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Home Dips

Hummus

By:Nagi
Published:20 Oct '17Updated:12 Feb '21
182 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

Everyone needs a great hummus recipe! Creamy, earthy, utterly addictive.

Made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, olive oil and garlic, it’s a great standby pantry dip for unexpected guests or midnight munchies! Creamy and smooth, it’s completely incomparable to the thick, sour store bought hummus.

Everyone needs a great Hummus recipe. No unnecessary frills. Just a classic done right. recipetineats.com

Everyone needs a great Hummus recipe. No unnecessary frills. Just a classic done right. recipetineats.com

Hummus recipe

Whenever I’m planning gatherings, I like to keep the stress levels down by using a combination of some store bought things and some homemade things for pre dinner nibble platters. I buy cured meats, olives and crackers (though these homemade gourmet crackers are in high demand in my circles).

But I always put hummus on the “make” side of the list.

Though there really are some great dips at supermarkets nowadays, hummus is not and never will be one of them. It’s too sour, it’s too thick, it lacks the signature creaminess of real hummus.

The first time you try homemade hummus will be a game changer. I absolutely swear to you.

And it’s so darn EASY.

Chickpeas for Hummus recipetineats.com

I want to tell you that I always make hummus with dried chickpeas that I’ve soaked overnight and cooked until tender but that would be bollocks. The truth is, hummus is the sort of thing I want to make right now and that means grabbing a can of chickpeas. At best, I’ll pressure cook the chickpeas – which means waiting one whole hour. But it’s better than waiting until tomorrow. 😉

There’s only one thing that you may not have in your pantry right now but it’s available at all major supermarkets nowadays here in Australia – tahini.

Tahini is just sesame paste, and if you don’t use it, then it’s not hummus. I’m not saying it won’t be tasty, but it just won’t be hummus. 🙂 It lasts for ages in the pantry, and it’s a great standby for all those Friday evenings when the clock ticks over to 5 pm (4 pm?) and you’re ready to put your feet up with some nibbles and a glass of wine…. (I literally just described what I’ll be doing in 2 hours).

Be sure to use HULLED tahini, not unhulled. Unhulled tahini is made using sesame seeds, hull and all, which makes the sauce richer but more bitter.

Tahini for Hummus recipetineats.com

How to serve Hummus

As for how and what to serve with hummus? Well, how about like THIS…. I mean, truly. If there was ever a way to get excited about eating loads and loads of veggies, this would be it!!! Thank you Bon Appetit, for the beautiful inspiration. 🙂

Crudités Vegetables Platter with Hummus recipetineats.com

But of course, there’s always the option to stick with the classic – serving with flatbreads, or crispy baked store bought pita bread. I like to cut them up, spray with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake until crispy.

If you want to get a bit fancy, try sprinkling with a bit of dukkah too (it’s a spice mix with seeds that’s sold at supermarkets nowadays).

Pita Crisps for Hummus recipetineats.com

Everyone needs a great Hummus recipe. No unnecessary frills. Just a classic done right. recipetineats.com

Using hummus in dishes

Hummus is also a popular sauce options for Middle Eastern wraps such as Shawarma and Doner Kebab. Smear flatbreads with a generous dollop of hummus before piling on the marinated meats and fresh salads!

Carving Doner Kebab Meat
Doner Kebab Meat – beef or lamb
Overhead photo of chicken shawarma
Chicken Shawarma (Middle Eastern)
Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab - the better version of the midnight post-pub kebab runs! recipetineats.com
Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe

I make the consistency of my hummus the way it is served in the Middle East which is much looser than the dip you buy in stores. The consistency is more like a very thick ketchup. But it is much thinner than the store bought version.

In the Middle East, it is served spread out on a plate, then you use the back of a spoon to make swirls in it, drizzle over olive oil (which pools in the swirls). Then sprinkle over some reserved chickpeas and a pinch of paprika. One day, try this traditional Hummus with Spiced Lamb – it’s incredible!

My biggest tip is to serve it at room temperature! It makes such a difference, the flavour is better and it’s creamier.

We made it to the end of the week. It’s Friday. Go on. You deserve some end-of-week nibbles and wine!! – Nagi x


Watch how to make it

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Hummus served with pita crisps

Hummus

Author: Nagi
Prep: 5 mins
Total: 5 mins
Dip
Middle Eastern
4.85 from 59 votes
Servings6 - 8
Tap or hover to scale
Print
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RECIPE VIDEO ABOVE. EVERYONE should know how to make a great hummus! I usually make this with canned chickpeas but see notes for using dried (stove or pressure cooker). Quick to make, and completely incomparable to store bought.
With a decent food processor, the hummus is certainly smooth enough for my taste. But if you want ultra smooth, see the recipe notes!

