Hummus
This homemade hummus recipe is quick and easy to make, super-smooth and creamy, and tastes so fresh and flavorful. What is hummus? it’s a classic dish from the Middle East and Mediterranean made primarily from chickpeas (a.k.a. garbanzo beans), tahini (ground sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic and salt. Various countries add in their own staple ingredients, like ground cumin. It can be served warm or cold, as a dip or as a spread, and most of all, it’s delicious.
Ingredients
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas or 1 1/2 cups (250 grams) cooked chickpeas1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)
1/4 cup (60 ml) well-stirred tahini (you can omit the tahini, but I think the hummus is bland without it)
1 small garlic clove, minced (I use more)
2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) water (I use the juice from the chickpeas)
Optional toppings: extra drizzle of olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, sprinkle of ground sumac or paprika, toasted pine nuts
Serve with pita bread, nacho chips, sliced vegetables - bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, etc.
Instructions
1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice and process for 1 minute, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then process for 30 seconds more. This extra time helps “whip” or “cream” the tahini, making the hummus smooth and creamy.2. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the whipped tahini and lemon juice. Process for 30 seconds, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then process another 30 seconds or until well blended. Open, drain, and rinse the chickpeas. Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor and process for 1 minute. Scrape sides and bottom of the bowl, then add remaining chickpeas and process until thick and quite smooth; 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Most likely the hummus will be too thick or still have tiny bits of chickpea. Blend in 2 to 3 tablespoons of water until you reach the perfect consistency.
4. Taste for salt and adjust as needed. Serve hummus with a drizzle of olive oil and dash of paprika. Store homemade hummus in an airtight container and refrigerate.