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Introduction
Hummus, a cherished Middle Eastern staple, has evolved over centuries into a beloved global snack. Its simple ingredients belie the depth of flavor and cultural significance this creamy chickpea dip carries. In Arab tradition, hummus is often shared as a gesture of hospitality and community, its nourishing and satisfying qualities making it the perfect offering for friends and family. This oil-free version embraces the same principles of warmth and nourishment, providing a healthier way to enjoy the timeless deliciousness of hummus.
Ingredients
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• 3-4 tablespoons water (or more as needed to reach desired consistency)
Step 1:
Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas, setting aside 1-2 tablespoons of chickpeas if you want to add them later for a nutty texture.
Step 2:
In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the drained chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Step 3:
Blend the ingredients, adding 3-4 tablespoons of water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Start with less water for a thicker hummus, and add more water for a thinner consistency.
Step 4:
Blend for 2-3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until the hummus is smooth and creamy.
Step 5:
Taste the hummus and adjust seasoning as desired, adding more salt, lemon juice, or spices to suit your preferences.
Step 6:
If you reserved some chickpeas for a nutty texture, stir them into the blended hummus or use them as a garnish.
Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use dried chickpeas instead of canned. However, you will need to soak them overnight and then cook them until they are soft before using them in this recipe.
Q: How long does homemade hummus last in the refrigerator?
A: Homemade hummus will typically last for up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I omit the tahini from this recipe?
A: While tahini (sesame seed paste) provides a distinct nutty flavor and creamy texture to traditional hummus, you can omit it if you have an allergy or simply don't have it on hand. The hummus may be slightly less creamy, but it will still be flavorful with the other ingredients.
• For a thicker hummus, use less water. For a thinner consistency, add more water.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or spices to suit your preferences.
• For a nutty flavor, you can substitute 1-2 tablespoons of the chickpeas with an equal amount of toasted pine nuts or almonds.
• This hummus is vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions.
• For a smoother texture, remove the skins from the chickpeas before blending.
Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil (optional), a sprinkle of paprika, and some chopped parsley or other herbs. Serve with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crackers for dipping.
Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This recipe comes together quickly, so there's no need to multitask or prepare anything in advance. However, if you want to save time, you can mince the garlic and juice the lemons ahead of time.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, remove the skins from the chickpeas before blending.
- Adjust the amount of water gradually to achieve your desired consistency, as it's easier to add more water than to remove excess moisture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, as the balance of flavors can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
For a roasted garlic hummus, you can roast a whole head of garlic and use the roasted cloves instead of raw minced garlic. For a smoky flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper.
This hummus pairs well with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber, or crispy pita chips or crackers. It also makes a great spread for sandwiches or wraps. Pair it with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea.
This hummus can be enjoyed year-round, but it's particularly refreshing during the warmer months when fresh lemons are in peak season.
This recipe contains sesame seeds (from the tahini). It is vegan and does not contain any dairy, eggs, or gluten.
