This homemade hummus is ultra-smooth, creamy, and nutty, made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic in about 10 minutes. Once you make it yourself, store-bought tubs will never taste the same. The name itself is simple: in Arabic, hummus literally means “chickpeas,” and the full name of the dip, hummus bi tahini, means chickpeas with tahini. In fact, the earliest mention of a similar dish comes from a 13th-century Syrian cookbook (Wikipedia).
Key Takeaways
- Whipping the tahini with lemon and ice water first makes the hummus extra creamy.
- Simmering canned chickpeas with baking soda softens them for a silky texture.
- It keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge, so it is perfect for meal prep.
Why Make Homemade Hummus?
Store-bought hummus is convenient, but it often tastes flat or grainy. By contrast, fresh hummus is lighter, brighter, and much creamier. Moreover, it costs a fraction of the price and has no preservatives.
Better still, you control the flavor. For example, you can add extra garlic, more lemon, or a spoonful of roasted red peppers.
Homemade Hummus Ingredients
- Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work perfectly. Alternatively, cook dried ones until very soft.
- Tahini: Use a smooth, runny tahini. In fact, good tahini is the secret to great hummus.
- Lemon juice and garlic: Together, they add brightness and bite.
- Ice water: Surprisingly, it makes the texture fluffy and pale.
- Cumin and salt: Finally, these round out the flavor.
How to Make Homemade Hummus
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post. Meanwhile, here is the method.
1. Soften the chickpeas. First, simmer the drained chickpeas with baking soda for 15 minutes, until very soft. Then drain and rinse.
2. Whip the tahini. Next, blend the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt for 1 minute. After that, add ice water a spoonful at a time until pale and creamy.
3. Blend. Then add the chickpeas and cumin, and blend for 2 to 3 minutes until very smooth.
4. Serve. Finally, swirl it into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and top with chickpeas, paprika, and parsley.
Tips for the Smoothest Homemade Hummus
- Do not skip the simmer. Otherwise, the chickpea skins make the hummus grainy.
- Blend longer than you think. In fact, an extra minute makes a big difference.
- Stir the tahini. Because the oil separates, always stir the jar well first.
- Taste and adjust. Finally, add more lemon or salt until it tastes bright.
What to Serve With It
Serve it with warm pita, crunchy vegetables, or crackers. Alternatively, spread it inside wraps and sandwiches, such as our falafel wrap. Similarly, it makes a great base for grain bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade hummus last?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge. Additionally, a thin layer of olive oil on top keeps it from drying out.
Can I make it without tahini?
Yes. However, it will taste less nutty. Instead, use Greek yogurt or a little extra olive oil.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze it for up to 3 months, then thaw it overnight and stir well.
Final Thoughts
All in all, homemade hummus is one of the easiest and most rewarding dips you can make. Once you try it, it will become a weekly staple.
For more party snacks, try our homemade guacamole or our tomato bruschetta.
AuthorEmma food bloggerDifficultyBeginnerSilky chickpea dip whipped with tahini, lemon, garlic, and ice water, finished with olive oil and paprika. Makes about 2 cups.
Hummus
To Serve
Soften the chickpeas. Simmer the chickpeas with the baking soda in water for 15 minutes until very soft. Drain and rinse, reserving a few for garnish.
Whip the tahini. Blend the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt for 1 minute. Add ice water a spoonful at a time until pale and creamy.
Blend. Add the chickpeas and cumin and blend 2–3 minutes, scraping down the sides, until very smooth.
Adjust. Taste and add more lemon, salt, or water as needed.
Serve. Swirl into a bowl and top with olive oil, paprika, parsley, and whole chickpeas.
8 servings
1/4 cup
- Amount per serving
- Calories125
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g12%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Sodium 353mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Total Sugars 1g
- Protein 4g
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
