5 Easy Hummus Recipes You'll Love

Hummus, a Middle Eastern delicacy, has won over hearts worldwide with its delicious, creamy texture and health benefits. Whether you're a hummus aficionado or a newcomer to this chickpea-based treat, you'll find that homemade hummus is not only incredibly easy to make but also allows you to experiment with various flavors. Here are five simple yet delectable hummus recipes that you can whip up in your own kitchen.

Classic Hummus

The classic hummus recipe is a must-try for any hummus enthusiast. It serves as a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity:

• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• ¹⁄₄ cup of fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)
• ¹⁄₄ cup tahini
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• 2 to 3 tablespoons water
• Dash of paprika for serving

Preparation:

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice and process for 1 minute, scraping the sides and bottom as needed.
2. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and salt to the tahini mixture and process for 30 seconds, scraping down as needed.
3. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and add half of them to the processor. Process for 1 minute. Scrape sides, add remaining chickpeas, and process until very smooth (1-2 minutes more).
4. If the hummus is too thick, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Serve in a bowl, make a small well in the center, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika for a classic presentation.

💡 Note: For a smoother texture, peel the skins off the chickpeas before processing. This step, although time-consuming, significantly enhances the texture of your hummus.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

For a vibrant twist on the classic, try this roasted red pepper hummus:

• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 large roasted red pepper (from a jar or roast your own)
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Smoked paprika for garnish

Preparation:

1. Roast red pepper in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes if using fresh. Remove skin and seeds once cooled.
2. In a food processor, combine all ingredients except the paprika. Blend until smooth.
3. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Avocado Hummus

The creamy goodness of avocado pairs wonderfully with hummus for a rich and healthy dip:

• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 ripe avocado
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh cilantro if desired.

Spicy Jalapeño Hummus

If you love a bit of heat, this spicy jalapeño hummus will satisfy:

• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded for less heat)
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Optional: extra jalapeño slices for garnish

Preparation:

1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
2. Garnish with cilantro, olive oil, and jalapeño slices.

Black Bean Hummus

A twist from the usual chickpeas, this black bean hummus offers a different flavor profile:

• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

Preparation:

1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
2. Garnish with green onions and serve.

These hummus recipes are not just simple to make but also incredibly versatile, offering you a wide range of flavors to suit any occasion. From the comforting classic to the vibrant red pepper, the richness of avocado, the spicy kick of jalapeño, to the unique black bean hummus, each brings its own unique twist to the table. Remember, hummus is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to tweak these recipes to your taste or dietary needs. Experiment with different herbs, spices, or even add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or olives to create your signature hummus. Enjoy these easy-to-make recipes that will leave your taste buds craving for more, and perhaps inspire your own creations in the kitchen.

Can I make hummus without tahini?

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Yes, you can make hummus without tahini. Simply replace the tahini with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or even avocado for creaminess, or you can omit it entirely for a simpler version.

How long does homemade hummus last?

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Homemade hummus can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

What can I serve with hummus besides pita bread?

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Hummus pairs well with various foods like vegetables (carrots, cucumber, bell peppers), crackers, chips, as a spread in sandwiches or wraps, or as a base for dressings and sauces.

Is hummus gluten-free?

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Yes, hummus made from chickpeas, tahini, and other standard ingredients is naturally gluten-free. However, always check if you’re using any store-bought or mixed-in ingredients that might contain gluten.