This hummus recipe yields a lusciously creamy yet light and fluffy dip, balanced with nutty tahini, mild garlic, warming cumin and bright lemon. Homemade hummus is simple to make and usually tastes far better than store-bought versions.
What is Hummus
Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip or spread made from blended cooked chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic and salt. It’s usually finished with extra virgin olive oil and traditionally served with pita or Arabic bread. Hummus is a healthy, versatile snack—enjoy it with raw vegetables, use it as a sandwich spread, or add it to salads and wraps.
Hummus meaning
The word “hummus” comes from the Arabic word for “chickpeas.” The full Arabic name, ḥummuṣ bi ṭaḥīna, literally means “chickpeas with tahini.”
Hummus Ingredients
Hummus requires just a few simple ingredients:
- Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) form the base. They soften and blend into a smooth paste.
While canned chickpeas work in a pinch, I recommend cooking from dried chickpeas when possible: they taste better and retain more folate (vitamin B9) compared to many canned options.
- Tahini – a paste of ground sesame seeds that gives hummus its characteristic richness.
If you prefer to skip tahini, you can still make a tasty chickpea puree—just add a bit more olive oil for richness.
- Fresh lemon juice – for brightness.
- Fresh garlic – adds bite; roasted garlic is a milder alternative.
- Cumin and salt – for warm aroma and balanced seasoning.
- Olive oil – makes the texture luxurious.
- Cold water – used to smooth and lighten the texture.
How to make hummus: Best Homemade Hummus Recipe
Start by deciding whether you’ll use canned, cooked-from-soaked, or home-cooked dried chickpeas. The method below works with any of these options.
- Place cooked chickpeas in a food processor or powerful blender. Add chopped garlic, cumin, salt, olive oil, lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of cold water.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mix seems too thick, add a teaspoon or two of cold water and blend again. At this stage you’ll have a creamy chickpea paste.
- Add the tahini and an additional tablespoon of cold water (or an ice cube) and blend until well incorporated. The tahini will thicken and enrich the texture.
- Transfer the hummus to a shallow serving bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with a pinch of sumac, cayenne or chili powder, chopped parsley and a few whole cooked chickpeas.
How to make soft and fluffy Pita Bread
This video demonstrates how to make soft, fluffy pita on the stovetop. For oven baking tips and timing, consult a dedicated pita recipe before baking for best results.
How to make Crispy Falafel
Hummus Nutritional benefits
Hummus is one of the healthiest dips you can choose. Its ingredients are fresh and nutrient-dense, and together they create a balanced, satisfying snack.
Why hummus is considered a healthy snack
Each ingredient contributes valuable nutrients: protein, fiber, healthy fats and vitamins.
Chickpeas have an impressive nutrition profile
Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein (about 20 g protein per 100 g) and are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. The fiber promotes fullness, supports digestive health and can help lower blood cholesterol. Chickpeas also have a relatively low glycemic index, which helps with blood-sugar control.
Chickpeas are a good source of folate (vitamin B9), important for red blood cell production and especially crucial for pregnant women and growing children. They also supply a range of minerals—phosphorus, manganese, copper and iron—that support bone health, skin and hair, and healthy hemoglobin levels. Chickpeas even contain selenium, a mineral that supports liver enzymes and helps reduce inflammation.
Tahini
Tahini is made from toasted ground sesame seeds and provides calcium, selenium and copper. It’s rich in healthy monounsaturated fats that help promote satiety.
Garlic
Garlic contributes antioxidants and has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function.
Olive oil
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, with anti-inflammatory benefits that support overall health.
Equipment used
Food processor or a powerful blender is recommended for the smoothest hummus.
Hummus Calorie
Total calories in this recipe: 1,257 kcal. The recipe serves 5–6 people; for five servings, each portion contains about 251 kcal.
Hummus Recipe
Hummus Recipe
Equipment
- Food processor or powerful blender
Ingredients
- 110 g dried chickpeas (or 220 g soaked / ~250 g cooked) — about 1/2 cup dried (heaped)
- 60 g tahini (1/4 cup)
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 3–4 tbsp cold water (3 tbsp with initial ingredients + 1 tbsp with tahini)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For topping
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- A pinch of sumac, cayenne or chili powder
- Some cooked chickpeas for garnish
Instructions
- In a food processor or powerful blender, add cooked chickpeas, chopped garlic, cumin, salt, olive oil, lemon juice and 3 tbsp cold water.
- Blend until smooth. Add a teaspoon or two of cold water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Add tahini and 1 tbsp cold water (or an ice cube) and blend again until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Transfer the hummus to a shallow bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil on top and garnish with sumac or chili powder, chopped parsley and a few cooked chickpeas.
Video
Notes
If starting with dried chickpeas, use 110 g (about 1/2 heaped cup dried).
If using soaked chickpeas, you’ll have roughly 220 g (about 1 1/2 cups soaked).
If using cooked chickpeas, use about 250 g (about 1 1/2 heaped cups).
Nutrition
Let us know how it was!