Chandigarh, 9 January 2025: Hummus, a popular Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, olive oil, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, and garlic, has gained global recognition due to its delicious taste and nutritious benefits.
It’s rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it an excellent snack choice or addition to meals. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quick bite, homemade hummus is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
In this guide, we will take you through a simple step-by-step process on how to make classic hummus at home.
Ingredients Needed:
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) – 1 can (15 oz) or 1 cup dried chickpeas
Tahini – 1/4 cup
Olive oil – 2-3 tablespoons (plus extra for serving)
Garlic – 1-2 cloves, minced (depending on your taste)
Lemon juice – 2-3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Ground cumin – 1/2 teaspoon
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Cold water – 2-3 tablespoons (to adjust consistency)
Paprika or cumin powder (optional) – for garnish
Chopped parsley (optional) – for garnish
Step-by-Step Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas If using canned chickpeas, start by draining and rinsing them well. Alternatively, if you’re using dried chickpeas, you’ll need to soak them overnight in water and then cook them on the stove. Place the dried chickpeas in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let them simmer for about 45-60 minutes until they become soft. Once cooked, drain and set aside. Some people prefer to peel the skins off the chickpeas to get a smoother hummus, but this step is optional.
Step 2: Blend the Base Ingredients In a food processor or a high-powered blender, add your prepared chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, and salt. Start the machine and process the ingredients until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to make sure all ingredients are incorporated.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Water While blending, slowly stream in the olive oil. You’ll notice that it creates a smooth, creamy texture. To achieve your desired consistency, gradually add cold water—1 tablespoon at a time—until the hummus becomes light and creamy. If you like your hummus thicker, use less water. For a more fluid dip, add a bit more.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasonings At this stage, it’s essential to taste your hummus and adjust the flavor. If you feel it needs a little more tang, add more lemon juice. If the dip needs more garlic, add an extra minced clove. You can also add more salt or cumin depending on your taste. Blend again until the flavors are well combined.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish Once your hummus reaches the perfect consistency and flavor, transfer it into a serving bowl. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top, and optionally, sprinkle with paprika, cumin powder, and chopped parsley for added flavor and color. You can also garnish with whole chickpeas or a few olives.
Step 6: Enjoy! Serve your homemade hummus with pita bread, fresh vegetables (like cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers), or as part of a mezze platter. It also pairs wonderfully with sandwiches and wraps.
Customizing Your Hummus
While traditional hummus is always a hit, feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can add roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or spices like smoked paprika to make a unique variation of hummus. Blending in fresh herbs like basil or parsley also adds a vibrant touch to the dip.
Making hummus at home is simple, fast, and results in a fresh, creamy, and versatile dip. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a healthy and satisfying snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or as part of a meal, homemade hummus is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
