Zesty Lemon Garlic Hummus Recipe: Healthy & Delicious
My dear readers, I hope this message finds you well. Today, I bring to you an easy and fantastic recipe that will awaken your taste buds and add some flavor and excitement to your daily meals: Easy Lemon Garlic Hummus Recipe.
As an Israeli chef, I believe that hummus is one of the most versatile and delicious dips in the world. It can be served as a snack, an appetizer or even incorporated into main dishes. This hummus recipe combines the earthy flavors of garbanzo beans and tahini with the brightness of lemon juice, the tanginess of fresh garlic cloves, and the richness of extra virgin olive oil.
In just a few simple steps, you can create a perfectly smooth dip that will complement vegetables, pita bread, crackers or chips. You can serve it at family gatherings, picnics or just as a quick snack after work.
With just a few easily accessible ingredients from your pantry and a food processor, you will have yourself an extraordinary dip that beats any store-bought hummus out there. Trust me; this recipe will make you feel like a master chef in no time.
I hope that once you try this Easy Lemon Garlic Hummus Recipe, you won’t be able to stop making it. So let’s get started on this delectable recipe journey together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party and need a quick yet impressive appetizer. Or perhaps, you’re in the mood for a healthy snack to munch on while binge-watching your favorite show. Look no further, my easy Lemon Garlic Hummus recipe is the answer to all your snacking needs.
This hummus recipe is perfect for those who are always on-the-go or those who want something healthy but flavorful. The combination of tangy lemon juice with savory garlic adds an irresistible kick to creamy chickpeas, making each bite highly satisfying.
Not only does this recipe taste great, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. All you need are a few simple ingredients, including canned chickpeas, lemon juice, and fresh garlic cloves -which you probably already have in your pantry!
I highly recommend that you use freshly squeezed lemon juice if possible since it gives the hummus a bright citrus flavor that is simply delicious. Adding tahini, which is a paste made of ground sesame seeds, and extra virgin olive oil gives this dish richness and depth.
The best part? This hummus recipe is vegan and packed with nutrients such as fiber and protein from the chickpeas. You can dip almost anything with it- from crudites to pita chips or smear it on sandwiches as an alternative to mayo.
Trust me; once you try this easy Lemon Garlic Hummus recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought hummus again. It’s filling, healthy, and most importantly, crave-worthy!
Ingredient List
Before we start making Lemon Garlic Hummus, we need to make sure that all the ingredients are available. Here is everything you need:
- 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 fresh garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- Water as needed
You can find these items in any grocery store or maybe even in your pantry right now! Once we’ve got everything ready, let’s get started on making this delicious and easy hummus recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Process the Ingredients
To create this easy Lemon Garlic Hummus recipe, begin by adding one 15-ounce can of chickpeas drained and rinsed to your food processor. If you are looking for a creamier texture, remove the skins from your chickpeas before placing them in the processor. Next, add ½ cup tahini, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to the chickpeas.
Step 2: Blend to Perfection
Blend all the ingredients in the food processor until they are smooth and creamy. Stop blending every few seconds to scrape down the sides of your food processor bowl with a spatula.
Step 3: Adjust Seasoning
After all ingredients are well-blended, taste your hummus and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, lemon juice or garlic. You can also adjust consistency with more water or olive oil to achieve desired texture.
Step 4: Garnish Your Hummus
Once your Lemon Garlic Hummus is ready, scoop it onto a serving plate or into a bowl. Create swirls with the back of a spoon making sure that you leave some of the hummus unswirled for visual interest. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top and sprinkle with fresh parsley or za’atar spice for additional flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until you are ready to serve it. Lemon Garlic Hummus pairs perfectly with pita bread wedges or vegetable sticks such as carrots or bell peppers.
Now that you know how simple it is to make this best hummus recipe, give it a try! You won’t regret it, guaranteed.
Substitutions and Variations
As a creative chef, I know that sometimes we can’t find the exact ingredients on the recipe or we just want to add a little twist to make it more exciting. That’s why I’m going to share with you some substitutions and variations that you can try for this Easy Lemon Garlic Hummus Recipe:
– Canned Chickpeas: Instead of cooking the chickpeas from scratch, you can use 2 cans of chickpeas (15 oz each) drained and rinsed.
– Greek Yogurt: If you want to add creaminess to your hummus, you can replace ¼ cup of chickpeas with ¼ cup of Greek yogurt.
– Lime Juice: For a tangy twist, you can substitute lemon juice with lime juice.
– Roasted Red Pepper: You can add 1 roasted red pepper for a smoky flavor.
– Spicy: If you love spicy flavors, you can add 1 jalapeno pepper or ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper.
