Creamy Hummus Recipe

Creamy Dreamy Homemade Hummus Recipe for Snack Lovers

Smooth, creamy hummus has become a beloved staple in Mediterranean cuisine, with its rich garlic hummus recipe capturing the hearts of food lovers everywhere.

Bold flavors dance through this simple yet remarkable dip that takes minutes to prepare.

Chickpeas blend seamlessly with tahini, creating a velvety texture that melts on your tongue.

Each ingredient brings its own character to this classic spread, turning an ordinary snack into something extraordinary.

Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika, this hummus offers a delightful experience that transcends basic appetizers.

Serve it with warm pita or crisp vegetables, and watch as friends gather around, eager to savor every smooth bite.

Your next gathering deserves this crowd-pleasing sensation that promises to be the star of any spread.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients in Classic Hummus

For Base Ingredients:
  • Chickpeas: Creamy protein-packed legume that forms the heart of hummus, choose soft and tender varieties for best texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps soften chickpeas and create ultra-smooth consistency when cooking canned beans.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds zesty tang and balances rich chickpea base, fresh lemons yield best flavor.
  • Garlic: Pungent aromatic that provides depth and classic Mediterranean kick, select firm cloves with no green sprouts.
  • Sea Salt: Amplifies overall taste and brings out subtle nuances in hummus, use fine-grain for even distribution.
  • Ground Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that introduces subtle smokiness and traditional Middle Eastern profile.
For Creamy Binders:
  • Tahini: Nutty sesame paste that creates silky texture and adds rich, complex undertone, choose pure, well-stirred varieties.
  • Ice Water: Helps achieve perfect whipped consistency and lightens dense mixture, use sparingly for ideal smoothness.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil that adds luxurious mouthfeel and fruity notes, select cold-pressed for best flavor.
For Garnishes:
  • Olive Oil: Additional drizzle for visual appeal and extra richness.
  • Ground Sumac: Tangy, lemony spice that introduces vibrant color and zingy accent.
  • Paprika: Mild pepper powder offering warm color and subtle heat.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that provides fresh, green contrast and aromatic finish.

Tools for Smooth and Creamy Hummus

  • Food Processor: Essential for creating silky smooth hummus and blending all ingredients perfectly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent flavor and texture.
  • Spatula: Helps scrape down sides of processor and transfer hummus smoothly.
  • Sharp Knife: For finely chopping garlic and garnishing with fresh parsley.
  • Mixing Bowl: Used for transferring and serving the finished hummus.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Directions to Make the Best Hummus

  • Chickpea Preparation

Soak dried chickpeas overnight in cool water. Drain and simmer with a pinch of baking soda until tender and soft, allowing them to become creamy and delicate.

  • Flavor Foundation

Crush fresh garlic cloves and squeeze ripe lemons, combining their zesty essence with a touch of sea salt. Let the mixture rest and develop deep, rich flavors.

  • Tahini Transformation

Whisk smooth tahini into the garlic mixture, creating a silky base that will give the hummus its signature creamy texture. Blend until perfectly integrated.

  • Liquid Magic

Gradually introduce chilled water while continuing to blend, watching the mixture transform into a luxurious, velvety consistency that’s light and airy.

  • Final Fusion

Incorporate the soft chickpeas and a generous splash of high-quality olive oil. Blend thoroughly until the hummus reaches a cloud-like smoothness that melts on the tongue.

  • Elegant Presentation

Transfer the hummus to a beautiful serving dish. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with warm paprika, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a stunning finish.

Ideal Tips for Homemade Hummus

  • Elevate Your Dip Game
  • Peeling chickpeas creates an ultra-silky smooth hummus. Gently squeeze each bean between your fingers to remove the thin skin before blending.
  • Choose high-quality, fresh tahini for the most incredible flavor. Stir the jar thoroughly before measuring to ensure even oil distribution.
  • Roast garlic beforehand for a deeper, mellower flavor profile. Simply wrap whole garlic head in foil and bake at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until golden and soft.
  • Experiment with mix-ins like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to create unique hummus variations that'll wow your guests.
  • Hummus stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Top with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent drying and maintain that creamy consistency.