Ingredients

  • 400g / 14 oz canned chickpeas (1 can) , drained (reserve liquid and a few chickpeas for garnish) (Dried Chickpeas - Note 1)
  • 1/4 cup liquid from the canned chickpeas
  • 1 medium garlic clove , minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup tahini, hulled (sesame paste), mixed well before using (Note 2)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Garnish

  • Pinch of paprika, more olive oil and reserved chickpeas

Instructions

  • Extra smooth optional steps: If you want ultra smooth hummus, do one of the extra Smooth Hummus steps below (I rare bother!).
  • Reserve for garnish: Reserve 10 or so chickpeas for garnish. 
  • Blitz! Place remaining chickpeas, garlic, lemon, tahini and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Blitz until it becomes a paste. 
  • Season - Add salt and pepper - if using canned chickpeas, add salt gradually because the saltiness varies from brand to brand.
  • Thin sauce - Add reserved liquid from can. Blitz for a couple of minutes until smooth - but note you will have tiny little grains in it, it won't be 100% smooth unless you do one of the extra steps below. 
  • Adjust - Adjust lemon and salt to taste, adjust thickness with more liquid. It should be a soft dropping consistency, like ketchup.
  • Serve the traditional way: dollop a big scoop of hummus on a plate or shallow bowl. Use a spoon to spread it and make swirls on the surface. Top with reserved chickpeas, drizzle generously with more olive oil and sprinkle with paprika.

Optional- easy ways to make ultra smooth hummus (Note 4)

  • Method 1: Drain chickpease, place in large bowl and fill with water. Grab handfuls and rub between your hands submerged in the water - skins will rub off and float to surface. Skim floating skin off, drain and use per recipe.
  • Method 2: Tip all contents of can INCLUDING liquid into heatproof bowl. Cover loosely with lid or clingwrap, microwave on high for 3 minutes. Drain then use per recipe (hot chickpeas blitz smoother).

Recipe Notes:

1. Chickpeas - I make hummus most frequently using canned chickpeas because when I want it, I want it NOW!! I've found the best brand is Edgell's - they make the smoothest hummus.
To use DRIED CHICKPEAS, use just a touch under 1/2 cup of dried chickpeas (100g / 3 oz) - once cooked it will be around the amount of chickpeas in 1 400g/14 oz can. Cook using either or pressure cooker:
STOVE: soak overnight in lots of water. Pick out anything that doesn't look like chickpeas that floats to the surface. Place in a saucepan with 3 cups of water and simmer on medium for 40 - 50 minutes (depends on chickpea size) until they are very soft. Skim off any skin that floats to the surface. Reserve some cooking liquid to thin the dip as required, drain the rest and proceed with recipe.
PRESSURE COOKER: No soaking required, cover with 3 cups of water and cook 50 minutes on high. Some chickpeas may break because they are so soft - that's totally fine, it means a smoother dip!
2. TAHINI is a sesame paste and is sold in all major supermarkets nowadays. Some brands have a tendency to separate quite easily so you end up with thick sludge at the bottom and oil / liquid on the surface. MIX WELL before use! It keeps for ages - months and months - in the pantry (not required to be refrigerated).
HULLED Tahini - be sure to use HULLED not unhulled tahini (made with whole unhulled sesame seeds so tahini is darker and richer but more bitter).
Other things to use Tahini for: more hummus, stir through yoghurt with garlic and squeeze of lemon + salt and pepper = quick fabulous dip or sauce or spread. Especially terrific with all things Middle Eastern (see all my recipes here).
3. SMOOTHNESS - Some food writers seem dead set on achieving 100% smooth hummus which I don't get because a) that's not the way hummus is in the Middle East; and b) 100% smooth hummus is odd. Think - softened cream cheese texture with hummus flavour. It's just not right, you need a bit of texture.
The reason hummus doesn't puree to be 100% smooth is because of the skin. If you have a decent food processor and you use canned chickpeas (which are bloated and soft anyway), the hummus is smooth enough. 
But if you want smoother hummus, use the provided optional steps.
4. HOW TO SERVE HUMMUS: Traditionally with fresh pita bread. I like to cut it into bite size pieces, spray with oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper then bake until crisp (10 minutes @ 350F/180C). Pictured in the post, I've also sprinkled with dukkah - it mostly sticks on the oil. Also pictured in post is a Crudites platter with hummus - carrots (purple and orange), cucumbers, asparagus, baby lettuce, radish, cauliflower - inspired by this recipe from Bon Appetit. 
5. STORING: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can also be frozen - mix well once thawed to bring it together.
6. Nutriton per serving, hummus only, assuming 8 servings.
* Originally published May 2014. Updated with recipe video and tidying up the steps plus extra tip for how to make smoother hummus plus using dried chickpeas.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 74gCalories: 186cal (9%)
Keywords: chickpea dip, chickpea recipe, hummus, hummus recipe
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @RecipeTinEats.

