Authentic Hummus with Tahini (Better than Store-Bought!)

If you’re looking for the perfect dip recipe, then you have got to try my hummus with tahini! The smooth, creamy texture of the garbanzo beans, the nutty tahini, and the tangy lemon juice, all perfectly seasoned with garlic and cumin, come together to create a mouthwatering dip that’s better than store-bought hummus!

Hummus with tahini has quickly become a household favorite in America and for a good reason! Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s healthy too! And what’s best is that it’s one of the easiest dips to whip together using a handful of ingredients. My recipe will teach you the best way to make authentic homemade hummus!

Why I Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This hummus recipe is incredibly simple to whip up. With a food processor and a handful of ingredients, you can have a delicious dip ready in no time.
• 10-minute recipe: From start to finish, this recipe only takes ten minutes to make! This makes it perfect for times when you’re looking for something delicious but fast!
• Versatile: This hummus is so versatile! Serve it as an appetizer with pita bread or veggies, use it as a spread for sandwiches, or even as a dressing for salads. The possibilities are endless!

Key Ingredients

• Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans: These are the main ingredient in any hummus recipe. They give the hummus its classic texture and are packed with protein and fiber. 
• Tahini: This is a paste made from sesame seeds and it gives the hummus a unique, nutty flavor. It is a key ingredient in traditional hummus recipes.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This gives your hummus a smooth, creamy texture and adds a hint of rich, savory flavor. 
• Garlic: Garlic cloves give your hummus a slight kick and depth of flavor. It is what makes homemade hummus taste so fresh and authentic.
• Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt enhances all the other flavors in the hummus. It is important to add just the right amount to bring out the best in the other ingredients without overpowering them.
• Cumin: Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the hummus. It’s a subtle touch that makes a big difference and adds that classic Middle Eastern flavor. 

Equipment

• Food Processor – A food processor is essential in achieving the perfect texture. It breaks down the garbanzo beans, tahini, garlic, and other ingredients into a creamy, smooth dip. If you don’t own one, a blender can work as an alternative, but the hummus may not be as smooth.
• Can Opener – This tool is necessary to open your canned chickpeas. While it might seem like a no-brainer, it is a critical part of the prep time for this recipe.
• Garlic Press – While not strictly necessary, a garlic press can save you time and effort. It also makes sure that garlic is finely minced, which helps distribute its flavor more evenly throughout the hummus.

How to Make Hummus with Tahini

Preparation

Begin by draining your canned beans, keeping the liquid aside, and placing them in your food processor. This recipe uses a can of garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas.

Step One – Add Ingredients to the Food Processor

Juice half of a large lemon, roughly equating to about two tablespoons, and add it to the beans in your food processor. Add three heaping tablespoons of tahini, two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, one garlic clove, half a teaspoon of salt, and an eighth of a teaspoon of ground cumin to the mixture.

Step Two – Puree the Mixture

Turn on your food processor and puree the ingredients until a thick texture is formed. This is the start of your homemade hummus recipe.

Step Three – Add Reserved Bean Liquid

While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in a quarter cup of the reserved bean liquid to thin out the mixture to your desired consistency. If needed, add more liquid, or adjust the flavor with additional lemon, garlic, or salt to match your taste preference.

Step Four – Serve the Hummus

Once the hummus recipe has reached your desired texture and flavor, it is ready to serve! Transfer it to a bowl and serve. 

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best hummus recipe, always use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic cloves, lemon juice, and tahini will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to their bottled or pre-packaged counterparts.
• Adjust to Taste: After blending the initial ingredients in your food processor, taste your hummus. If needed, add more lemon, garlic, or salt to preference. Remember, this recipe is a guide, and the best hummus is one that suits your palate. 
• Experiment with Garnishes: Once your hummus is ready, don’t be afraid to experiment with different garnishes. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper, or a handful of fresh parsley can add an extra layer of flavor and make your dish look more appealing.

Recipe Variations

• Red Pepper Hummus: Add a zing to your hummus with roasted red peppers. Blend in a couple of roasted red peppers to the food processor while pureeing the mixture. This variation not only adds a beautiful color to your hummus but also a tangy flavor that pairs well with pita chips.
• Garlicky Hummus: For garlic lovers, this variation is a must-try. Simply add two extra garlic cloves to the food processor for an intensified garlic flavor. This will give your hummus a rich, aromatic garlic punch that is perfect for garlic bread.
• Paprika Hummus: If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, add a teaspoon of paprika to the hummus mixture. This will give your hummus a unique smoky flavor and a beautiful color. Sprinkle some extra paprika on top as a garnish before serving.

What to Serve With

• For a light and healthy lunch, spread this hummus on a piece of whole grain bread, topped with fresh veggies like cucumber, tomato, and lettuce. The creamy texture and savory flavor of the hummus pairs perfectly with the crunch of the fresh vegetables.
• Looking for a quick and tasty appetizer? Serve this hummus with pita chips or thinly sliced pita bread. The crunch of the pita chips combined with the smooth, creamy hummus is a match made in food heaven.
• Planning a BBQ or picnic? This hummus is a great dip for grilled vegetables or as a spread on grilled chicken or turkey sandwiches. The smoky, grilled flavor complements the creamy, savory hummus perfectly.
• Want a low-calorie, high-protein post-workout snack? Serve this hummus with carrot and celery sticks. The hummus provides the protein and the veggies give the crunch and hydration you need after a workout.

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: After enjoying your homemade hummus recipe, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This appetizer will keep its flavor and texture for up to four days when properly stored.
• Freezing: While some dips can be frozen, hummus isn’t one of them. The texture of the tahini and canned chickpeas doesn’t hold up well in the freezer. If you have a large batch, it is best to share it with friends or store it in the fridge.

Serving Size

• What to Expect: This recipe makes enough hummus with tahini to serve four adults. 
• How to Scale: If you want to make more than four servings, you can double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Make sure your food processor is large enough. If it isn’t, you can do two batches to get the same results.

This recipe was originally published in 2014. It has been updated with more detailed information and new photos. The recipe remains the same.