(Traditional Hummus)

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, & Nut-Free

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Serves 3-4 people (as side dish)

          

Ingredients

  • 1- 15.5 oz. Can Garbanzo Beans
  • 1/3 Cup Tahini (not roasted)
  • Juice of 1 Lemon (or ½ Lemon if you prefer)
  • 1 Garlic Clove (optional)
  • 2 Pinches Cumin (optional)
  • Garnish:
    • 1 tablespoon Fresh Chopped Parsley (optional)
    • A drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • Sprinkle of Paprika, Cumin, or Za’atar  (optional)
    • Sprinkle of Salt 

       

Tools

  • Food Processor
  • Lemon juicer (optional)
  • Measuring cups
  • Spoon
  • Knife

       

Preparation

  1. If you are using garlic, add the peeled clove to the food processor and chop until the clove has been minced. 
  2. Drain and rinse garbanzo beans and place them into the food processor. 
  3. Place the remaining ingredients into the food processor and blend until smooth.
  4. If your mixture requires additional liquid, add a little bit of water until desired consistency is achieved, about ⅓ cup.
  5. Let rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Although if you are in a hurry, you can go ahead and dig right in.
  6. To serve:
    • First, place hummus into a serving plate or bowl. 
    • Next, smooth the surface of the hummus with a spoon. 
    • Then, use the back of a spoon to make a well in the hummus and drizzle on some extra virgin olive oil (see picture).
    • Finally, sprinkle salt, paprika, za’atar, or cumin and parsley to garnish. 
  7. Dip away with bread, veggies, pickles, or whatever you prefer!

       

Tips

  • Most traditionally, hummus is prepared with dried garbanzos that have been soaked and boiled. This method does yield an even better-tasting result, but it is more time-consuming. I am usually on a time crunch when I am preparing meals, so a canned is my go-to option, but when there is more time I prefer to boil my beans.
  • Garlic is optional in this recipe. While many people love the flavor of garlic in their hummus, when you buy it from a traditional hummus restaurant in the Middle East it is usually made without garlic. 

       

Region of Inspiration

Hummus can be found across the Arab world. In Arabic, the word “hummus” actually means garbanzos or chickpeas. So, if you see any other dip at the grocery store that is called “hummus” but does not have chickpeas in it, it is not really hummus!

Hummus for breakfast?! Absolutely! While this might surprise many western eaters, Arabs love to enjoy hummus for breakfast with falafel, foul, za’atar, labneh, and some fresh pita bread! Hummus is also served alongside lunch and dinner. No Arab feast is truly complete without this delicious and healthy dip!

This recipe is my own version of our family recipe. My hummus is very similar to my Tetah’s (grandmother’s) recipe, which includes plenty of cumin, a love for which I gained from her. My father prefers his hummus with more garlic and no cumin, everyone likes their hummus a little differently in our family, just as people do all over the Arab World. So, once you have tried this recipe out, experiment and see what you like!