Hummus, a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern dip, has gained popularity worldwide for its versatility and health benefits. Made primarily from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and other flavorful ingredients, hummus serves as an excellent source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to make your own hummus at home, allowing you to customize flavors while enjoying a fresh and wholesome snack.
Gather the Ingredients to Make Your Own Hummus
To make homemade hummus, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Start with a can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves, and spices such as cumin, paprika, and salt. You may also choose to add ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs to infuse unique flavors.
Make Your Own Hummus by First Preparing and Draining the Chickpeas
Take the chickpeas and rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt and any coating. Drain the chickpeas well, ensuring they are dry before proceeding. Removing the skin from the chickpeas can result in an even smoother hummus, but it is optional and can be time-consuming.
Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic cloves, olive oil, spices, and a pinch of salt. Blend the mixture on high speed until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If desired, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time to adjust the thickness to your liking. Taste the hummus and adjust the flavors by adding more lemon juice, garlic, or spices as per your preference.
Customize and Experiment
One of the joys of making your own hummus is the freedom to customize flavors. You can add various ingredients to experiment with different tastes and textures. For example, adding roasted red peppers can create a sweet and smoky flavor, while sun-dried tomatoes lend a tangy, rich taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil can introduce a burst of freshness. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
Serve and Store Your Hummus
Once your homemade hummus is ready, transfer it to a bowl or airtight container. Drizzle some extra olive oil on top and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, herbs, or sesame seeds. Serve with an array of dippable delights such as pita bread, sliced vegetables, or whole-grain crackers. Leftover hummus can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week, although it’s likely to be devoured much sooner! Remember to cover the hummus tightly to preserve its freshness.
Make Your Own Hummus with Our Basic Recipe
1 15.5 oz. can low-sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed
¼ cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
1 ½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon cumin, plus more for garnish
¾ teaspoon salt
3-5 tablespoons cold water
Olive oil for drizzling
Directions: Place the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and three tablespoons water in a food processor. Process for 1-2 minutes until very smooth, adding more water by the tablespoon if a thinner consistency is preferred. Serve drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with more cumin.
Don’t skimp on the processing time. That’s what makes the hummus extra creamy.
To dress up your hummus a bit—say for a party or potluck—top it with one or more of these options: chopped parsley, paprika, a few whole chickpeas, or toasted pine nuts.
Making your own hummus allows you to create a healthier and more flavorful alternative to store-bought options. By starting with simple ingredients and personalizing the flavors to suit your taste, you can enjoy a satisfying and nutritious dip that is perfect for snacking, entertaining, or adding a delicious twist to your favorite dishes. Get creative in the kitchen and delight in the goodness of homemade hummus.
Make Hummus in Your Apartment
Red Oak Apartment Homes in Manchester is NH’s Apt Rental Leader. We have over 1800 apartments in Southern NH. We have many styles, locations and price points. You are sure to find one that is perfect for you. Check out all our currently available apartments.