Hummus is one of the easiest and most versatile dips one can make at home! Be it for a sandwich spread, a side for roti or bread, or a salad dressing!
This blog includes easy ways to make hummus and how learning how to make hummus at home can save you money while giving you complete control over the ingredients.
With a few ingredients that already exist in your pantry, you can make tasty hummus in a few simple steps.
Why Homemade Hummus Is Worth Making
Anything homemade is honestly always better. It’s made with fresh ingredients, always tastes fresh, and most importantly, it can be customised easily! In this context, whether you want your hummus to be creamier, tangier, or more garlicky, you have complete control over it!
In addition to that, making hummus at home is very pocket-friendly and healthier since it is free from unnecessary preservatives. Plus, you can also prepare a large batch of it and store it in airtight food storage containers to enjoy later!
What Is Hummus?
Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip that’s primarily made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It has a mildly nutty flavour and has a smooth, creamy texture.
It has become widely popular as a healthy alternative to mayonnaise-based spreads and is now enjoyed worldwide as an accompaniment to pita bread, vegetable sticks, crackers, wraps, sandwiches, and grain bowls.
Ingredients You Need for an Easy Hummus Recipe
You don’t need anything fancy to make hummus at all. Most of these ingredients required to make an easy version of hummus probably already exist in your pantry! They are:
a) 2 cups cooked chickpeas
b) 2 tablespoons tahini
c) 2 tablespoons olive oil
d) 2 cloves garlic
e) Juice of 1 lemon
f) 3 to 4 tablespoons cold water
g) Salt to taste
h) ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder (optional)
i) Paprika or chilli flakes for garnish
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Hummus
Having the right kitchen tools is a lifesaver! It makes the entire cooking process smoother and saves you time. A few essential tools you’ll need are:
a) Food processor or blender
d) Silicone spatula
e) Mixing bowls to combine ingredients
f) Airtight food storage containers
How to Make Hummus at Home: Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
Chickpeas are the core ingredient of this recipe. Therefore, it is important to make sure that they are prepared well. Soak them in water overnight and then boil them until they are soft.
Step 2: Gather the Ingredients
While the chickpeas are boiling, take out the tahini, peel the garlic, and squeeze some lemon juice in a dip bowl. Add some olive oil and salt to taste and mix them.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Once the chickpeas are cooked, add the ingredients from your mixing bowl into a blender along with the chickpeas. Now blend it for 2-3 times and slowly add a tablespoon of cold water while blending.
Step 4: Adjust the Consistency
Keep on doing the same thing until the hummus becomes smooth and creamy. If needed, add some more water or olive oil.
Now the final step is to taste it and adjust the saltiness or its sourness according to your preference.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Transfer it into a serving section plate or bowls or platters and garnish it with some olive oil, paprika, or chilli flakes!
Tips for Making Smooth and Creamy Hummus
a) Use freshly cooked chickpeas.
b) Slightly overcook chickpeas to gain a softer texture.
c) Try to remove the chickpea skins for extra smoothness.
d) Use ice-cold water while blending.
e) Blend lemon juice and tahini first, and then add your chickpeas to the blend.
Conclusion
With the right kitchen tools, precise measurements, and a few tricks, you can make hummus right at home, which is simple, rewarding, and surprisingly quick!
FAQs
How to make hummus at home without tahini?
You can replace tahini with roasted sesame seeds, peanut butter, cashew butter, or simply skip it altogether. The flavour will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use canned chickpeas for hummus?
Yes. Canned chickpeas are convenient and work very well for a quick hummus recipe.
Why is my hummus not creamy?
The most common reasons are undercooked chickpeas, insufficient blending, or not adding enough liquid.
How long does homemade hummus last?
When stored in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator, homemade hummus typically lasts 4 to 5 days.
Can hummus be frozen?
Yes. Hummus freezes well for up to 3 months.
Is hummus good for weight management?
Hummus contains protein, fibre, and healthy fats that can help keep you fuller for longer, making it a useful addition to a balanced diet.
Which chickpeas are best for hummus in India?
Kabuli chana is the most commonly used variety for making hummus in India because of its mild flavour and creamy texture.
Can I make hummus without olive oil?
Yes. You can omit olive oil and use extra cold water while blending.
