What is hummus?
Hummus, alternatively spelled hommus or houmous, is a popular Middle Eastern spread made from cooked and mashed chickpeas typically blended with ingredients such as tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. In this recipe, chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, create a creamy base for the spread. It is most often served with pita bread wedges, vegetables, pita chips, and crackers. For a meal, serve with large lettuce leaves to make healthy hummus wraps. Per Healthline, hummus is a great source of fiber, and contains vitamins and minerals such as manganese, copper, folate, and iron. It is thought to help with inflammation, heart health, and blood sugar management. Enjoy this basic hummus recipe:
Basic hummus recipe
- 1 (15 oz.) can of chickpeas
- ¼ cup tahini (stir before using)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp. high-quality olive oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons icy cold water (optional for desired consistency)
- Smoky paprika or Za’atar (to taste)
- Optional garnish (See tips below)
Directions:
Rinse the chickpeas and dry them. Lay them between two damp paper towels. Gently roll them between the two damp paper towels to remove the outer skins. Set the chickpeas aside. Toss the skins and paper towels. In a food processor, process the tahini and lemon juice for 1 minute. Using a spatula, scrape the sides of the bowl and then process for half a minute longer. Then add the olive oil, garlic, cumin, and salt. Process for another minute. Repeat scraping the sides of the bowl. Add half the chickpeas. Process for one minute. Scrape the sides of bowl again. Add the remaining chickpeas. Process for about two minutes until thick and smooth. Repeat scraping the sides of the bowl. If needed, add some cold water to thin the consistency and continue to process until smooth and creamy. (Skip the water if proper consistency has been achieved.) Sprinkle with paprika or Za’atar.
Serving tips:
Enjoy this basic hummus recipe! For a special presentation, place hummus on a platter. Create a well in the center. Add a mound of one of the following: roasted red pepper, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms, crumbled feta topped with fresh chopped parsley, marinated artichokes, cooked spinach, roasted nuts, olive tapenade, basil pesto, charred broccoli, chopped tomatoes with fresh basil, additional olive oil, or more!
Recipe cheat
Don’t feel like making your own hummus? Use storebought and spruce it up by using our serving presentation tip above!