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Life of Dozer

He came to the hairdresser with me the other day when I went to get my usual upkeep done (I live in a very dog friendly neighbourhood!). And he somehow managed to get a splotch of my black hair dye on his face.

That’s PERMANENT hair colouring….

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Hi, I'm Nagi!

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182 Comments

  1. Robyn says

    February 16, 2023 at 6:04 pm

    5 stars
    First time I’ve made hummus a bit bitter could have been the lemons a bit old added honey now it’s excellent 😂

    Reply
  2. Liza says

    December 6, 2022 at 4:48 pm

    I just made your hummus recipe! It’s a success! Followed everything and it’s so good!!

    Reply
  3. CimmieS says

    July 16, 2022 at 12:33 pm

    5 stars
    Followed recipe exactly…Perfecto! Enjoyed your recipe book update today😊.

    Reply
  4. sally says

    July 4, 2022 at 10:06 pm

    1 star
    First recipe I’ve ever made by you that turned out awful – doesn’t taste like any hummus I’ve ever had (and I eat heaps of hummus). Have gone over and over the recipe and ingredients but can’t figure out why it’s so awful and it’s not a difficult recipe. Maybe 1/2 cup tahini is just way too much?? So lost rn.

    Reply
    • sally says

      July 5, 2022 at 9:23 am

      Maybe if I pan fry the chickpeas and garlic in a pan and use half the amount of tahini it might come out better.

      Reply
    • Rosa says

      August 1, 2022 at 10:40 pm

      I’d suggest only using a 1/4 cup of tahini rather than 1/2. I reduced to a 1/4 after making it the first time and thinking it was too overpowering. You can always add more but you can’t take it out!

      Reply
  5. Helen Hart says

    June 18, 2022 at 2:54 pm

    This is the hummus recipe I shall be using from now – even though just after I added the tahini I realised it was one with honey in it – it was very very morish and I can’t wait to make it.
    I’m also very appreciative of the hint in one recipe to MINCE garlic – way better!!!

    Reply
  6. Ros Goldberg says

    April 25, 2022 at 12:08 am

    5 stars
    I have always sworn by MY recipe, and yours is pretty darned close- spot on ! My variations (as I commented on FB) is that I add 1 – 2 tsp powderd cumin and/or coriander and use only 2 tblsp of tahina. I garnish with Sumac (a red, sourish, middle eastern spice) instead of paprika, but you might not be able to get it that easily in Australia. I add extra sesame oil if I think it needs it. Thanks for the tip of warming the tinned chick peas!

    Reply
    • LaBelle says

      June 16, 2022 at 4:17 pm

      how weird – I do EXACTLY the same because I am not all that mad on tahini, and yes, sumac is widely available here in Oz, and sometimes I add more lemon juice and some mint

      Reply
  7. Mits says

    April 13, 2022 at 3:08 am

    5 stars
    So quick and easy. Made this in my nutribullet smoothie maker haha. Delish!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 13, 2022 at 5:03 pm

      Those things are my secret weapon in prepping smooth foods and curry pastes!! N x

      Reply
  8. Stef says

    March 3, 2022 at 7:32 pm

    5 stars
    I made this hummus strictly to the recipe and it was absolutely perfect in taste and texture. Thanks!!

    Reply
  9. Sara GW says

    February 12, 2022 at 3:33 am

    My now go-to hummus recipe! Have tried loads, Ottolenghi etc and have never been pleased with my results. I de-hull as described in the smoothing options and end up with a fantastic hummus, great texture, great balance of flavour, and so, so easy! Can’t believe you can get this nice of flavour with canned chickpeas.

    Reply
  10. Mel says

    October 22, 2021 at 4:11 pm

    5 stars
    Loved your hummus recipe, perfectly balanced and so easy to make.
    So easy to make.
    I used Macro Organic chick peas. Scrumptious!

    Reply
  11. Lois says

    September 30, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    5 stars
    Well Nagi you have proved all the pundits wrong! They all say you can’t use tinned chickpeas. I have made so many hummus recipes from dried chickpeas and I can say yours is fabulous. You must heat them first as you said and I added some liquid smoke just for a bit of difference. Fantastic. Thank you again….

    Reply
    • sally says

      July 4, 2022 at 10:08 pm

      where did she say that you “must” heat the canned chickpeas? or are you talking about one of the “smooth” tips??

      Reply
  12. Wes Bielinski says

    September 25, 2021 at 9:09 am

    5 stars
    Thank you for mentioning method 1 for Ultra smooth hummus.

    HAIR DYE ?!?!?

    Reply
  13. Razia says

    August 29, 2021 at 10:23 pm

    Great recipes but way too much tahini for my taste. I started with half the amount and that would’ve been perfect but had to add a little more to offset the tanginess from the lemons. Will defi make this again but with half the tahini and a little less lemon juice 🙂

    Reply
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