This homemade hummus is creamy, lemony, and ready in about 10 minutes with chickpeas, tahini, and simple pantry ingredients. Serve it with vegetables, pita, or crackers for an easy snack the whole can enjoy.
Hummus is one of those snacks we through fast at our house. It’s quick, filling and it makes veggies disappear. But those small containers at the grocery store add up when you buy them as often as we do.
Since hummus is really just chickpeas, tahini, lemon and spices, I started making it myself. It blends quickly, tastes fresher than store-bought, and one batch makes enough for snacks all week.
Serve it with homemade pita bread or warm naan, and if you have extra chickpeas, our Chickpea Salad makes a great next-day lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Ready in 10 minutes. With canned chickpeas there’s no cooking at all. Just blend, taste, and serve.
- Budget friendly. The whole batch costs about $2.62 to make. Which is cheaper than store-bought.
- Pantry ingredients. Canned chickpeas, a lemon, garlic, olive oil, cumin, and a jar of tahini that lasts for several batches.
- Snack all week. I keep hummus and cut veggies ready in the fridge because when healthy snacks are ready to go, my kids are much more likely to grab one.
- Easy to customize. Keep it mild for kids, make it extra garlicky, or blend in roasted red peppers.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas – You will need to drain the chickpeas and wash them really good. You can use canned or home cooked dried chickpeas to make this hummus.
- Tahini – A paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s what gives hummis its rich, nutty flavor. Look for it near the peanut butter or in the international aisle, and stir it well before measuring because the oil separates in the jar.
- Large Lemon – Choose a large lemon so it will be easy to juice.
- Minced Clove Garlic – I think minced garlic gives hummus the best flavor but you can substitute garlic powder. Another idea is to use fresh garlic cloves.
- Water – The amount will vary that you need based on how thick you prefer the hummus. It is best to only add a tablespoon a time.
- Cumin and salt – Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor without making the hummus spicy. Salt brings everything together, so taste and adjust at the end.
- Paprika – This is optional but it looks pretty and adds more flavor to the finished product. You can even use sumac spice for the same color but the flavor will be slightly different.
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
How to Make Homemade Hummus
Step 1 – Whip the tahini and lemon juice. Juice the lemon and add it to the food processor with the tahini. Blend for about 1 minute, scrape the sides, then blend for 30 seconds more. It will turn thick and lighter in color.
Step 2 – Add the oil and seasoning. Add the olive oil, garlic, ground cumin and salt. Then blend this in the food processor for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Again, make sure to scrape the sides.
Step 3 – Drain and rinse the chickpeas. No need to peel them.
Step 4 – Add the chickpeas in two batches. Put half of them in the food processor and blend for 1 minutes. Scrape down the bowl, add the rest, and blend for 1 to 2 minutes. It will be very thick and may look a little grainy.
Step 5 – Thin with cold water. With the processor running, add cold 1 tablespoon at a time. Stop when the hummus is smooth and spreadable. A spoon dragged through it should leave a swirl that holds its shape. Two to three tablespoons is usually enough.
Step 6 – Taste and serve. Taste it on a cracker or veggie. If it tastes flat, add a pinch more salt or squeeze of lemon. Spread it in a bowl, make a swirl with the back of a spoon, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika.
Expert Tips
- Want extra-smooth hummus? Simmer the chickpeas first. Put the drained chickpeas in a pot, cover with water, and add ½ teaspoon baking soda. Simmer for about 20 minutes, until they’re very soft and the skins start floating. Drain, rinse well with cold water, and let them cool before blending. Rinse thoroughly, because leftover baking soda can make hummus taste bitter.
- Peeling is optional. If you want to peel, run cold water over the drained chickpeas for 4 to 5 minutes to loosen the skins, then gently pinch each one and the skin will slide off. It takes some time for a full can, so skip it if you are in a rush.
- Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh lemon makes the hummus taste brighter.
- Fix the texture. Too thick? blend in cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Too thin? Blend in a few more chickpeas or another tablespoon of tahinin, then chill. It will firm up in the fridge.
- No food processor? A blender works too. Add the water a little earlier and stop to scrape down the sides more often.
Hummus Troubleshooting
- Grainy hummus. Blend 1 to 2 minutes longer than you think you need. If it’s still grainy, simmer the chickpeas next time.
- Bitter hummus. Tahini is usually the cause, especially an old jar. Add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt to balance it, and taste your tahini before using it next time.
- Bland hummus. It almost always needs more salt or lemon. Add a little at a time and taste after each addition.
- Too garlicky. Raw garlic gets stronger as hummus sits. Blend in a few more chickpeas and a little more tahini, and use less garlic next time.
- Tahini won’t blend. If the blade isn’t reaching it, add the olive oil or a tablespoon of cold water to loosen it.
Hummus Variations Ideas
- Garlic – Garlic lovers might like to add extra garlic in the recipe. I also like to top the finished product with fresh minced garlic. You can also use a clove of garlic and roast it. The fresh roasted garlic is delicious to make a garlic hummus.
- Red Pepper – You can add a ½ cup of roasted red peppers to the hummus recipe. Blend until smooth in the food processor. It gives the red pepper hummus a pretty red color and the flavor is so tasty.
- Pumpkin – Try adding ¾ cup pumpkin puree to the hummus. I also like to add a ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Blend as normal.
- Pine nuts – Add ¼ cup pine nuts for a delicious flavor idea for hummus. It adds a nutty taste that is really yummy.
- Sun Dried Tomato – Use ¾ cup sun dried tomatoes that are rinsed and drained in the hummus mixture.