Serving Hummus for Snacking or Sharing

  • Snack Stadium: Create a stunning hummus platter with colorful vegetable sticks, pita chips, and crackers arranged like a game day spread. Guests will love diving into this delicious centerpiece.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Magic: Surround the hummus with olives, feta cheese, cucumber slices, and warm grilled flatbread. This authentic presentation transforms the dip into a complete Mediterranean experience.
  • Breakfast Boost: Spread the creamy hummus on toasted sourdough, top with soft-boiled eggs, a sprinkle of za'atar, and fresh microgreens. It's a protein-packed morning meal that feels gourmet and satisfying.
  • Veggie Vessel Adventure: Use the hummus as a base for roasted vegetable bowls, adding grilled zucchini, roasted bell peppers, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This turns a simple dip into a hearty, nutritious meal.

Storing Fresh Hummus for Later

  • Fridge Freshness Trick: Store your homemade hummus in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent drying and maintain creamy texture. This method keeps it fresh for 4-5 days.
  • Freezing Magic: Portion hummus into freezer-safe containers, leaving a small space at the top for expansion. Sealed correctly, it stays delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.
  • Flavor Enhancement Hack: Let refrigerated hummus sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its original silky consistency and bring out deeper flavors.
  • Dipping Duo Strategy: Prepare extra batches when making hummus. Keep one container in the fridge for immediate snacking and freeze another for quick future meals. Pair with fresh vegetables, warm pita bread, or use as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
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Creamy Hummus Recipe

Creamy Hummus Recipe


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4.5 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Mediterranean chefs have perfected this silky hummus recipe with chickpea richness and subtle garlic notes. Creamy textures and smooth flavors invite you to savor each delightful spoonful of Middle Eastern comfort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas
  • 0.5 cup tahini
  • 0.25 cup lemon juice (from 1.5 to 2 lemons)
  • 1 medium-to-large clove garlic, roughly chopped
  • 2 to 4 tbsps ice water
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • Drizzle of olive oil (for garnish)
  • Sprinkle of ground sumac or paprika (for garnish)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Chickpea Preparation: Soak dried chickpeas with baking soda in water, boiling gently for 20 minutes until softened. Drain and rinse thoroughly to remove baking soda residue.
  2. Flavor Base: Combine garlic, lemon juice, and kosher salt in food processor, pulsing until fragrant. Let the mixture rest to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
  3. Tahini Integration: Incorporate tahini into the processor, blending comprehensively and scraping sides to create a uniform mixture.
  4. Texture Refinement: Stream ice-cold water while processing, calibrating consistency to achieve a silky, spreadable texture that’s neither too dense nor watery.
  5. Final Blending: Introduce ground cumin, prepared chickpeas, and extra virgin olive oil. Process for 2 minutes until achieving an ultra-smooth, creamy composition.
  6. Seasoning and Presentation: Adjust flavors with additional salt, lemon juice, or cumin to taste. Transfer to serving bowl, creating a gentle central well. Embellish with a drizzle of premium olive oil, a sprinkle of sweet paprika, and delicate parsley leaves for a sophisticated finish.

Notes

  • Soak Strategically: Add baking soda to softened chickpeas to break down tough skins, ensuring ultra-creamy hummus texture.
  • Garlic Infusion Technique: Let garlic and lemon sit together for 10 minutes to mellow harsh flavors and create deeper taste complexity.
  • Blend with Precision: Process hummus for at least 2 minutes to achieve maximum smoothness, periodically scraping processor sides for consistent mixing.
  • Temperature Matters: Use ice-cold water and room temperature tahini to create perfect emulsification and prevent separation of ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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