Classic Hummus with Tahini

Classic hummus is a staple across the Levant: a creamy chickpea and tahini dip brightened with lemon, garlic, and a generous drizzle of olive oil.

Blend the chickpeas while they are warm, adding ice-cold water gradually until the hummus becomes smooth and light. Balance the tahini and lemon before plating it with a wide swirl.

For especially smooth hummus, simmer canned chickpeas for 10 minutes with a pinch of baking soda, then rinse away the skins before blending.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm pita, cucumber, olives, sliced vegetables, falafel, grilled meats, or a spoonful of chickpeas in the center.

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate hummus in an airtight container for up to four days. Let it warm slightly and stir in a teaspoon of water before serving.

Classic Hummus with Tahini

A silky chickpea and tahini dip balanced with lemon, garlic, olive oil, and cumin.

Servings 6 servings

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

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Equipment

• Food processor
• Small saucepan
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Serving bowl

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

Hummus

• 3 cups cooked chickpeas or 2 cans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup tahini well stirred
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice plus more to taste
• 1 clove garlic roughly chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 cup ice-cold water add gradually
• 1 tsp fine salt or to taste

Garnish

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp cooked chickpeas
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

 

Prepare the Chickpeas:

• If using canned chickpeas, simmer them in fresh water for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse well.
• For a smoother texture, rub away loose skins with a clean towel or remove them as they float while rinsing.

Blend:

• Add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt to a food processor. Process until coarse.
• With the motor running, add the cold water slowly and blend for 2 to 3 minutes until very smooth. Taste and adjust lemon or salt.

Plate:

• Spoon the hummus into a shallow bowl and make a wide swirl with the back of a spoon.
• Fill the swirl with olive oil and garnish with chickpeas, parsley, and paprika. Serve with warm pita.

Notes

• Use a good-quality tahini with a fluid texture and stir it thoroughly before measuring.
• Add roasted red pepper, cooked beet, or extra herbs for an easy flavored variation.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 8gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 330mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2g

Calories: 230kcal

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Lebanese

Keyword: Chickpea Dip, Hummus, Tahini