Classic Hummus

A bowl of traditional hummus with pita chips

Classic hummus is a delicious and versatile Middle Eastern dip made from simple ingredients like chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. It’s incredibly popular worldwide and is enjoyed as a healthy snack, spread, or accompaniment to various dishes. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to make homemade classic hummus that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Variations on a Classic Middle Eastern Dip

For extra smooth and creamy hummus, you can remove the skins from the chickpeas. While this step is optional, it can make a difference in texture.

If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the hummus. Simply wrap the garlic in foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.

To enhance the flavor of the hummus, you can experiment with additional ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. Simply add them to the food processor along with the other ingredients.

A bowl of traditional hummus with pita chips

Classic Hummus

There are many ways to make hummus, but here's a classic and easy recipe that you can customize to your liking.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can 15 ounces chickpeas/garbanzos drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 cup tahini sesame paste
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 T extra-virgin olive oil plus more for serving
  • 1/2 tea ground cumin
  • 1/2 tea salt
  • 2 to 3 T water
  • pinch paprika for serving (optional)
  • fresh parsley for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • If the mixture is too thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lemon juice, garlic, or salt according to your preference.
  • Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with additional olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of paprika and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Keyword Dip