Mouth-watering Homemade Hummus Recipe: Easy and Delicious!
Welcome, food lovers! Today, I am thrilled to share with you my authentic recipe for hummus, the much-loved Middle Eastern dip that’s taking the culinary world by storm. Hummus is vegan, healthy, packed with proteins and fiber, and simply irresistible.
As an Israeli chef, I’ve grown up surrounded by delicious and flavorful Middle Eastern food. The taste of hummus is universal to me; it’s a staple in any Israeli household and consumed at every meal. So naturally, finding the perfect recipe for hummus has always been one of my greatest quests.
This recipe is special to me because it’s both traditional and easy. Traditional hummus recipes call for dried garbanzo beans that need overnight soaking and hours of cooking. Still, my recipe includes a shortcut that makes it possible to whip-up amazing hummus using canned chickpeas without compromising on flavor or texture.
But what makes this recipe unique is its balance between the ingredients; the right amount of tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and olive oil creates ideal smoothness and robust taste. It’s a classic hummus recipe that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
This hummus recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences or make it your own by trying out some variations such as adding roasted red pepper, different spices or herbs like sweet paprika or cayenne pepper for little kicks of heat!
So let’s stop talking about it and start making some hummus! This easy authentic hummus will be perfect for anything from an impromptu snack to a dinner party dip. So grab your blender food processor and let’s get blending!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, fellow foodies! I’ve got the perfect recipe for you – authentic hummus. That’s right, the beloved and classic dish from the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine. You might have tasted some hummus before, but trust me, once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to a store-bought one.
So why should you love this recipe? Well, where do I even begin? For starters, it’s super easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a food processor or blender, you can whip up a batch of delicious hummus in no time. Plus, it’s a vegan-friendly dip that is both healthy and filling.
And let’s talk about flavor – this recipe has it all. Smooth and creamy texture with a nutty undertone from the tahini paste balanced with citrusy notes of lemon juice and a kick of garlic and cumin powder that’ll leave you craving for more. Oh, did I forget to mention that it’s low in calories too? Yes, you heard me right. You can indulge without any guilt.
Furthermore, this recipe offers relaxation while preparing it by yourself in your kitchen. By doing so, you can experience Middle Eastern culinary delights while experimenting with variations and substitutions to suit your taste.
So there you have it! If you’re looking for an easy, healthy, vegan-friendly dish that offers an explosion of flavors and fills your home with fragrance like nothing else – authentic hummus is definitely the way to go. Trust me; once you try it, there’s no going back!
Ingredient List
To make authentic hummus, here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 cup of dried garbanzo beans: also known as chickpeas, you can find them in any grocery store. They are the star of this recipe.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda: this ingredient helps soften the beans during the cooking process.
- 3 cloves of garlic: minced garlic adds a pungent and slightly spicy flavor to the hummus.
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice: lemon juice will give a tangy taste and will help balance out the flavor of the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon of salt: Adding salt to your hummus is essential for bringing out all the flavors in this simple dish!
- 3/4 cup of tahini paste: a sesame seed paste that is an essential ingredient in hummus. Look for it in ethnic food stores, or you can find it online.
- 1/2 tsp of ground cumin powder: cumin has a warm, earthy and slightly peppery flavor that complements the other ingredients in hummus.
- 1/2 tsp of dried cayenne pepper: adding cayenne pepper to the blend will give your hummus a little heat kick.
Optional Garnish
- A sprinkle of sweet paprika on top
- A swirl of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil over the top
Once you have gathered all these ingredients, let’s move onto section 4: The Recipe How-To.
The Recipe How-To
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! This is my go-to recipe for authentic hummus. It’s super easy and always a crowd-pleaser. First things first, you’ll need to gather your ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried garbanzo beans
- water
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (optional)
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Step 1: Cook the chickpeas
Rinse off the dried chickpeas and soak them overnight in a bowl filled with water. In the morning, drain the water and rinse once more. Add the chickpeas into a pot and cover with water. Optionally, you can add in baking soda, which helps speed up the cooking process and can lead to a creamier texture.
Bring the pot to a boil then lower to a simmer for about an hour or until tender. Skim off any foam that collects at the top throughout the process of cooking chickpeas.
