Homemade Garlic Hummus: A Flavorful, Healthy Snack Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons water or as needed
  • Paprika for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Into a food processor, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas.
  2. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Process the mixture until it becomes very smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Check the consistency of the hummus. If it's too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water or as needed, and process again until it reaches your preferred consistency.
  5. Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, lemon juice or garlic as per your preference.
  6. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl.
  7. If desired, dust the top with a bit of paprika, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
  8. Enjoy your homemade garlic hummus with pita bread, vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches.

Tools for making

  • Food Processor - A food processor is needed to blend and puree the ingredients into a smooth hummus consistency.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are necessary to accurately measure the ingredients, especially the lemon juice and olive oil.
  • Garlic Press - A garlic press will help mince the garlic cloves easily and efficiently.
  • Citrus Juicer - A citrus juicer can be used to extract fresh lemon juice from the lemons.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be useful for scraping down the sides of the food processor and transferring the hummus to a serving bowl.
  • Serving Bowl - A serving bowl is needed to present and serve the garlic hummus.
  • Optional: Paprika Shaker - If you choose to garnish the hummus with paprika, a paprika shaker can be used to sprinkle it evenly.
  • Optional: Fresh Parsley - If you wish to garnish the hummus with fresh parsley, you will need a small bunch of fresh parsley leaves.
  • Optional: Drizzling Bottle - If you want to drizzle extra olive oil over the hummus, a drizzling bottle will help control the amount.

Recipe variations

  • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Add 1 roasted red pepper (peeled and seeded) to the food processor along with the other ingredients for a smoky and slightly sweet variation.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus: Blend in 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil) to give the hummus a rich and tangy flavor.
  • Spicy Hummus: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a chopped jalapeno pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Cilantro Lime Hummus: Replace the lemon juice with lime juice and add a handful of fresh cilantro leaves for a zesty and herbaceous twist.
  • Black Bean Hummus: Replace one can of chickpeas with a can of black beans for a darker and slightly earthier hummus.
  • Avocado Hummus: Blend in 1 ripe avocado to create a creamy and avocado-infused hummus.
  • Herbed Hummus: Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill to give the hummus a fresh and vibrant taste.
  • Smoky Chipotle Hummus: Mix in 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy hummus variation.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple and healthy Garlic Hummus recipe. This creamy dip is packed with protein from chickpeas and brimming with the robust flavors of garlic, fresh lemon juice, tahini, and a hint of ground cumin. Whether you're looking for a tasty snack, a side dish, or a versatile spread for your sandwiches, this homemade garlic hummus is sure to delight. This recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels and can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. The end result is a smooth and creamy dish that can be garnished with olive oil, fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for that extra touch. So, grab that food processor and let's get started!

Common questions

  1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned? Yes, you can use dried chickpeas instead of canned. Soak them overnight, then cook them until tender before using in the recipe.
  2. Can I substitute something for tahini? If you don't have tahini, you can substitute it with natural peanut butter or almond butter for a slightly different flavor.
  3. How long does homemade garlic hummus last? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade garlic hummus can last up to 1 week.
  4. Can I freeze garlic hummus? Yes, you can freeze garlic hummus. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
  5. How can I adjust the consistency of the hummus? If the hummus is too thick, you can add water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, you can add more chickpeas or tahini to thicken it.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Food processor - A food processor is essential for blending and creating a smooth consistency for the hummus.
  • Citrus juicer - A citrus juicer will make it easier to extract fresh lemon juice for the recipe.
  • Garlic press - A garlic press will help mince the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Accurate measurement of ingredients is important for the recipe's success, so having measuring cups and spoons on hand is helpful.
  • Spatula - A spatula will aid in scraping down the sides of the food processor and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
  • Serving bowl - A nice serving bowl is perfect for presenting the hummus to guests or for personal enjoyment.
  • Pita bread or vegetables - Pita bread or vegetables can be used for dipping into the garlic hummus, adding to the overall enjoyment of the dish.

Origin stories

Hummus, a beloved spread known worldwide, has a history as rich as its flavor. It is said to have originated in the Middle East around the 13th century, though its exact birthplace is a point of contention among Lebanon, Greece, and other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. The word "hummus" actually means "chickpea" in Arabic. The full, traditional name of the dish is "hummus bi tahini" which translates to "chickpeas with tahini". This suggests that these two ingredients have always been the heart of the dish. Today, hummus has countless variations, like this garlic-infused version, and it continues to be a staple food in many cultures. So while you're enjoying this garlic hummus, remember that you're partaking in a culinary tradition that spans centuries and crosses borders.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.