Hummus is one of the most popular dishes from Lebanon and the Middle Eastern region known for its smooth creamy texture and rich nutty taste from chickpeas and tahini. It is served as a dip a spread or even as part of a full meal with pita bread salads falafel and grilled dishes. A well made hummus is silky light fluffy and perfectly balanced with the flavors of garlic lemon and olive oil.
Even though hummus uses very simple ingredients the key lies in technique. The chickpeas must be cooked properly the tahini must be fresh and the blending must be done patiently to achieve that cloud like creamy consistency that makes hummus irresistible. This recipe explains each step clearly so you can make authentic restaurant style hummus at home.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Hummus Base
- 1 cup dried chickpeas or 2 cups boiled chickpeas
- Half teaspoon baking soda for boiling
- 3 tablespoons tahini sesame paste
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Half teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 3 to 5 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish
- Olive oil
- Paprika optional
- Boiled chickpeas
- Chopped parsley
For Serving
- Pita bread
- Fresh vegetables carrot sticks cucumber sticks
- Falafel optional
Step by Step Method to Make Smooth Lebanese Hummus
Step 1
Soak and Cook the Chickpeas
- Rinse the dried chickpeas well.
- Soak them overnight in plenty of water.
- Next day drain the water and add chickpeas to a pot.
- Add fresh water and half teaspoon baking soda.
- Boil until the chickpeas become very soft.
- The skins may float to the top remove them for smoother hummus.
- Drain but keep some of the chickpea water.
Chickpeas must be extremely soft to achieve creamy hummus.
Step 2
Prepare the Flavor Base
- In a blender add garlic lemon juice salt and cumin.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add tahini and blend again.
- The mixture should become thick creamy and slightly pale.
Tahini is the heart of hummus and gives it a rich nutty flavor.
Step 3
Add Chickpeas and Blend
- Add the boiled chickpeas to the blender.
- Start blending and add cold water gradually.
- Blend until the hummus becomes silky smooth and airy.
- Add olive oil and blend again to emulsify.
Cold water helps create extra fluffiness and light texture.
Step 4
Adjust Flavor
Taste the hummus and adjust
- Salt
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Olive oil
The flavor should be balanced with gentle nuttiness from tahini and freshness from lemon.
Step 5
Serve Fresh
Spoon the hummus into a bowl.
Create a small swirl pattern on top with the back of a spoon.
Drizzle olive oil generously.
Add boiled chickpeas paprika and parsley for garnish.
Serve with
- Warm pita bread
- Vegetable sticks
- Grilled chicken or falafel
- Shawarma
- Salads
Hummus tastes even better after chilling for one hour.
Tips for Perfect Hummus
- Always boil chickpeas until extremely soft
- Removing chickpea skins gives a smoother texture
- Use good quality tahini for best flavor
- Add ice cold water while blending for extra creaminess
- Add olive oil at the end to make hummus richer
- Adjust lemon based on your taste preference
Variations You Can Try
- Add roasted red peppers to make red pepper hummus
- Add beetroot for bright pink hummus
- Add coriander and mint for green herbed hummus
- Add extra garlic for a bold garlic hummus
- Add paprika oil for a smoky version
Approximate Nutrition per Serving
Values may vary
- Calories 180 to 220
- Protein 6g
- Carbohydrates 18g
- Fat 10 to 12g