Step 2: Blend it all together
Drain and cool the chickpeas before adding them with garlic cloves, tahini paste, lemon juice, salt, cayenne pepper, and cumin powder to a food processor. Pulse until smooth while streaming in olive oil.
Keep scraping down the sides of the food processor as necessary. If it looks a bit too thick for your liking, trickle some cold water in through any feeding tube of your food processor until it arrives at your desired texture.
Finally decorate with extra squeeze of lemon juice on top or some sweet paprika dusting, and that’s it!
This humble recipe is definitely one for experimentation with different variations like adding homemade roasted red peppers blended in or substituting different beans to make colorful spreads.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Making hummus can be an exciting culinary adventure, and there are plenty of fun twists you can put on this classic Middle Eastern dip. Here are some substitution ideas to play around with:
– Chickpeas: If you don’t have garbanzo beans on hand, don’t worry – any type of canned bean can be used as a substitute. White beans, black beans, and kidney beans work especially well.
– Lemon juice: If you’re out of lemons or would like to mix things up, try substituting the lemon juice for lime juice or even orange juice.
– Tahini: If you can’t find tahini paste, other nut or seed butters such as almond butter or sunflower seed butter can give your hummus a unique twist.
– Spices: Experiment with the levels and types of spices you add into your hummus. You can add smoked paprika, chili powder, coriander, or even curry powder.
– Olive oil: For an added dimension of flavor, switch up the olive oil with different types of oils like pumpkin seed oil or avocado oil.
Remember that however unique or creative your variations may be, it’s always good to keep traditional flavors in mind. An authentic hummus recipe often calls for tahini paste, cumin powder, garlic cloves, dried garbanzo beans, lemon juice and olive oil as key ingredients that are essential for achieving that perfect balance that makes hummus so delicious.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to make when preparing your homemade hummus dip, it is important to keep experimenting – this is what leads to brilliant results!
Serving and Pairing
Hummus is a versatile dip, and its flavors and textures can pair well with various foods. It is a Middle Eastern classic that has become an international sensation. Hummus can be served as an appetizer, side dish or even a main dish. It’s perfect for dipping vegetables, pita bread, chips or crackers.
To serve hummus, you could use a shallow bowl and then drizzle some olive oil over the hummus. You could also sprinkle some sweet paprika or cayenne pepper on top of it. Serve it alongside your favorite crisps, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and sliced bell peppers.
In Middle Eastern cuisine, hummus often served as part of a mezze platter which includes other appetizers like baba ganoush, tabbouleh, falafel and grilled halloumi cheese. Alternatively, you could spread it on a sandwich with roasted vegetables or sliced meats for an extra bite of protein.
For pairing options , you could pair the creamy hummus with crispy falafel and fresh vegetables for a healthy and flavorful lunch. If you love Mediterranean flavors, hummus pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops or chicken skewers along with a refreshing Greek salad on the side.
It’s also great in wraps or as a base for pizza toppings adding flavor along with proteins and nutritional value to your meal. Hummus is vegan-friendly and can make an excellent addition to your dinner table.
In summary, hummus is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can enhance many dishes’ flavors to create an extraordinary experience – don’t be afraid to experiment!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about hummus is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for several days without losing its flavor. It’s also a dish that will keep people coming back for more.
Storing hummus is actually pretty easy: simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it until ready to serve. In general, hummus can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-6 days, but I recommend consuming it within 3 days after making it for the best taste.
To reheat hummus, take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. You can also place the container in warm water for 10-15 minutes for a quick warm-up, but avoid overheating because this may affect the hummus’s texture and flavor.
If you have leftover hummus that you want to store for longer than a few days, consider freezing it. Place the hummus in an airtight container or freezer ziplock bag and label and date it. Hummus will last up to six months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to serve your frozen hummus, thaw it overnight in the fridge; then, bring it back to room temperature before serving as usual.
Keep in mind that hummus has a tendency to thicken when stored, so if you find that your chilled hummus seems too thick once removed from the fridge, add a splash of olive oil or water to help loosen it up before serving.
