Hummus
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy.
Smooth and creamy with just the right balance of tahini, lemon, and garlic, this is my go-to hummus recipe—without any soaking, peeling, or other fussy steps.
I first traveled to Israel in college, and I’ve been lucky enough to return a few times since. Hummus is practically its own food group there, and on one of my trips, I was fortunate enough to learn this recipe from a kabob maker in the Old City of Jerusalem. It’s been my go-to ever since.
A staple throughout the Middle East, hummus is a simple blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, but getting the texture and balance just right makes all the difference. Many recipes call for starting with dried chickpeas or peeling them one by one, but after trying those methods myself, I don’t think the extra work is necessary. Canned chickpeas and a few minutes in the food processor give you wonderfully smooth, creamy hummus with a fraction of the effort.
“This hummus recipe is FANTASTIC — the best I have ever had — and also ridiculously easy to make. No more store-bought hummus for me!”
What You’ll Need To Make Hummus
- Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas make this recipe quick and easy, and after experimenting with dried chickpeas, I’ve found the difference in the finished hummus is minimal. Be sure to reserve some of the liquid from the can—you’ll use it to adjust the consistency. If you prefer to start with dried chickpeas, cook them until very tender and use some of the cooking liquid in place of the reserved canning liquid.
- Tahini: This sesame paste gives hummus its distinctive nutty flavor and creamy texture. Tahini naturally separates in the jar, so give it a good stir before measuring.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the tahini and olive oil. Freshly squeezed makes a noticeable difference here.
- Garlic: A small amount goes a long way in hummus. Since it’s added raw, its flavor will be quite pronounced, so I wouldn’t be tempted to add extra.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps give the hummus a smooth, luscious texture. I also like to drizzle a little over the top for serving.
- Cumin & cayenne: Cumin adds earthy warmth, while a pinch of cayenne gives the hummus a subtle kick without making it spicy.
- Paprika: Adds a pop of color and a subtle, smoky flavor. If you’re looking to switch things up, try sumac or za’atar instead. Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice; za’atar is a spice blend that typically includes thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.
- Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements
How To Make Hummus
Drain the chickpeas, then combine them in a food processor with the remaining ingredients and process until smooth and creamy. Let the machine run for several minutes—the extra processing time makes a noticeable difference in the texture.
No food processor? A high-powered blender works well, though you may need a little extra chickpea liquid to keep everything moving.
Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl and use the back of a spoon to make a few swirls on top. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with a few chickpeas and a sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Once you’ve got the classic down, try my roasted red pepper hummus—it’s just as easy and adds a sweet, smoky twist to the original.
Hummus
Ingredients
- 2 (15½ oz) cans chickpeas
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, from 2 lemons
- ¼ cup sesame tahini, well stirred (preferably Joyva Sesame Tahini)
- 2 small cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley, for serving (optional)
- Paprika for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Reserving the liquid from the cans, drain the chickpeas in a colander (no need to rinse them). Set a few chickpeas aside for garnishing the hummus.
- In the bowl of a food processor fitted with metal blade, combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, olive oil, and ⅓ cup of the reserved canning liquid. Process for several minutes until smooth and creamy. The hummus should hold its shape when you drag a spoon through it; add more liquid and process again if it seems too thick. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
- Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to swirl a shallow well in the center. Drizzle a little olive oil in the well; sprinkle with parsley and paprika, then garnish with the reserved chickpeas. Serve at room temperature with pita bread, pita chips or crudités.
Notes
Nutrition Information
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Gluten-Free Adaptable Note
To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.
See more recipes:
Add a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
My first attempt at Hummus and it was great. So much better than store bought. And my husband actually ate it. A plus for me!
I made it and it was great. Sometimes I add some sun dried tomatoes, also yummy!
This is delicious, light, full of flavor and looked great which is not easy with hummus. Everyone loved it, I served with the pita you recommended for whipped feta, another delicious appetizer. Every time I have company, I try another recipe…..that’s how perfect your recipes are….thanks!! I also made sweet and sour shrimp and broccoli…..also great! Oh, yeah…..hoisin ribs and Thai slaw…..very busy and successful cooking weekend! You are the best!!!
💗
Awesome recipe. Highly recommend it.
Hi Jenn
Yum! The very best hummus. How long will this keep in the fridge? I am the only one eating it and it makes a lot. I see that the recipe says can be made two days in advance before serving. So, does that mean it has a three day life? Just want to know before I try cutting the next batch in half.
This hummus is the best I have ever had, better than shop brought and easy to make!
I would give you A THOUSAND stars in reviews.
My partner (Japanese) isn’t into any kind of spread (eggplant, pate, etc.) but oh boy how much he could eat of this hummus! :))
He was very skeptical when I served it with veggies and toast for breakfast but in the end he was like “you must enter this in your regular menu” :)))
I love it too and will surely make it again!
Thank you for all your work and efforts to provide us with easy to follow delicious recipes!
Hi Jenn! This review (or actually these words of gratitude) is long overdue! I’ve been a follower of yours for a pretty long time and right from the beginning, realized that you are an amazing cook (chef)! Absolutely every recipe that I have made of yours has been stupendous! Recently I’ve been on a hummus kick, seeking out my favorite recipe and then, there it was! The easiest, MOST wonderful hummus ever!!! (And, I think I’m a pretty good cook!). So.. thank you forever and ever!!!😘
You are so welcome, Sharon!! xoxo
Another successful recipe from Once Upon a Chef! I added a bit more garlic and it really amped up the flavor. This will be another go-to recipe in our house.
Hi Jenn, I live in Asia. So Tahini may not be available. Could I just toast the said amount of sesame seeds and grind them to a paste (instead of buying Tahini)? I do that for Japanese Sesame Dressing. Thanks.
Hi, I think you’ll need to add oil to the sesame seeds to make tahini paste. Here’s a recipe (keep in mind that I’ve never made this recipe but it seems pretty straightforward and gets good ratings). Hope that helps!