Homemade Hummus Recipe (with or without garlic)

Homemade Hummus Recipe - Learn how to make this creamy hummus at home. With a simple substitution this recipe can be made with or without garlic. This recipe is simple, healthy, plant based and super versatile. Perfect as a tasty dip, spread, sauce and more.

Grant and I had the privilege to embark on a memorable journey to Israel and Jordan with my mom and her friend shortly after we got engaged. In this land of ancient wonders and rich cultures, hummus isn't just a dish; it's a staple of every meal. I immediately became a huge fan, savoring the creamy texture and the simple yet profound flavors that seem to tell a story with each bite. It was there that I truly understood why hummus is more than just food; it's a part of daily life.

Back home, the quest to recreate that authentic taste led us to explore the art of making our own homemade hummus. And we quickly learned something crucial – homemade hummus is leagues above store-bought hummus. Our recipe is inspired by the legendary Yotam Ottolenghi's approach to hummus, which introduces a couple of additional steps like peeling the chickpeas and boiling even canned chickpeas. These might seem like small acts, but believe me, they make all the difference in achieving that dreamy smoothness and depth of flavor.

For those who just popped in to quickly learn ‘How to make hummus without garlic’, here’s what to do: The secret lies in excluding the garlic from our recipe and instead, enhancing the hummus with a touch more cumin, a generous extra squeeze of lemon juice, and a big pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. This way, you can still enjoy the rich, savory taste of your own delicious hummus, tailored to your preference and dietary needs.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Hummus Recipe
• Ingredients
• Easy Hummus Recipe
• Chef’s Tips
•  Substitutions
• Variations
• What To Serve With Hummus
• Storage Instructions
• FAQ's
• Homemade Hummus Recipe (with or without garlic)

Why You Will Love This Hummus Recipe

• Healthy & Plant-Based: Enjoy a vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free hummus that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for everyone seeking a guilt-free indulgence.
• Simple Ingredients: With just basic pantry ingredients, this hummus recipe is easy to follow, making rich and flavorful hummus accessible without complicated steps or specialty ingredients.
• Versatile: Beyond just a chickpea dip, use it as a spread on your veggie sandwich, a sauce to complement roast meat, a dressing for your salads, or simply as a healthy snack to enjoy any time of the day.

Ingredients

• Canned Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): The base of the hummus, providing a smooth texture and rich, nutty flavor.
• Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that complements the chickpeas beautifully.
• Tahini (Sesame Seed Paste): Contributes a creamy texture and a slight bitterness, balancing the flavors.
• Garlic Cloves: Offers a sharp, aromatic kick to the hummus, which can be adjusted or omitted based on personal preference or dietary requirements.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances the hummus with a smooth consistency and a fruity flavor profile.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Injects a bright, tangy freshness that lifts the overall taste.
• Ice Cubes: Helps achieve an ultra-creamy texture by chilling and slightly diluting the mixture for the perfect consistency.
• Salt to Taste: Essential for seasoning, it enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Easy Hummus Recipe

Peel the chickpeas: (This is an optional step but we highly recommend it if you want a super smooth hummus.)

• There are two easy ways to do this: Either ‘pop’ the chickpeas out of their skins or spread them between two clean tea towels. Gently rub the towels together, (be careful not to crush the chickpeas) the friction should cause the skins to come off. 
• Discard the chickpea skins.

Simmer chickpeas:

• Add the peeled chickpeas and ½ teaspoon salt to a medium saucepan with enough water to cover. 
• Bring to a boil and then turn down the heat to medium low, simmer for 10 - 15 minutes or until the chickpeas are soft. 
• Reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain chickpeas.

Make the Hummus:

• Add the warm chickpeas, ground cumin, tahini, garlic, olive oil, 2 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoon reserved chickpea water and 1 or 2 ice cubes into the bowl of a food processor. 
• Process until smooth, add more of the reserved chickpea water if needed. 
• Taste and adjust seasoning. You might need more tahini and lemon juice as well.
• Process until super smooth. (Don’t worry if it looks a bit too runny, it will thicken when it stands.)

