Why You’ll Love Easy & Smooth Hummus Recipe

Made with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients
Far superior in flavor and texture to store-bought hummus
Exceptionally smooth and luxurious due to key techniques like whipping tahini and using cold water
Naturally vegan and gluten-free
Incredibly versatile: serve with veggies, pita, in sandwiches, bowls, or as a sauce
Great for meal prep and easy to scale up
Customizable with extra herbs, garlic, spices, or toppings
You control the flavor, texture, and quality
No cooking required if using canned chickpeas
Ready in just 10 minutes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (or about 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
¼ cup well-stirred tahini
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt, to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons cold water or aquafaba (chickpea liquid)
Optional for serving: dash of paprika, sumac, or Za’atar; drizzle of olive oil

Directions

In a food processor, combine tahini and lemon juice. Process for 1 minute, scrape the sides, and process another 30 seconds to whip it into a light, creamy base.
Add olive oil, garlic, cumin, and salt. Process for 30 seconds, scrape the bowl, and process again for 30 seconds.
Drain the chickpeas and add half to the food processor. Process for 1 minute, scrape the bowl, then add the rest and process for 1–2 minutes until thick and smooth.
With the processor running, slowly add 2 to 3 tablespoons of cold water or aquafaba until the hummus reaches your desired creamy texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika, sumac, or Za’atar if desired.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 1½ cups (serves 6 as a dip)

Variations

Use 2–3 garlic cloves or roasted garlic for a bolder flavor
Peel chickpeas for an ultra-smooth texture
Swap cumin for turmeric for a golden hue and subtle twist
Blend in fresh herbs or roasted red peppers for flavored hummus
Substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly option
Use aquafaba instead of water for a lighter texture
Adjust consistency by adding more or less cold water
Top with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, or chopped herbs for presentation
Serve as a sandwich spread, in wraps, or as a bowl base
Add a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy version

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week
Stir before serving; thin with olive oil or water if needed
Freeze for up to 1 month with a thin layer of olive oil on top
Thaw in the fridge and stir before using
Serve chilled or at room temperature — no reheating needed

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly. Just rinse and drain them before using.

2. Do I need to peel the chickpeas?

No, it’s optional. Peeling gives a smoother texture, but the recipe works great without it.

3. What is aquafaba?

Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It helps make the hummus lighter and smoother when used instead of water.

4. Can I make hummus without tahini?

Yes, but the flavor will be different. You can use more olive oil or a seed butter as a substitute.

5. How long does homemade hummus last?

It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in an airtight container.

6. Why is my hummus too thick or not smooth?

It may need more processing time or more cold water. Make sure to whip the tahini and lemon first and add liquid gradually.

7. Can I use other beans besides chickpeas?

Yes, white beans or black beans can be used, but the flavor and texture will change.

8. What are some serving ideas?

Serve with pita, crackers, veggies, or as a spread in wraps and sandwiches. It’s also great in bowls and as a dip.

9. Can I add flavors to this base recipe?

Absolutely! Try herbs, roasted vegetables, spices like smoked paprika, or even beets or avocado for variations.

10. Is this hummus vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free when using compliant ingredients.

Conclusion

With just a few simple ingredients and a couple of smart techniques, this easy and smooth hummus delivers a creamy, flavorful dip that’s ready in minutes. It’s healthy, versatile, and much better than anything from a store. Whether you’re using it as a dip, spread, or sauce, this hummus is a staple recipe you’ll come back to again and again.