Blend on high until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Step 4: Taste and Adjust - Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lemon juice for acidity, salt for flavor, or even a pinch of cumin for warmth.
- Step 5: Serve and Garnish - Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle black pepper on top. Serve with an assortment of cut vegetables and baked pita chips for dipping.
Notes
- Hummus is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a creamier texture, blend in a little water if the hummus is too thick.
- Experiment with flavors by adding spices like cumin or fresh herbs like parsley.
