Easy Hummus

Featured in Finger Foods and Party Snacks.

Mix tahini with lemon juice till smooth in food processor. Add soft chickpeas, garlic, olive oil and spices. Blend till creamy, adding cold water bit by bit for perfect smooth dip. Top with more oil, paprika and fresh herbs. Makes quick snack that's ready in ten minutes.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 20:56:58 GMT
A bowl of hummus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika, surrounded by lemon halves. Pin it
A bowl of hummus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika, surrounded by lemon halves. | zestplate.com

Searching for a hummus that'll blow you away? Here it is! This DIY dip turns basic stuff into the smoothest, most amazing treat you've ever had. Whether you're munching veggies, slathering it on bread, or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl (we won't tell!), this Middle Eastern favorite will soon be your go-to snack.

What Makes This So Good

If you've been looking for simple hummus ideas, you're gonna love this. Once you make your own, those store containers won't cut it anymore. What's the trick? A handful of everyday ingredients and some techniques I've learned after countless batches. And you can tweak everything - from the garlic punch to exactly how creamy you want the final result.

Your Ingredients List

  • Chickpeas: Two 15-oz tins, washed thoroughly. If you've got dry ones, that's even better - let them soak overnight and boil until they're super soft
  • Lemon: Around 1/4 cup of juice, roughly 2 juicy ones. Don't use the bottled kind - real lemons make all the difference
  • Tahini: 1/2 cup, mixed well. Get quality stuff - it should flow like slightly warmed honey
  • Garlic: 2-3 cloves, skin removed. Go light at first, you can always bump it up
  • Olive Oil: 1/4 cup with extra for finishing. Break out the fancy bottle you've been saving
  • Cumin: 1 teaspoon, fresh ground if you're up for it
  • Salt: Around 1 teaspoon, but go with what tastes right to you
  • Cold Water: Up to 1/4 cup for that ultra-smooth finish
  • Toppings: Paprika, za'atar, or sumac, and more olive oil for that authentic look

How To Make Incredible Hummus

Whip Up The Tahini Base
Throw your tahini and lemon juice into the food processor. Run it for a full minute until it looks airy and light. Pause, scrape everything down with a spatula (don't miss any spots!), then blend another 30 seconds. This part can't be skipped - it's why your hummus will turn out ultra-creamy.
Create Your Flavor Foundation
While the machine runs, slowly pour in that quality olive oil. Drop garlic through the top opening, then add cumin and salt. Let it all mix for another minute - you want everything perfectly blended. By now, your kitchen should smell amazing!
Add Your Chickpeas
This is where taking your time pays off. Put in half the chickpeas and process for a minute. Scrape the sides down again (this really matters), then add the rest. Now let it run for 2-3 solid minutes. You're aiming for totally smooth - no little chunks anywhere! If your processor gets hot, give it short breaks.
Get The Perfect Smoothness
Now you'll fine-tune your creation. With the processor on, slowly add cold water through the opening. Begin with 2 tablespoons and continue until you hit that dream-like smoothness. Think of soft ice cream texture. Remember it'll get a bit thicker in the fridge.
Add Your Personal Touch
Give it a try - this is your dip, so make it perfect! Need more salt? Throw some in. Want more zing? Add more lemon. Love garlic? Toss in another clove. When you're happy, spread it in a bowl, making waves with your spoon back. Pour plenty of olive oil on top and sprinkle your favorite toppings.
Keep It Fresh
Transfer your masterpiece to a sealed container. Before closing, pour a thin coat of olive oil over the top - this keeps it fresh and stops that weird skin from forming. It'll stay good in the fridge for up to a week, though it rarely lasts that long!

Better Than Anything You Can Buy

Here's why making hummus at home beats grabbing it from the store. Packaged versions often have that strange taste and a texture that just isn't right. When you DIY, you're the boss. Want it super garlicky? Go for it. Prefer it tangy? Add extra lemon. Plus, there's something really satisfying about watching simple ingredients transform into something so delicious.

The Smoothness Trick

Wondering what makes this hummus incredibly velvety? It's all about technique. Beating the tahini first changes everything - it's like building on a creamy foundation. And don't cut corners on blending time! Those extra minutes in the food processor turn an ordinary batch into something amazing.

