Making Hummus from Scratch: A Complete Guide

Making Hummus from Scratch: A Complete Guide

For many, hummus is more than just a simple dip. Originating in the Middle East, this versatile dish has become a beloved favorite all over the world. Its creamy texture, nutty flavor, and nutritious nature make it a go-to for snacks, appetizers, and meals.

But store-bought hummus can never match the homemade goodness of getting your hands dirty and making your hummus from scratch. In this article, we’ll explore what goes into making this beloved dish and how you can make the best hummus from scratch. We’ll also share some delightful hummus recipes, tips, and tricks to make your hummus-making experience as smooth as possible.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hummus from Scratch

Let’s start by talking about the essential “base” ingredients that go into making hummus. You’ll need:

• Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), dried or canned
• Tahini (sesame paste)
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic

Optional ingredients include salt, cumin, or paprika, to adjust the flavor and add a bit of color to your finished product. You’ll also need a food processor or blender and a spoon or spatula to scrape down the sides.

Now that we know what we need, let’s jump into the step-by-step process:

1. Start by soaking dried chickpeas overnight or cooking them according to instructions. If using canned chickpeas, rinse thoroughly.
2. Place the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic in a food processor. Process on high until the ingredients become a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Taste and adjust the flavor with additional salt, lemon juice, or tahini according to preferences.
4. If the texture is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Serve your hummus plain or garnished with an extra drizzle of olive oil, paprika, cumin, or chopped herbs.

There’s a fine balance between achieving creamy, smooth consistency and over-processing the mixture. Keep a close eye on your food processor or blender and stop processing once you have reached your desired texture.

The Perfect Hummus Recipe for Any Occasion

Besides the classic recipe, there are several variations to hummus that make it a versatile dish for any occasion. Here’s a basic recipe that serves as the “foundation” for all types of hummus:

• 1 and 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4-1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1/4 cup water

Once you have your base, here are some delicious variations of hummus that are perfect for different occasions

Roasted Garlic Hummus

This is a twist on the classic recipe, adding in the rich flavor of roasted garlic. It gives your hummus a smoky aroma and delicate taste. For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 head Garlic roasted
• 1 batch of hummus
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 cup water (if needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Roast the garlic by cutting off the top of the head of garlic, drizzling with olive oil, and baking in an oven at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. Allow to cool and squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and add them to the base recipe ingredients. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed to thin out to your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or cumin to taste.

Avocado-Lime Hummus

Adding in some avocado adds nutrients and elements of flavor to your hummus, and a good dose of healthy fats. Make sure your avocados are ripe and soft to avoid any lumps in your hummus. Ingredients for this recipe include:

• 1 Ripe avocado peeled and pitted
• 1 batch of hummus
• 2 Tbsp Lime juice
• 1/4 Cup water (if needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Blend your ripe avocado with the basic recipe in step 2 of making hummus. Add water to thin it down if needed. Squeeze in some lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spicy Hummus

Adding in diced peppers or crushed red pepper flakes adds the vibrancy of heat to your hummus. For all spice lovers out there, try the following recipe

• 1 to 2 red peppers
• 1 batch of hummus
• 1/4 -1/2 tsp Cayenne(red pepper) powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

First, roast the red peppers on the stove or oven until they’re charred. Remove and allow them to cool completely before peeling and deseeding. Add the roasted peppers into the base and blend. Add cayenne and season with salt and pepper to taste.

These variations are just starting points. You can create your versions of hummus by mixing and balancing flavors and ingredients that suit your tastes and preferences.

The History and Cultural Significance of Hummus

Hummus is more than just a flavor and dip for the Middle East region. This dish has cultural and historical connections. Hummus originated from the Levant area which comprises Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, and others. Even in ancient times, hummus was a staple in the diets of people living in the region.

The dip that you love today has ancient roots dating back to the 12th century when chickpeas were first produced in Mesopotamia. The chickpea spread widely from Mesopotamia to the Mediterranean, including the Middle East region. It wasn’t until the 13th century that people started using chickpeas as the main ingredient of hummus in the region.

In the Arab word, “hummus” means chickpea. It was initially more prominent among the poor class of Arab society, but later, thanks to its nutritious benefits, it gained importance in the average and social elite class. Today, hummus is even part of the Israeli culinary culture, often accompanied by pita bread and vegetables like cucumbers, olives, and tomatoes.

Top 5 Creative Hummus Recipes to Try

Here are the top 5 creative hummus recipes that will help you to enjoy hummus in every possible way.

White Bean Hummus

Replacing the traditional chickpeas with white beans allows you to switch up the flavor of your hummus. Creamy and velvety white beans make for an equally creamy hummus.

• 1 can of cannellini beans
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Add everything to the blender or food processor and puree until smooth.

Beet Hummus

Adding beetroot to your hummus gives a fuchsia color and savoriness to your dip. Here is a recipe for beet hummus:

• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 Beet roasted
• 3 Tbsp Tahini
• 1 small garlic clove
• 2-3 Tbsp Lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 2-3 Tbsp Olive oil (plus more for serving)

Start by roasting your beetroots in the oven, and when they’re cool, add the roasted beets to the hummus base and blend. Add salt, lemon juice, garlic, and tahini, and blend once more. Add in olive oil until you reach a smooth texture.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Roasted red pepper hummus makes great use of the sweet, smoky flavor of red bell peppers.

• 1 Can chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1 red pepper roasted
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 Tbsp Tahini
• 2 Tbsp Lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 Tsp smoked paprika
• 2 Tbsp Olive oil

Puree everything until smooth and creamy. Add salt and black pepper to taste as well as the paprika, lemon juice, and garlic.

Chipotle hummus

Spicy chipotle pairs so well with the creamy chickpea hummus.

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil (depending on desired consistency)
• 1/4 cup well-stirred tahini (sesame seed paste)

Add everything, except olive oil into a food processor. Puree until smooth and begin slowly drizzling in the olive oil.

Edamame Hummus

Edamame makes a fantastic addition to a hummus recipe.

• 1 Cup cooked edamame
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 Tbsp tahini
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp Olive oil

Puree everything in a blender or food processor until smooth.

The Benefits of Incorporating Hummus into Your Diet

Humus is more than just a tasty treat; it’s nutritious as well.

Hummus is a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Chickpeas have all nine essential amino acids, making them complete proteins. It is also high in vitamins B6, K, and C, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. A tablespoon of Tahini, the hummus recipe essential ingredient, contains minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium, which are beneficial for bones and muscles.

Studies show that incorporating hummus into your diet might have heart health benefits. It can also help with weight management as it’s high in protein and fiber, which helps you stay full and prevent overeating. It has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Conclusion

Now you have everything you need to start making your hummus great from scratch. Following these recipes, tips, and cooking methods, you can quickly create the perfect hummus for any occasion.

Humus has a rich history, is culturally significant, and is also a nutritious dish. The best part is, hummus is so versatile that you can customize it to your liking and incorporate it into your everyday meals.