Best Hummus Recipe

Hummus is a Middle Eastern Dip made using Chickpeas. It is easy to make, low in calories, and tastes delicious. Here is how to make it.

Muhammara and Mutabal are two of my other favorite Middle Eastern Dips. Do try them as well.

I love Mezze Platter! Yes, I said it.

Give me it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, I can devour it in minutes.

Yes, my love for it is that intense. Haha, jokes apart!

I do love Mezze Platter, each and every dish is so delicious, but my favorite is Hummus.

Creamy and healthy, this dip is everything I have ever dreamt of!

It tastes delicious, easy to make, and is loaded with protein, what else I need?

It is a Middle Eastern Dio, which has paved its way into India and other countries around the world because of its unique taste and simplicity.

Nowadays, you will find it on the menu of so many restaurants.

You can even make many variations of this dip, but the classic one has its own charm.

I was introduced to this delicious dip a few years back by one of my husband’s aunt when she made Mezze Platter who had spent many years in the Middle East.

Made using chickpeas as the main ingredients, this dish is healthy with earthy and subtle flavors.

And from there I instantly fell in love with this versatile dip.

Although the ingredients are very basic to make it, a few tips and tricks take it to another level.

After making it innumerable times, I have come up with a recipe that tastes delicious each time.

And the good thing is that you don’t have to buy any fancy ingredients to make it as this recipe makes it from scratch using basic ingredients from the pantry.

What is Hummus?

It is a Levantine (relating to the Levant or the eastern Mediterranean) dip made using chickpeas or other beans along with other ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, tahini, etc.

It is a Middle Eastern Dip which is now very popular all across the world and everywhere you travel, you will definitely find this lip-smacking dip which is extremely high in protein.

This Recipe is

• Vegan
• Gluten-Free
• Healthy
• Keto
• Easy to make
• Authentic

Pronunciation

It is pronounced as (HOOM-us). Check this audio to have a better idea.

Ingredients

It is made up of very few ingredients that are mostly available at home. Here is the list:

Chickpeas – Chickpeas forms the base of this dip. But it can be made with other beans as well like Black Eyed Peas, Edamame, White Bean, Lentils, etc.

I soak my chickpeas and boil them to make this recipe but you can definitely use canned chickpeas that are ready to use.

Just rinse them well before using them.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Use the best quality olive oil to make this dip. It gives a very peculiar taste to this dish.

Tahini – Tahini is nothing but roasted sesame seeds blended with olive oil.

I make my own Tahini at home as it is very economical to make and quite easy too.

Check out my detailed recipe. If you don’t have Tahini, you can even add roasted sesame seeds instead.

Apart from this, you will also need roasted cumin powder, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.

Storage

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Make sure to close the container tightly after every use.

It also freezes very well. Transfer it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 4 months. Defrost it overnight and serve.

Make sure to keep some space in the container as it can expand after freezing.

How to make it without Tahini?

You can just skip adding tahini in the hummus if you wish to.

It will alter the taste a bit but it will still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Hummus and pita is a classic combination. You can also serve it with pita chips nachos.

I love to serve it in a Mezze Platter, which also has some other Mediterranean dishes as well.

Serve it with crackers, veggie sticks or slather it over your bread slice to make sandwiches or even make it as your salad dressing, it tastes lovely in all its avatars. 

If you are using it as a salad dressing, thin it down a bit and use it as a salad dressing.

Top it over your grilled chicken or fish.

Spread it on flatbread or pita bread to make wraps along with falafel and greens.

Variations

Black Bean Hummus – It is a delicious take on classic Hummus where Black beans are used instead of chickpeas.

This vegan, gluten-free dip is a party favorite and can be served with tortilla chips, veggie sticks or pita bread.

Pumpkin Hummus – This recipe of Savory Pumpkin Hummus is a perfect example of healthy as well as delicious food.

Sweet Potato Hummus – Looking for a party snack that is healthy as well?

Don’t fret! Go ahead and try this healthy, golden and exceptional Sweet Potato Hummus today and turn off your craving for this party snack in minutes!

Beet Hummus – Beet Hummus is a delicious dip recipe that is very very easy to make.

Made using chickpeas, garlic, roasted beets and lots of olive oil, this is a great party dip.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus – Another delicious variation is roasted red pepper hummus.

Charred roasted red peppers give a very nice flavor to this classic.

Other interesting variations are Avocado, Chocolate, Carrot, Cauliflower, white bean, lentil, eggplant, sugar cookie dough, and brownie batter hummus.

Baba Ganoush vs Hummus

Baba Ganoush and Hummus are both Middle Eastern Dips but both are very different from each other.

Baba Ganoush is made up of roasted eggplant as it’s base while the Hummus is made up of Chickpeas as it’s base.

Pro Tips by Neha

Over boil the chickpeas for a creamy smooth hummus.

Adding a pinch of baking soda while boiling the chickpeas makes them very tender and soft.

Use ice-cold water to grind the chickpeas. It will prevent it from darkening from the heat of the blender and also make a smooth dip.

I generally add some ice cubes in the water left after boiling the chickpeas for a nice texture.

Use a good quality olive oil to make this recipe.

Step by Step Recipe

Wash and soak chickpeas in enough water for 5-6 hours.

Drain the water. Add chickpeas and 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker and pressure cook the chickpeas till done.

Drain the water and let the chickpeas cool down.

Add all the ingredients including the boiled chickpeas in a blender and blend to make a smooth hummus.

Serve with pita or any other crackers.