Description
This Best Hummus recipe creates a creamy, smooth, and flavorful Middle Eastern classic using cooked chickpeas, tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It’s easy to make in a food processor and perfect as a dip or spread for sandwiches, crackers, and veggies.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5-6 Tbsp lemon juice (from 2 lemons, or to taste)
- 2 large garlic cloves (minced or grated)
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- 3 cups cooked chickpeas (or two 15 oz cans, drained, reserve 2 Tbsp for garnish)
- 6-8 Tbsp ice water (or to desired consistency)
- 2/3 cup tahini
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more to drizzle)
To Serve
- 1 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped)
- Ground paprika (to serve)
Instructions
- Prepare lemon-garlic mixture: In a food processor, combine 5 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, and grated garlic. Blend together and let this mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and mellow.
- Add tahini: Add 2/3 cup tahini to the processor and blend until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even blending.
- Incorporate ice water: With the processor running, slowly add 6-8 Tbsp of ice water one tablespoon at a time. Continue blending until the mixture is silky smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed to combine fully.
- Blend chickpeas and oil: Add the cooked and drained chickpeas, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the food processor. Blend continuously for about 5 minutes until the hummus is creamy and completely smooth. Adjust texture as needed by adding more ice water, blending after each addition.
- Season to taste: Taste the hummus and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, cumin, or lemon juice if desired for brightness and balance.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the top with reserved whole chickpeas if desired, drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, scatter finely chopped parsley, and dust with ground paprika for color and a slight smoky flavor.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend the chickpeas longer, or peel chickpeas before blending.
- Use fresh lemons for the best lemon juice flavor.
- Reserve some whole chickpeas to garnish the final dish for added texture.
- Adjust the consistency to your liking with ice water, adding more for a lighter dip.
- Use high-quality tahini and extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
