Classic Creamy Hummus
Silky smooth homemade hummus made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon and garlic in about 10 minutes. A healthy dip for pita, vegetables and sandwiches.
Homemade hummus is creamier, fresher and cheaper than store-bought. All you need is a can of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic and a food processor.
The secret to extra smooth hummus is blending the tahini and lemon first until it is fluffy, then adding the chickpeas with a few spoonfuls of ice water.
Finish it with a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika and a few whole chickpeas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Smoother than store-bought
- Lasts a week in the fridge
Ingredient Notes
Tahini: Tahini is sesame seed paste. Use a good, runny brand and stir it well before measuring, since the oil separates.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are quick and easy. For the smoothest hummus, simmer them in water with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for 15 minutes and rub off the loose skins.
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
How to Make Classic Creamy Hummus
Blend the tahini
Process the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt and cumin for 1 minute, scraping the bowl, until thick and pale.
Add the chickpeas
Add the chickpeas and process 1 minute.
Make it smooth
With the machine running, add the ice water and olive oil. Process 2 to 3 minutes more, until very smooth. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if it is too thick.
Taste
Adjust with more salt, lemon or garlic.
Serve
Spread in a shallow bowl, make a swirl with a spoon and top with olive oil, paprika, parsley and a few chickpeas.
Tips for the Best Results
- Ice water makes the hummus lighter and fluffier.
- Blend longer than you think, a full 4 to 5 minutes total.
- Save a few chickpeas for the topping.
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Grainy hummus | Blend longer and peel the chickpeas if you want it silky. |
| Bitter flavor | Use fresh, good-quality tahini. |
| Too thick | Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time. |
Substitutions
- Tahini: Sunflower seed butter, though the flavor will change.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice.
- Chickpeas: White beans for a milder dip.
What to Serve With It
- Warm pita bread
- Sliced cucumbers and carrots
- Greek pasta salad
- Spinach quinoa salad
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Keep in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Top with a thin layer of olive oil to keep it fresh.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 4 months. Stir well after thawing.
Reheat: Serve cold or at room temperature.
Tools That Make This Easier
- Food processorBlends hummus silky smooth.Check price on Amazon
- Citrus juicerGets every drop from your lemons.Check price on Amazon
- Glass storage containersKeeps hummus fresh all week.Check price on Amazon
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Classic Creamy Hummus
Silky smooth homemade hummus made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon and garlic in about 10 minutes. A healthy dip for pita, vegetables and sandwiches.
Ingredients
Hummus
Instructions
- Process the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt and cumin for 1 minute, scraping the bowl, until thick and pale.
- Add the chickpeas and process 1 minute.
- With the machine running, add the ice water and olive oil. Process 2 to 3 minutes more, until very smooth. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if it is too thick.
- Adjust with more salt, lemon or garlic.
- Spread in a shallow bowl, make a swirl with a spoon and top with olive oil, paprika, parsley and a few chickpeas.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories
- 170 kcal
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Total Fat
- 12 g
- Saturated Fat
- 2 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
- Sugar
- 1 g
- Sodium
- 290 mg
Nutrition is an estimate per serving without optional sauces, calculated from standard USDA values. It will vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make hummus extra smooth?
Blend the tahini and lemon first, add ice water and blend 4 to 5 minutes total. Peeling the chickpeas makes it even smoother.
Can I make hummus without tahini?
Yes, but the flavor will be less rich. Use extra olive oil, or a little sunflower seed butter.
How long does homemade hummus last?
About 1 week in a sealed container in the fridge.
Is hummus healthy?
Hummus has plant protein, fiber and healthy fats. Portion size matters, since it is calorie dense.
