The Best Classic Hummus
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The Best Classic Hummus
Get ready for a snacking upgrade with this easy recipe for The Best Classic Hummus! Oh-so-creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, this homemade version beats anything you'll find at the store. It's the perfect dip for parties, picnics, or just satisfying your midday cravings. Completely Gluten-free, Dairy-free + Vegan.
Lately, I've been diving into some basic + essential recipes, keeping things simple and delicious. Last week, I nailed my guacamole game, and now I'm excited to share The Best Classic Hummus recipe with you. It's a tried-and-true favorite that's just too good not to pass along. Plus with all the chickpea recipes I've shared, it felt like a hummus recipe was LONG overdue! Trust me, it's ultra-creamy and a breeze to whip up!
Okay, y'all picture this ---- It's lusciously smooth, boasting a bright lemon flavor with a hint of garlic kick. I love adding some roasted chickpeas on top for some added texture! You can enjoy it as an appetizer or snack paired with crackers, your fave crusty bread, or veggies. AND you can also elevate your salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches by adding a dollop of this heavenly hummus. Trust me, it's a game-changer!
This hummus is totally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it the perfect addition to any charcuterie board, appetizer table, or just for snacking with the family. Not only is it delicious, but it's also super healthy and good for you, which is always a bonus! Made with simple, basic ingredients, it's the ideal healthy snack for dipping, scooping, and adding to all your favorite foods!
Jump to:
- What Is Hummus?
- Is Hummus Good for You?
- How To Make The Best Classic Hummus
- Ingredients
- 5 Tips + Tricks For The Best Classic Hummus
- Canned Chickpeas Vs. Dried Chickpeas
- How To Serve Hummus
- What To Serve With Hummus?
- More Ways To Use Hummus
- Why You Will LOVE The Best Classic Hummus
- Common Q + A's For Classic Hummus
- My Fave Snacks + Appetizers
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- The Best Classic Hummus
What Is Hummus?
Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern dip --- it's a creamy, dreamy blend of chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), tahini (which is kind of like peanut butter but made from sesame seeds), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt + some other optional ingredients. People often throw in extra spices like cumin or paprika for a flavor boost. You dip veggies, pita bread, or crackers in it, spread it on sandwiches, or just eat it straight with a spoon (no judgment here!)
Is Hummus Good for You?
Yes, hummus is such a healthy choice! It's got protein, fiber, and healthy fats from chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil. It's heart-healthy, aids in digestion, helps manage blood sugar, and boosts nutrient absorption. Plus, it's a great source of plant-based protein. Adding hummus to your diet is an easy way to reap a bunch of health benefits while enjoying a delicious snack or meal.
How To Make The Best Classic Hummus
You'll need a blender or food processor to whip up this classic hummus to get it super smooth and creamy. Then, it's as simple as adding all your ingredients, blending, and voilà --- It's dipping time.
Ingredients
HUMMUS:
- Organic chickpeas. Drained + rinsed --- See Notes for dry chickpeas option.
- Lemon. Freshly-squeezed. It adds brightness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Garlic cloves. Minced.
- Tahini. This is premade blended sesame seeds, you can usually find it in the same section as you find peanut butter. But you can also use Almond butter, Greek yogurt, etc. as a substitute.
- Cold water. This helps to get it to a nice consistency.
- Seasonings + spices. Sea salt, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper + smoked paprika.
- Extra virgin olive oil. Adds richness and creaminess. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
GARNISH:
- Extra virgin olive oil. For drizzling atop.
- Roasted chickpeas. This is optional but adds a nice crunch, see my recipe for the best-roasted chickpeas!
- Parsley. Chopped fresh.
- Red pepper flakes. This adds a nice depth of heat if you like your hummus slightly spicy.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS HUMMUS!
Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this Classic Hummus recipe. Everything from my fave blenders, bowls, knives, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
5 Tips + Tricks For The Best Classic Hummus
Here are some tips and tricks to make the best classic hummus ---
Use quality ingredients --- Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients like organic chickpeas, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and good quality tahini + olive oil for the best flavor.
Adjust consistency with water --- Add cold water gradually while blending until you reach your desired consistency. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Season generously --- Don't be shy with the seasonings! Season the hummus generously with salt, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.
Blend thoroughly --- Blend the hummus mixture for several minutes until it's super smooth and creamy. This ensures all the flavors are well incorporated and the texture is velvety.
Let it rest --- Allow the hummus to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and develop, resulting in a tastier hummus.
Canned Chickpeas Vs. Dried Chickpeas
Canned chickpeas are super convenient for hummus since they're pre-cooked and ready to go. They're perfect if you're short on time or just want a quick snack.
However, some people prefer the texture and flavor of hummus made from dried chickpeas. It takes more time since you have to soak + cook them, but many find the results slightly creamier. So, it really depends on how much time and effort you want to put in and what flavor and texture you prefer in your hummus!
How To Serve Hummus
You could totally leave this hummus dip as it is -- but I'm a fan of adding extra flavorful toppings! I like to use extra virgin olive oil, for drizzle, some roasted chickpeas, chopped fresh parsley for some herby goodness, and red pepper flakes for a little spice.
