Easy Favorite Hummus

If you’re a fan of creamy, flavorful dips that pair perfectly with your favorite snacks, then this Easy Favorite Hummus recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meze platter, this hummus is not only incredibly simple to whip up but also packed with nutrition. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a velvety smooth dip that’s bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into the details of making this delightful hummus.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Easy Favorite Hummus is:

• Quick and Simple: Ready in just 10 minutes!
• Versatile: Perfect for dipping, spreading, or even drizzling over salads.
• Customizable: Adjust the flavors to suit your palate.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas.
• Delicious: A crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

The Ingredient Lineup

To make your Easy Favorite Hummus, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 heaping 1/4 cup tahini: This sesame seed paste adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
• 3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for that zesty brightness.
• 1 large clove garlic: Peeled and minced (or 2 smaller cloves) for a robust taste.
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil: Plus more for serving; adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: For a warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika: Enhances color and flavor; add more for garnishing.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning.
• A pinch of cayenne pepper: Optional for a spicy kick.
• One 15-ounce can garbanzo beans: I use no-salt-added beans, rinsed and drained over a bowl with liquid reserved.
• About 2 to 4 tablespoons reserved bean liquid: Added to taste for consistency.

Recommended Tools

To make this Easy Favorite Hummus, you might find these tools helpful:

• Food processor: For blending ingredients to a smooth consistency.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.
• Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the processor and ensure everything is mixed well.
• Serving bowl: For presenting your delicious hummus.

Stepwise Method: Easy Favorite Hummus

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and make sure the chickpeas are rinsed and drained. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel the chickpeas, but this is optional.

Step 2: Blend the Base

In a food processor, combine the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until everything is well blended.

Step 3: Add the Chickpeas

Add the drained garbanzo beans to the mixture. Blend until the mixture is smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 4: Adjust the Consistency

With the machine running, gradually add 2 to 4 tablespoons of the reserved bean liquid until you reach your desired consistency. The hummus should be creamy but not too runny.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Taste your hummus and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lemon juice, salt, or spices to suit your liking.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with additional olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika or smoked paprika. Serve with your choice of dippers.

Swap Guide

Feel free to customize your hummus with these swaps:

• Tahini: Substitute with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
• Lemon juice: Lime juice can be used for a different citrus twist.
• Garlic: Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.
• Olive oil: Avocado oil can replace olive oil for a different taste.

If You’re Curious

Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip made primarily from chickpeas and tahini. It’s been enjoyed for centuries and is not only delicious but also nutritious. The combination of chickpeas and tahini provides a good source of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying snack.

• The word “hummus” comes from the Arabic word for chickpeas.
• Hummus can be found in various flavors such as roasted red pepper, garlic, and olive tapenade.
• This dip is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
• Hummus has been known to aid in digestion due to its high fiber content.

Storing Tips & Timelines

To keep your Easy Favorite Hummus fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the hummus. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
• When freezing, leave space in the container for expansion.
• Thaw frozen hummus in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving.

Quick Q&A

Can I make hummus without tahini?

Yes, you can make hummus without tahini. Substitute it with sunflower seed butter or simply increase the amount of olive oil for creaminess.

How can I make hummus spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

What can I serve with hummus?

Hummus pairs well with a variety of dippers such as pita chips, crackers, fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, or even spread on sandwiches.

Is hummus healthy?

Absolutely! Hummus is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for snacking. It’s also rich in healthy fats from tahini and olive oil.

Serve & Enjoy

Now that you have your Easy Favorite Hummus ready, it’s time to dig in! Serve it at your next gathering, or keep it in the fridge for a quick snack throughout the week. Whether you enjoy it with crispy veggies, crunchy pita chips, or slathered on a sandwich, this hummus is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Enjoy the creamy goodness and the delightful flavors of this easy-to-make classic!