Hummus is one of the most iconic and widely enjoyed dishes to come from the Middle East. Smooth, creamy, and rich with nutty sesame flavour, this humble chickpea dip has travelled far beyond its regional roots to become a global favourite. Whether served as a dip, spread, or side dish, hummus is valued for both its flavour and versatility.
The origins of hummus stretch across the Levant and surrounding Middle Eastern regions, where chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and garlic have long been staple ingredients. Traditionally enjoyed with flatbreads and fresh vegetables, hummus has been part of everyday meals for centuries. Each region and household has its own preferred balance of lemon, garlic, and tahini, making hummus deeply personal as well as cultural.
This authentic hummus recipe focuses on traditional preparation techniques used throughout the Middle East. By using simple ingredients and careful blending, it delivers a smooth, well-balanced hummus with a light, creamy texture and clean flavour, suitable for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (if using dried chickpeas)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 240 g cooked chickpeas (or 120 g dried chickpeas, soaked and cooked)
- 120 g tahini (sesame paste)
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish (Optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Paprika or ground cumin
- Whole chickpeas
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in plenty of water, then cook until very soft. Drain well.
- For extra smooth hummus, gently rub cooked chickpeas between your fingers to remove loose skins.
- Add tahini and lemon juice to a food processor and blend for 1 minute until creamy and pale.
- Add minced garlic, cumin, and salt. Blend again until fully combined.
- Add the cooked chickpeas and blend for 1–2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the ice-cold water until the hummus becomes light and smooth.
- Add olive oil and blend for another 30 seconds.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or salt if needed.
- Transfer hummus to a serving bowl and smooth the surface with the back of a spoon.
- Drizzle with olive oil and garnish as desired before serving.
Cooking Tips & Variations
- Removing chickpea skins results in a noticeably smoother hummus.
- Ice-cold water helps emulsify the tahini and creates a lighter texture.
- For roasted garlic hummus, replace raw garlic with roasted cloves.
- Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for flavoured variations.
- For a spicy version, blend in a small amount of chilli paste or harissa.
- Chickpeas can be substituted with white beans for a slightly different texture.
What to Serve With Hummus
- Warm pita bread or flatbread
- Fresh vegetable sticks such as carrots, cucumbers, and peppers
- Falafel or grilled vegetables
- Olives and pickles
- As a spread in wraps and sandwiches
Storage & Reheating
Hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, allow it to come to room temperature and stir well. Add a small drizzle of olive oil or water if it thickens. Hummus is not suitable for freezing, as the texture may become grainy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make hummus without tahini?
Yes, but tahini is essential for authentic flavour. Without it, the hummus will taste less rich.
Why does my hummus taste bitter?
This is often caused by low-quality tahini or over-blending olive oil. Always use good-quality tahini.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, canned chickpeas work well, but rinsing them thoroughly improves flavour and texture.
Final Thoughts
Hummus is a timeless Middle Eastern dish that proves how simple ingredients can create something truly special. This authentic recipe delivers a smooth, balanced hummus that is versatile, nourishing, and easy to prepare at home. Whether served as a dip, spread, or side, it remains a staple worth mastering in any kitchen.
This dish is part of our Middle Eastern collection and pairs beautifully with recipes such as Shawarma and falafel.