However, here are a few more fantastic topping ideas for this hummus recipe!
TOPPING IDEAS
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Herb roasted tomatoes
- Sliced olives for a burst of brininess
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Lemon zest for a citrusy twist
- Caramelized onions
- Crumbled crispy candied bacon for a smoky, savory note
- Pomegranate arils for a pop of color + juiciness
What To Serve With Hummus?
This dip pairs perfectly with so many types of bread + veggies—here are some of my favorites.
- Baguettes + Sourdough
- Brioche
- Veggies like carrot, celery, zucchini + cucumber sticks
- Crackers
- Honey Oat Bread
- Focaccia
- Crostini
- Flatbread or Vegan Garlic Naan Bread
- Gluten-free bread
- Pretzel rods or pretzel crisps
More Ways To Use Hummus
If you find yourself with extra hummus, here are several delightful ways to repurpose it beyond just dipping:
- Spread it on sandwiches, wraps, or toast for an extra boost of flavor and creaminess.
- Top it on crackers or rice cakes.
- Thin it out with a bit of olive oil and use it as a dressing for salads or grain bowls. It would work so well with this Maple Chili Sweet Potato Bowl
- Stuff it in halved bell peppers!
- Sandwich + burger spread--- Use it as a creamy spread in sandwiches, wraps + burgers.
- Cook with it --- use hummus as a creamy sauce for pasta dishes, stir-fries, or roasted vegetables for a flavorful twist!
- Blend it into soups or stews for added creaminess and flavor.
Why You Will LOVE The Best Classic Hummus
- Super creamy + smooth texture, it's a total crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Minimal effort + maximum flavor.
- Adds a gourmet touch to your table, especially when you add fancy toppings!
- Versatile pairing for a charcuterie board
- Impressively simple yet incredibly tasty!
- A go-to for easy, delicious entertaining.
Common Q + A's For Classic Hummus
Homemade hummus can typically last in the refrigerator for about 4 to 7 days when stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving if any separation occurs.
Yes, you can freeze hummus! Simply transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and give it a good stir.
I recommend doing so in small portions (i.e. ice cube trays are a great trick) so it both freezes and defrosts more quickly and evenly. Be sure to leave a little room at the tops of the container by not filling it with hummus all the way since the hummus will expand during the freezing process. Lastly, add a thin layer of lemon juice or olive oil to create a barrier against bacteria during the freezing process.
If your hummus is too thick, you can add a little bit of cold water or olive oil while blending until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, you can blend in additional chickpeas or tahini to thicken it up.
Yes, traditional hummus made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil is naturally gluten-free.
However, it's always a good idea to double-check labels if you're purchasing pre-made or flavored varieties to ensure they're gluten-free as well.
Absolutely! You can substitute tahini with alternatives like almond butter, Greek yogurt, or even omit it altogether for a lighter version!
Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give it a subtle heat if desired. Or you can even top it with jalapenos!
My Fave Snacks + Appetizers
If you love The Best Classic Hummus recipe as much as I do, you won’t want to miss these appetizers + snack recipes:
- Cheesy Asparagus Puff Pastry
- Southern Hot Honey Cauliflower Bites
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Fall Harvest Apple Bacon Crostini
- Easy Garlic Herb Three Bean Dip
- Crispy Baked Sticky Orange Cauliflower Bites
- Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Crispy Vegan Ranch Popcorn Cauliflower Bites
- Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Classic Hummus recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
The Best Classic Hummus
Ingredients
HUMMUS:
- 1 (15 oz.) can organic chickpeas, drained + rinsed (See Notes for dry chickpeas option)
- 1 lemon, freshly-squeezed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup Tahini (You can also use Almond butter, Greek yogurt, etc. as a substitute)
- 2-4 Tbsps cold water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
GARNISH:
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzle
- 1 cup Roasted chickpeas
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
TO MAKE THE HUMMUS:
- Add the chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic cloves, Tahini, water, salt, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, smoked paprika, and olive oil into a high-powdered blender and blend until mixture becomes creamy and really smooth. NOTE: You can also use a food processor if preferred.
- NOTE: If too thick or not smooth enough, add additional cold water (1-2 Tbsps at a time) until desired consistency is met.
- Season to taste for more flavor, if needed.
- Scrape the hummus into a serving bowl or platter, and use a spoon to create nice swooshes on top. Top with drizzles of olive oil, roasted chickpeas, chopped parsley, and/or red pepper flakes, if desired. Leftover hummus keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 week.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in airtight container and refrigerated for 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in small batches for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
- FREEZE OPTION: To freeze for longer, I recommend doing so in small portions (i.e. ice cube trays are a great trick) so it both freezes and defrosts more quickly and evenly. This should be done in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn for a longer time. Be sure to leave a little room at the tops of the container by not filling it with hummus all the way since the hummus will expand during the freezing process. Lastly, add a thin layer of lemon juice or olive oil to create a barrier against bacteria during the freezing process.
Nutrition
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