With these tips on storing, reheating and freezing your homemade hummus, making a big batch ahead of time or buying store-bought one has never been easier!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect hummus is no easy feat, but with a little know-how and some handy tips, you can create this cherished Middle Eastern delight any time you want, like a pro. Here are some tips for making the best hummus you’ve ever tasted:
First and foremost, use dried chickpeas instead of canned ones. While canned chickpeas are convenient, they don’t have the same texture and nutty flavor that dried chickpeas offer. If you’re short on time, soak your chickpeas overnight to expedite the cooking process – this will also make it easier for your food processor or blender to blend everything together.
When blending your ingredients together, add ice instead of water. This helps with emulsification and creates a creamier, smoother texture. A few ice cubes should do the trick.
Another crucial tip is to ditch the blades when making authentic hummus – use a mortar and pestle instead! Not only does this bring out more flavor from your ingredients, but it gives you better control over the consistency of your dip.
When it comes to seasoning, be sure to use fresh garlic and lemon juice for optimum taste. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a tangy kick to your hummus; and if you like yours on the spicier side then add in a pinch of cayenne pepper or sweet paprika for an extra layer of depth.
Don’t forget the tahini paste! It’s an essential ingredient in hummus, giving it its nutty flavor and creamy consistency. And if you find that your tahini paste is too thick or dry, simply stir in some additional olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of hummus. Add in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor; or try substituting different types of beans such as black beans or edamame for a more unique twist on this classic dip.
With these helpful tips in tow, you’re well on your way to creating the best hummus you’ve ever tasted – give it a try and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!
FAQ
As a chef with ample experience in cooking, I understand that every recipe may spark up some questions. So, I have put together a FAQ section to answer some of the most common inquiries that you may have while making this authentic hummus recipe. Let’s dive right in!
What is authentic hummus made from?
Hummus is a widely-known Middle Eastern delight consisting of a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, tangy citrus, and garlic.
How to make hummus Iranian style?
To make a delicious and healthy dip, start by blending together chickpeas, garlic, lemon, and tahini until the mixture becomes smooth. You can use a blender or food processor for this, adding the juice from the chickpea can as needed to achieve the right consistency. Once blended, add some fresh parsley and blend everything together thoroughly.
Next, transfer the dip to a bowl and add chopped tomato, cucumber, and onion, along with a pinch of salt to taste. Mix everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
This dip can be served in a variety of ways – try pairing it with crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, or with pita, bagel crisps, or whole grain crackers. Enjoy the fresh and zesty flavors of this delicious dip!
How is hummus traditionally served?
When it comes to hummus, the customary presentation involves a sizable platter garnished with a mixture of olive oil and herbs, partnered with a serving of steaming pita bread, a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad and often, the addition of crispy and savory falafel.
Why add ice cubes to hummus?
Want your hummus to be incredibly light and creamy? One easy trick is to toss an ice cube into the mixture before blending. By doing so, you’ll create tiny air pockets, giving your hummus a fluffier texture. However, make sure you’re using a powerful blender or food processor that can handle blending ice before doing so.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there is nothing quite like a delicious, authentic hummus recipe to transport your taste buds to the Middle East. Whether you prefer a classic hummus or you are looking for a unique twist on this versatile dip, this recipe article has everything you need to make the best hummus possible.
So why not give it a try? With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can easily make a batch of homemade hummus that is sure to impress even the most discerning foodies. And if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and other additions to take your hummus game to the next level.
Overall, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or an impressive party dish, hummus is always a top choice. So what are you waiting for? Grab your food processor and get blending – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Hummus (Or Humus) - Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried garbanzo beans (garbanzos)
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for serving
- 1 pinch sweet paprika, for serving
Instructions
- Soak the garbanzos (chickpeas) in water for 6 hours. there should be enough water to more than cover the chickpeas and allow them to expand.
- Drain the chickpeas and put in a large saucepan with 2 litres of fresh water.
- Simmer for 1 1/4 hours - or until the chickpeas are very tender.
- Drain the chickpeas, reserving about 1 cup of the liquid. Allow the chickpeas to cool (I often run them under cold water).
- Put the chickpeas in a food processor with all remaining ingredients - except the reserved liquid and the extra oil and paprika.
- Process until smooth and creamy looking, adding some of the reserved liquid until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve drizzed with olive oil and paprika.