About the Recipe
This creamy garlic hummus is a flavorful and healthy staple, made with simple, wholesome ingredients and no unnecessary additives. Packed with the rich, nutty taste of tahini, a garlic kick, and the tang of lemon juice, it’s perfect as a dip for vegetables, pita bread, or crackers, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. Not only is this homemade hummus easy to make, but it’s also much fresher and more budget-friendly than store-bought versions.
Note: The ingredient quantities listed are approximate. I’ve been cooking by ‘eyeballing’ for years, and this recipe has naturally evolved without precise measurements. I have done my best to estimate the correct amounts and ratios of ingredients for smaller portions, but feel free to adjust as needed. Everyone’s taste preferences vary, so you may want more or less of some ingredients. Feel free to play and make it your own! Enjoy.
Ingredients
Olive Oil
4 cups chickpeas (Canned or Cooked)
1/4 cup Tahini
1/4 cup Lemon Juice
1 head garlic
1 tsp Cumin
1/4 tsp Paprika
Preparation
Step 1 - Chill the Chickpeas (optional)
Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Place them in a container in the fridge or freezer while preparing the next steps. Cold chickpeas make for the best textured hummus, although this step is optional.
Step 2 - Prepare and Sautee the Garlic
Peel the garlic cloves and finely chop them (or use a food processor, which can leave a hint of fresh garlic flavor in the machine for blending later). Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a frying pan over low to medium heat, then add the garlic. Cook until it becomes semi-transparent and aromatic. Remove from heat and allow the garlic and oil to cool completely, as warm oil can negatively impact the consistency of the hummus.
Step 3 - Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the tahini, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and the cooled garlic-olive oil mixture. Blend the ingredients together until they form a paste-like consistency.
Step 4 - Add the chickpeas
Add the chilled chickpeas to the food processor and blend until smooth. If needed, add a small amount of water to reach your preferred consistency, but be cautious not to overdo it, as too much water can dilute the flavor. Scrape down the sides of the food processor periodically and be patient—achieving the perfect texture can take a few minutes of blending.