Ina Garten’s Smooth Hummus Recipe: Simple & Silky

Ina Garten’s hummus transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that dances between creamy comfort and zesty excitement.

Mediterranean traditions whisper through this velvety blend, promising a dip that elevates any gathering.

Smooth chickpea textures mingle with bright citrus notes, creating something far beyond a simple spread.

Garlic’s robust essence weaves through each silky spoonful, awakening taste buds with complex layers of flavor.

Kitchen enthusiasts adore how quickly this recipe comes together, turning minimal effort into maximum satisfaction.

Rich tahini provides luxurious depth, while olive oil adds a subtle Mediterranean warmth.

Her signature approach turns humble ingredients into something extraordinary, making homemade feel effortlessly gourmet: gather your ingredients and prepare to be amazed.

Why Ina Garten Hummus Recipe Is a Creamy Crowd-Pleaser

• Craft Creamy Perfection: This hummus recipe transforms simple ingredients into a silky, luxurious dip that feels like a culinary masterpiece in just minutes. The food processor does all the hard work, blending chickpeas into a smooth, dreamy texture that's impossible to resist.
• Customize with Confidence: Each batch becomes a personal flavor adventure, allowing you to tweak and adjust seasonings until they match your exact taste preferences. The flexible recipe welcomes your creativity, whether you want a zingier lemon punch or a touch more garlic.
• Instant Entertaining Magic: Whip up this crowd-pleasing dip in under 10 minutes, making it a lifesaver for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings. The elegant finish of olive oil and toasted pignoli nuts transforms a simple spread into a restaurant-worthy appetizer that looks and tastes impressive.

What Goes Into Ina Garten Hummus

Main Ingredients:

Chickpeas: Creamy base that gives hummus its signature texture and protein-packed goodness. Choose canned or freshly cooked chickpeas for best results.

Tahini: Rich sesame seed paste that adds nutty depth and smooth consistency to the hummus. Look for high-quality, well-stirred tahini.

Garlic: Provides sharp, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dip. Fresh garlic cloves are best for maximum flavor punch.

Flavor Enhancers:

Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that cuts through richness and adds zesty tang. Fresh-squeezed lemons offer the most vibrant flavor.

Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and intensifies all other flavors in the hummus.

Tabasco: Optional spicy kick that brings subtle heat to the creamy dip.

Finishing Touches:

Olive Oil: Rich, fruity drizzle that adds luxurious sheen and extra flavor when served. Choose extra virgin olive oil for best taste.

Pignoli Nuts: Toasted pine nuts that provide delightful crunch and nutty accent as a garnish. Lightly toast for maximum flavor and aroma.

How to Make Ultra Smooth Hummus

Step 1: Gather Your Flavor Warriors

• Chickpeas (canned or freshly cooked)
• Tahini
• Fresh garlic
• Lemon
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Water or chickpea liquid
• Tabasco sauce (optional)
• Food processor

Ensure everything is fresh and ready to transform into creamy deliciousness.

Step 2: Blend Like a Pro

Toss all ingredients into your food processor with its steel blade. Start pulsing and blending until the mixture becomes a smooth, velvety dream. Watch as the chickpeas surrender their texture and merge into a gorgeous, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Taste and Tweak

Take a moment to sample your dish. This is where magic happens! Add extra lemon for brightness, more salt for depth, or a splash of olive oil for richness. Trust your taste buds and make this hummus uniquely yours.

Step 4: Dress to Impress

Transfer your hummus to a beautiful serving dish. Drizzle generously with olive oil, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, and add a dash of paprika or za’atar for an exciting flavor explosion.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Enjoy immediately at room temperature or chill for a bit. Pair with warm pita, crisp vegetables, or enjoy as a delightful dip that’ll make everyone at your gathering ask for the recipe.

Tips for Flavor-Rich Hummus Bowls

• Blend Like a Pro: Pulse the food processor to achieve a smooth, creamy texture without overworking the ingredients. Stop and scrape down the sides to ensure every bit gets incorporated perfectly.
• Garlic Game Changer: Roast whole garlic cloves before adding to soften their sharp bite and create a deeper, more mellow flavor that transforms the entire hummus.
• Serving Swagger: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil on top and sprinkle with paprika or za'atar for a restaurant-worthy presentation that adds both visual appeal and extra flavor layers.
• Storage Savvy: Keep homemade hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve and develop more depth after the first day.
• Customize with Confidence: Experiment by adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or a handful of fresh herbs to make the recipe uniquely yours while keeping the classic creamy base.