Garnish and Serve:

• Spoon the hummus into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Chef’s Tips

• Peel the Chickpeas: For the creamiest hummus, take the time to peel your chickpeas. This extra step removes the skins, ensuring a smoother texture.
• Boil the Canned Chickpeas First: A quick boil softens the chickpeas further, contributing to a more tender hummus.
• Save Some Cooking Liquid: Don't discard the water from boiling the chickpeas. A little bit of this starchy liquid can be used to adjust the hummus to your preferred consistency.
• Use Warm Chickpeas: Blending the chickpeas while they're still warm helps to create a fluffier hummus, as the heat allows the tahini to mix more smoothly.
• Use Ice Cubes: Adding ice cubes during blending cools the mixture down, preventing the motor of your blender from heating the hummus and helping achieve a perfect creamy texture.
• Alternative Blending Methods: No food processor? No problem. A high-speed blender or an immersion blender can also produce fluffy, creamy hummus.
• Refrigerate Before Serving: For the best flavor and texture, let the hummus chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This step also helps the flavors to meld together and thicken up.

 Substitutions

• Chickpeas: Instead of canned chickpeas, feel free to use pre-cooked dry chickpeas. Alternatively, white beans like cannellini or even black beans can be great substitutes for a different flavor profile.
• Tahini (sesame paste): If tahini is not on hand, smooth peanut butter, cashew butter, or almond butter can work well as substitutes, offering a similar creamy texture with a slight nutty taste.
• Garlic: For those preferring hummus without fresh garlic, simply omit it and add more cumin and lemon juice along with a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Roasted garlic is also a milder alternative.
• Olive Oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil for a similar monounsaturated fat content, or simply use more cooking liquid for a lighter oil free version.
• Lemon: If you're out of fresh lemon, apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute, providing a similar tangy acidity to balance the flavors.

Variations

Flavored Hummus Ideas

• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Blend in roasted red peppers for a smoky, sweet variant.
• Green Goddess Hummus: Incorporate avocado and fresh herbs for a creamy, nutrient-rich version.
• Beetroot Hummus: Add boiled or roasted beetroot for a vibrant, earthy twist.
• Harissa Hummus: Mix in hot or rose harissa paste for a spicy, North African flavor.
• Sweet Potato Hummus: Sweet potato hummus makes for a subtly sweet and hearty alternative.
• Chocolate Hummus: For a dessert twist, blend in cocoa powder and a touch of sweetener.

Topping Ideas:

• Mediterranean Vegetables: Top with sautéed eggplant, roasted red pepper, or sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful finish.
• Fresh Vegetables: Diced tomato, cucumber, or Jerusalem Salad add a crisp, fresh layer.
• Mediterranean Condiments: Garnish with basil pesto, olives, tapenade, or harissa paste for extra zest.
• Toasted Nuts and Seeds: Pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds introduce a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
• Herbs and Spices: Add fresh chopped parsley, or cilantro. Or try spices like za'atar, smoked paprika, toasted cumin seeds or chili flakes that can dramatically enhance the flavor profile.
• Chickpeas: Top with chickpeas in various forms—warm, cold, sautéed, roasted, air-fried, or baked—for added texture and taste.

What To Serve With Hummus

The options are endless but here’s a few of our favorite ideas:

• Crudites: Pair your hummus with raw veggies, like crunchy raw carrots, cucumber, radishes  and warm pita bread or crispy pita chips (or try tortilla chips) for a classic and simple snack.
• Falafel: Serve alongside falafel for a traditional Middle Eastern meal, complementing the flavors and textures.
• Middle Eastern Appetizer Spread: Incorporate hummus into a lavish spread of Middle Eastern appetizers, including tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, tzatziki, and stuffed grape leaves.
• Sandwich Spread: Use hummus as a flavorful and creamy sandwich spread, adding depth to vegetarian or meat sandwiches.
• Grain Bowls: Top grain bowls with a generous dollop of hummus for added creaminess and flavor. It pairs well with quinoa, rice, or bulgur and your choice of veggies and proteins.
• Mediterranean Feast: Complement a Mediterranean feast featuring roast lamb, chicken shawarma, koftas, or kebabs with the hummus serving as a delightful side or condiment.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store the hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator  for 3 to 4 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, place the hummus in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen and enjoyed for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQ's

Wrapping up, this creamy hummus recipe proves that making your own hummus at home is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. Whether you prefer it with or without garlic, oil-free, or flavored in exciting ways, the versatility and deliciousness of homemade hummus are unmatched. 

We encourage you to try this recipe and explore its many variations. Share your creations with us, and don't hesitate to spread the love of creamy hummus with friends and family. Your kitchen is now your canvas; let the hummus-making adventure begin!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.