– Herbs: Add your favorite herbs into the mixture such as cilantro or parsley for an extra layer of fresh flavor.
Remember that these are just suggestions, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures until you find your perfect combination. Enjoy!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this delicious lemon garlic hummus, the options are truly endless. This creamy dip can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack or even as a side dish with your favorite main course.
For a classic serving suggestion, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve with pita chips, whole wheat crackers, sliced cucumbers or carrot sticks to create a bright and healthy platter perfect for any occasion.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, try adding some roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes or kalamata olives on top of the hummus for added flavor and visual appeal. The tartness of the lemon garlic hummus pairs well with these bold flavors.
Transform this vegan hummus dip into a protein-packed meal by adding some grilled chicken, beef or lamb skewers alongside it. To keep it vegetarian-friendly, add some roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini or bell peppers.
In terms of pairing, this lemon garlic hummus is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of drinks. I recommend serving it alongside a chilled glass of white wine, sparkling water or even an ice-cold beer.
No matter how you choose to serve this easy hummus recipe, your guests will surely be impressed by its zesty flavor and addictive creaminess. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for an afternoon snack, this lemon garlic hummus is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made this delicious lemon garlic hummus, you might be wondering about the best ways to store it and reheat it for later. Luckily, hummus is a great make-ahead dish.
To store your lemon garlic hummus, simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. Stored properly, it will last for about a week. If you’re planning to keep it for longer than that, freezing is a great option. Make sure to portion it out into smaller containers or freezer bags first.
When you’re ready to enjoy your hummus again, simply take it out of the refrigerator or freezer and let it come up to room temperature before serving. You may need to give it a quick stir or blend in the food processor again after storage.
If you find that your hummus has dried out slightly after being stored in the fridge or freezer, simply add a little bit of water or olive oil to help loosen it up again. You can also adjust the seasoning as needed – some extra salt or lemon juice can go a long way.
This easy lemon garlic hummus recipe is perfect for parties and entertaining because it can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until needed. It’s also a great option for meal prep at the beginning of the week – simply whip up a batch over the weekend and portion it out for quick and easy snacks throughout the week.
With these storing and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy this flavorful and zesty hummus anytime without worrying about its quality degrading with time. So don’t hesitate and make this delicious hummus right away!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the basic recipe down, let’s talk about how to make sure your lemon garlic hummus comes out perfectly every time. Here are some expert tips that will take your hummus game to the next level.
First and foremost, use high-quality ingredients. Choose extra-virgin olive oil and fresh garlic cloves for the best results. Don’t skimp on the lemon juice either; using fresh-squeezed lemon juice will give your hummus a bright and tangy flavor that is hard to beat.
When it comes to tahini, be sure to use a high-quality brand. Tahini varies widely in quality and consistency, so you may need to experiment a bit to find one that you like best. I recommend using a brand that is made from hulled sesame seeds, as this will give your hummus a smoother texture.
Another important tip is to process the chickpeas really well. Let the food processor run for at least 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the chickpeas are completely smooth. This will ensure that your hummus has a creamy and silky texture.
To adjust the thickness of your hummus, feel free to add more or less olive oil. If you prefer a thinner consistency, use more olive oil. For a thicker consistency, use less olive oil.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning as needed. Taste your hummus and add more salt or lemon juice if necessary. If you like things spicy, consider adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to making the best lemon garlic hummus ever!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this easy lemon garlic hummus recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves healthy and delicious appetizers. With simple ingredients that can easily be found in your pantry, you can whip up a tasty dip that is perfect for any occasion.
What makes this recipe truly exceptional is the combination of fresh garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, and tangy lemon juice. The flavors all come together in a mouthwatering burst of taste that will leave your guests feeling impressed and satisfied.
So why not try making this lemon garlic hummus recipe for your next party or gathering? Your guests will be sure to love it! And remember, you can always experiment with different variations and substitutions based on your preferences. With this recipe, the possibilities are endless.
In short, whether you’re looking for a vegan hummus dip or simply want to add some flavor to your appetizer recipes, this easy lemon garlic hummus recipe should definitely be on your list. So get out your food processor and start spreading the joy!
Easy Lemon Garlic Hummus Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 (15 1/2 ounce) cans chickpeas, drained (or Garbanzo Beans)
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, cleaned and crushed
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Drain chickpeas and place in a food processor or blender.
- Clean garlic and crush with a garlic press or the side of a knife and add to chickpeas.
- Pour in lemon juice and olive oil.
- Blend on high for 30 to 40 seconds or until smooth and creamy.
- Serve with low salt tortilla chips or veggies.
- This recipe makes 2 cups.