Name: Basic Hummus Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 can cooked chickpeas (drained net weight: 265g or 9 oz); 2 tbsp olive oil; Juice of half a lemon; 60g tahini (1/4 cup); 1 garlic clove; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp cumin; 4-5 ice cubes

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Introduction

Basic hummus is a creamy, flavorful dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for snacking, spreading, or serving with fresh veggies and pita bread.

A white bowl holds one smooth layer of light beige hummus with creamy texture, swirled with a shallow dip in the center filled with golden olive oil. On top, there are small sprinkles of dried green herbs on two sides, a dusting of reddish paprika powder on one side, and fresh chopped green herbs scattered lightly near the middle. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can cooked chickpeas (drained net weight: 265g or 9 oz)
2 tbsp olive oil

Juice of half a lemon
60g tahini (1/4 cup)

1 garlic clove
1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cumin
4-5 ice cubes

Instructions

Step 1: Drain and rinse the chickpeas under cold water until no bubbles appear. Peel the garlic clove and cut the lemon in half.

Step 2: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, garlic, tahini, salt, olive oil, and cumin. Blend on medium speed until the mixture is crumbly but creamy.
Step 3: With the food processor running, add the ice cubes in batches. Blend on the highest speed for 1–3 minutes until the hummus is smooth, creamy, and airy.
Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, lemon juice, or garlic as needed. If the hummus is too thick, add a little cold water and blend again.

Step 5: Transfer the hummus to a serving dish and garnish with olive oil, reserved chickpeas, herbs, and paprika if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a zestier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or ground coriander.
You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus note.

If tahini is unavailable, use peanut butter as a substitute though the flavor will differ.
Adding ice cubes helps create a lighter, fluffier texture—don’t skip this step for best results.

Storage

Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, stir well and add a drizzle of olive oil to refresh the flavor. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but texture may slightly change after thawing.

How to Serve

A round layer of creamy beige hummus with a smooth yet slightly textured surface is spread evenly inside a white bowl. On top, there is a small pool of golden olive oil near the center, with finely chopped fresh green parsley sprinkled over it. Around one side of the hummus, there is a sprinkling of crushed dried herbs in a darker green color, and next to it, a small dusting of bright red paprika powder. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with some garlic cloves and parsley leaves blurred softly in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make hummus without a food processor?

Yes, you can use a blender or even mash the ingredients manually with a fork or potato masher, but the texture might be less smooth and creamy.

Why are ice cubes added when blending hummus?

Ice cubes help keep the hummus cold while blending, which creates a lighter, airier, and creamier texture.