Chickpea Tips

Here's a pro move: if you can spare the time, remove the skins from your chickpeas. It's a bit boring, but play some tunes and make it relaxing. Every skin you take off means smoother hummus. Short on time? No problem - just blend longer and you'll still get tasty results.

Presentation Matters

Don't just dump your hummus in a dish - show it off! Create those classic swirls with your spoon back, making little valleys for olive oil to collect. Add a dash of paprika or za'atar, maybe some fresh parsley. Heat some pita, slice some veggies, and watch your creation vanish before your eyes.

A bowl of creamy hummus topped with olive oil, whole chickpeas, and a sprinkle of paprika. Pin it
A bowl of creamy hummus topped with olive oil, whole chickpeas, and a sprinkle of paprika. | zestplate.com

Custom Creations

The greatest thing about homemade hummus? You can switch it up however you want! Try cooked garlic instead of raw, mix in some roasted red peppers, or add harissa for heat. Every batch is a chance to try something different. That's how you create family favorites - through small adjustments and tests until it's perfectly suited to your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Want it extra smooth?

Mix tahini first good. Blend lots and lots. Add water slow. Cold beans work best. Worth the time.

→ Rather use dry beans?

Cook em real soft. Takes more time. Fresh works fine. Just plan ahead. Canned's quick fix.

→ Keeping leftovers?

Box it up tight. Good week in cold. Top with oil. Press wrap on top. Still tastes fresh.

→ No seed paste here?

Nut butter works. More oil helps too. Won't taste same though. Still makes good dip. Fresh lemon helps.

→ Got no food mixer?

Blender works fine. Hand mix harder. Won't get smooth though. Need more work. Worth getting mixer.

→ Getting too thick?

Add water slow. Blend more time. Save bean juice. Oil helps smooth. Easy fix quick.

→ Taking it places?

Keep it cold packed. Bring fresh tops. Take good chips. Box with sides. Worth the work.

→ Need it faster?

Use can beans. Have stuff ready. Quick blend works. One bowl does it. Still tastes fresh.

→ Making big batch?

Double works fine. Need more space. Watch liquid good. Mix in parts. Keeps week cold.

→ Want more kick?

More garlic helps. Fresh lemon good. Add hot spice. Even herbs work. Don't hide bean taste.

→ Not smooth enough?

Blend longer time. Add liquid slow. Scrape sides good. Keep it moving. Patience helps lots.

→ Too much garlic?

Start small next time. Add slow like. Can't fix too much. Lemon helps some. Fresh herbs too.

Conclusion

Love this? Try fresh bean salad next. Or make crispy falafel balls. Both use same good beans.

Easy Hummus

Fast fresh bean dip.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Fatiha


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 6 Servings (1 1/2 cups)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 (15oz) can chickpeas or 1 ½ cups (250g) cooked chickpeas.
02 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 large lemon.
03 1/4 cup (60ml) well-stirred tahini.
04 1 small garlic clove, minced.
05 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving.
06 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
07 Salt to taste.
08 2 to 3 tablespoons (45ml) cold water or aquafaba.
09 Dash of ground paprika, sumac, or Za’atar for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice and process for 1 minute. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, then process for another 30 seconds until creamy.

Step 02

Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the whipped tahini and lemon mixture. Process for another 30 seconds, scrape the bowl, and blend until well mixed.

Step 03

Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor and blend for 1 minute. Scrape the bowl and add the remaining chickpeas, processing until thick, smooth, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 04

If the hummus is too thick, slowly add 2 to 3 tablespoons of cold water or aquafaba while processing until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 05

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika, sumac, or Za'atar.

Step 06

Store the hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze with a layer of olive oil on top for up to a month.

Notes

  1. For the creamiest hummus, use a food processor, and make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl often.
  2. Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can replace water for a lighter texture.
  3. For a garlicky twist, add more garlic or use roasted garlic.
  4. Instead of tahini, you can use natural, unsweetened peanut butter or simply extra olive oil.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor.
  • Spatula.
  • Measuring cups.
  • Knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Sesame.
  • Garlic.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 155
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 11.8 g
  • Protein: 4.5 g