How to Store Freshly Made Hummus

• Vacuum Seal Method: Protect your hummus by removing all air using a vacuum sealer. This technique dramatically extends refrigerator life, preventing oxidation and maintaining peak freshness for up to 10 days. Professional chefs swear by this preservation technique.
• Surface Oil Protection: Create a protective olive oil barrier on top of your hummus before sealing. Just pour a thin layer that acts like a natural shield against bacteria and moisture. This Mediterranean trick preserves texture and prevents quick spoilage.
• Temperature Zone Strategy: Always store hummus in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf away from the door. Consistent cool temperatures between 35-40°F slow bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor integrity. Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations that can compromise your hummus quality.

Add-Ons for Personalizing Your Hummus

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Blend fresh parsley, mint, and dill into the hummus for a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that transports you straight to a Greek island.
• Roasted Red Pepper Kick: Introduce fire-roasted red peppers to the base, creating a smoky, sweet undertone that adds depth and rich color to the classic hummus.
• Spicy Harissa Fusion: Mix in harissa paste for a North African-inspired version that brings a slow-burning heat and complex warmth to the creamy chickpea spread.
• Caramelized Onion Comfort: Fold in slowly caramelized onions for a sweet, mellow richness that transforms the hummus into a more substantial and deeply flavored appetizer.

Scooping the Last Bite of Ina’s Hummus

Mediterranean culinary magic unfolds through Ina Garten’s hummus masterpiece.

Fresh ingredients merge into creamy perfection with minimal effort.

Rich tahini and zesty lemon create complex flavor profiles that seduce palates.

Mediterranean traditions whisper through each smooth chickpea bite.

Mediterranean comfort arrives without complicated techniques – just pure, honest ingredients waiting to connect you with pure gustatory joy.

Scroll down, share this delectable discovery with friends craving authentic flavors, comment with your hummus adventures, and spread deliciousness across social platforms!

Baked Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible Chinese orange chicken brings zesty flavors from traditional Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. Crispy chicken pieces glazed with tangy orange sauce create a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper

Coating and Base:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (use instant for a shortcut)
• 0.33 cup cornstarch (for chicken)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 0.25 cup white wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 0.33 cup packed brown sugar (preferably dark)
• 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated or finely minced ginger
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne

Garnish:

• 1 handful of sliced almonds

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Instructions

1. Prepare the rice according to the package instructions, ensuring fluffy and perfectly cooked grains that will serve as a delectable base for the chicken.
2. Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a large non-stick baking sheet to prevent sticking.
3. Season chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
4. Coat the chicken thoroughly with cornstarch in two stages, first sprinkling half the amount and tossing, then adding the remaining cornstarch and tossing again to create an even, crispy exterior.
5. Arrange the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to promote even cooking and crispy texture.
6. Bake the chicken for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked through and golden brown.
7. While the chicken bakes, create the vibrant orange sauce by whisking together chicken broth, fresh orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, orange zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a separate bowl.
8. Transfer the sauce mixture to a frying pan and heat over medium-high heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
9. In a small bowl, dissolve additional cornstarch with of water, creating a smooth slurry.
10. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
11. Reduce the heat to low and gently fold the baked chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the tangy, sweet orange glaze.
12. Serve the chicken immediately over the prepared rice, garnishing with toasted sliced almonds for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Prep ahead saves time and makes cooking smoother when ingredients are measured and chopped before starting.
• Cornstarch coating creates a crispy exterior that locks in chicken’s moisture during baking.
• Using fresh orange juice and zest dramatically enhances the sauce’s authentic citrus flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
• High-quality chicken breasts or thighs work best, ensuring tender and juicy results after baking.
• Adjust cayenne pepper量 for desired heat level, allowing personalization of spice intensity without compromising overall recipe balance.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Roasting
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg