Classic Hummus Recipe
Classic hummus is one of those sensational recipes that manages to be both comforting and impressive at every gathering. This Delicious Recipe turns humble chickpeas into a creamy, garlicky dip that you’ll want to eat straight from the bowl. Bursting with bold flavors from lemon, tahini, and roasted garlic, it’s a beautiful canvas for your favorite garnishes. Whether you’re sharing it at a potluck or enjoying it as a snack, this irresistible hummus is a celebration of simplicity and good taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Delicious Recipe is in how a handful of simple ingredients, when combined with care, transform into something truly magical. Each ingredient adds its own unique depth—some for boldness, some for creamy richness, and others for that irresistible tang and aroma.
- Chickpeas: The heart and soul of hummus, chickpeas bring earthy flavor and a creamy texture—canned or freshly cooked both work beautifully!
- Baking soda: Optional, but it helps you easily peel chickpeas for the creamiest blend possible.
- Tahini paste: This rich sesame seed paste adds nutty depth and smoothness.
- Roasted garlic cloves: Roasting mellows the garlic’s bite, making the flavor complex and inviting.
- Fresh lemon juice: A splash of citrus lifts the hummus with a bright, fresh tang.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness, both blended in and drizzled on top.
- Cumin: Just a pinch brings warmth and subtle spice to the dip.
- Salt: Crucial for bringing out all the flavors—taste and adjust as you go.
- Cayenne pepper: Optional, but a touch offers gentle heat in each bite.
- Paprika and fresh parsley: For garnishing, these add color and a burst of freshness.
How to Make Classic Hummus Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Peel the Chickpeas
If you’re starting with canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them under cold water. For that ultra-silky consistency that sets this Delicious Recipe apart, take the optional extra step of peeling the chickpeas. Warm them in a skillet with some baking soda, then rinse and agitate them in cold water—the skins will slip off easily, letting you toss them away. You can also peel each chickpea individually for the smoothest results, but don’t stress if you skip this; your hummus will still turn out delicious.
Step 2: Process Everything Together
Set aside a handful of whole chickpeas for garnish. In your food processor, add the peeled chickpeas, tahini paste, roasted garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and cayenne. Blend everything together until the hummus turns velvety smooth. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides once or twice, ensuring that nothing escapes the blades!
Step 3: Adjust Flavors and Texture
Taste your hummus and see if it needs a little more salt, lemon juice, or garlic—this is your moment to make it uniquely yours. If the mix seems too thick, drizzle in a bit of lukewarm water and give it another whirl in the food processor until you reach that perfect, dippable consistency.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the creamy hummus into a shallow bowl and swirl the top to create a little well. Drizzle with extra olive oil, sprinkle on a dash of paprika and chopped fresh parsley, and top with the reserved chickpeas. This final flourish makes the Delicious Recipe every bit as inviting to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
How to Serve Classic Hummus Recipe
Garnishes
The magic is in the finishing touches! A drizzle of robust extra virgin olive oil, a dash of paprika, a scattering of fresh chopped parsley, and a few whole chickpeas instantly elevate the presentation and flavor. These garnishes brighten up your hummus both visually and with every bite.
Side Dishes
Classic hummus pairs perfectly with warm, fluffy pita bread, crunchy pita chips, or crisp fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. It’s also a great addition to a Mediterranean mezze platter, accompanied by olives, tabbouleh, and falafel.
Creative Ways to Present
Want your Delicious Recipe to be the star of the table? Try spreading it into individual jars with layered veggies or piped in elegant swirls on a serving board. Or, make a “hummus bowl” topped with roasted chickpeas, pine nuts, or za’atar for a satisfying and show-stopping snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to five days, making it a fantastic make-ahead snack or lunchbox addition.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze hummus! Scoop it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. This Delicious Recipe is just as tasty after a gentle stir post-thaw.
Reheating
Hummus is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer yours warm, gently heat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Warming can revive the creamy texture, especially if it’s been chilled or frozen.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned for this Delicious Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply soak and cook dried chickpeas until tender. Many hummus aficionados love the flavor and texture dried chickpeas provide—just budget a little extra time for cooking.
What can I substitute for tahini in the Delicious Recipe if I can’t find it?
If tahini isn’t available, try sunflower seed butter or even smooth peanut butter for a different but still delicious result. Each will offer its own unique nutty flavor to the hummus.
Is baking soda really necessary for peeling chickpeas?
Not at all, but it certainly makes peeling much faster and easier. The baking soda helps the chickpea skins separate, resulting in creamier hummus, but if you’re short on time or prefer to skip it, your Delicious Recipe will still turn out great.
Can I add other flavors to this Delicious Recipe?
Definitely! Smoky roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, olives, or fresh herbs all make terrific additions. Hummus is endlessly versatile, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.
How do I make this Delicious Recipe oil-free?
Simply omit the olive oil from the blend and use water to adjust the consistency. You can still drizzle a tiny bit of oil on top for presentation, or skip it altogether for a lighter version.
Final Thoughts
With just a few pantry staples and a bit of blending magic, you can whip up a batch of this Delicious Recipe that’s guaranteed to wow your friends, family, and, of course, your own taste buds! Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this classic hummus again and again, whether for a party platters or cozy at-home snacking.
PrintClassic Hummus Recipe
Learn how to make a classic hummus that’s creamy and full of flavor. This recipe includes easy steps to peel chickpeas for an ultra-smooth texture and tips for adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cooked Chickpeas:
- 3 1/2 cups canned OR soaked and cooked chickpeas/garbanzo beans
- 1 tablespoon baking soda ((optional – to help skin the chickpeas, then rinsed away – see instructions below))
For Hummus:
- 1/3 cup tahini paste
- 8 roasted garlic cloves (or 1–3 fresh garlic cloves for a stronger flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Paprika and fresh minced parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chickpeas: Drain and rinse chickpeas. To peel, cook with baking soda, then remove skins. Alternatively, skin each chickpea individually.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, cumin, and cayenne in a food processor.
- Blend: Process until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, lemon juice, or garlic as desired.
- Adjust Consistency: If too thick, add lukewarm water and blend until creamy.
- Serve: Transfer to a bowl, garnish with chickpeas, olive oil, paprika, and parsley. Serve with pita or veggies.
Notes
- You can adjust the garlic, lemon juice, and salt to suit your taste preferences.
- Peeling chickpeas may seem time-consuming but results in a creamier hummus.
- Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Classic hummus, Homemade hummus, Creamy hummus, Middle Eastern appetizer