- Basil – Blend 1 cup of fresh basil and ¼ cup pine nuts in with the chickpeas for a pesto-style hummus. Keep the tahini in, or cut it to 2 tablespoons if your want the basil to stand out.
- Kalamata Olives – You can add ¾ cup Kalamata olives to the food processor to make Kalamata hummus. Make sure the olives are pitted.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning- This goes with just about anything and hummus isn’t the exception. Sprinkle a little of the spices on top for an easy way to jazz up plain hummus.
What to Serve Hummus With?
- Crackers – Wheat crackers, Ritz and Triscuits pair well with hummus.
- Chips – Pita chips, Pita Bread or tortilla chips tastes delicious.
- Vegetables – Cut up carrots, bell peppers and celery are my favorites with hummus. Cucumbers are also delicious.
- Wraps and sandwiches – Spread some of this yummy hummus on a wrap or sandwich with vegetables, lunch meat or anything you like.
- Salad – Hummus actually makes a great dressing for salads. Thin it with a little water, oil and fresh lemon juice until it is the consistency you prefer.
- Burgers – Spread some hummus on your burger bun. This is especially good with black bean burgers.
Garnish Ideas
While adding ingredients into the mixture is always a tasty idea, don’t forget about garnishments. Some of my favorites include: drizzle of olive oil on top, scoop of minced garlic in the middle of the bowl of hummus, sun dried tomatoes or a few roasted red peppers on top.
There are so many great ideas. Chopped fresh parsley is another easy and delicious idea.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Fridge – Store hummus in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Smooth the top and add in a thin layer of olive oil to keep it from drying out.
- Freezer – Freeze hummus in small containers for up to 3 months, leaving a little room at the top. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and stir well. If it looks a little dry, stir in a splash of water or olive oil.
- Make Ahead – Make hummus up to 2 days before a party or get-together. Stir it and add the toppings right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tahini is a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds. It gives hummus its nutty flavor and creamy texture. Most grocery stores carry it near the peanut butter or in the international aisle.
Yes. Leave it out and add 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of olive oil. The flavor will be milder and a little less rich, but it’s still a tasty dip. Creamy natural peanut butter also works in a pinch, though the flavor will be different.
Hummus is made from chickpeas. You might also hear them called garbanzo beans but it is the same thing. Just make sure to drain and rinse the canned chickpeas prior to blending.
Yes. A food processor is easiest, but a blender works. Add the water a little earlier and scrape down the sides often so everything blends evenly.
More Easy Dip Recipes
We love to hear from you. If you make Homemade Hummus Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Homemade Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can Chickpeas
- 1 Large Lemon juiced
- ¼ cup Tahini
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ tsp Cumin
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2-3 Tbsp Water
- ¼ tsp Paprika for serving
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Place the lemon juice and tahini in a food process and blend until well combined (make sure to scrape the sides so all are combined thoroughly).
- Then add in the olive oil, garlic, cumin and salt. Blend in the food processor for 30 seconds to 1 minute (scraping the sides in the middle of the process time).
- Then drain and rinse the chickpeas from the can. Add in half to the food processor and process until combined. Then add in the remaining chickpeas and process until the mixture is smooth (the mixture will be thick).
- Then add in the water until the food process 1 Tbsp at a time (process after each addition) until the hummus is the consistency that you desire.
- Serve the hummus topped with paprika and enjoy!
Can’t wait to try!!?
Elizabeth – Let us know how it turns out.
Nothing better than homemade hummus. Can’t wait to try this. Mmmmm
Debra – Hope you enjoy!
This is the only site. I look at daily for receipes. I have a made this hummus and love it. Thanks for your hard work.
Tess – This means so much! Thank you!!
I am going to try and prepare this one.
Luis – Let us know how it turns out!
This looks so easy to make!!
Made it … love it!
Dawn – Wahoo! So glad to hear this!
You have inspired me! I used to eat Hummus all the time but store bought does not cut it, will try this one and add to my weight loss program.
I’m so glad you’re giving it a try, Elizabeth! Homemade hummus is so easy, and you can adjust the flavors just how you like them. Let me know what you think!
We use a lot of Hummus. I liked the recipe.
Yes i love hummus and it does make eating healthier easier!
I had no idea hummus was so easy I can’t wait to try this!!
Hummus was great! Kids loved it.
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it, Andrea! It’s always a win when the kids love it, too. Thanks for your review!
Yummy
Sounds good! Can’t wait to try it.
What can be substituted for the chickpeas, or can anything be substituted for it? I just don’t like those nasty little things. It’s the grainy mouthfeel I don’t like. I’m not knocking it for those that do like chickpeas; I’m just wondering of any possible substitute.
I love Hummus! I’ll definitely try this recipe soon! Can’t wait:) THANK YOU ?
Susan – I’m glad you plan to try it. Hope you enjoy!
I’ve been wanting to try making homemade hummus! Thank you for sharing!
Katie – You’re very welcome! I’m so glad you plan to try it.
This looks like something I need to try.
Audrey – yes! Hope you love it!
I have made hummus a few times years ago but lost my recipe! This one sounds close to it so can’t wait to try it!!
Vanessa – I’m so glad. Thanks for sharing!
This is so much cheaper and healthier than the one we have been buying! Thank you!
This is a quick and delicious recipe, and even better than my favorite and expensive store-bought hummus! Highly recommended!
Eve – Thank you so much! You are too kind!
Always wanted to try it but never know how to make it and now I can. Thank you so much for teaching me how to make it.
Kristy – You’re so welcome! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.
I love homemade hummus. It’s so easy and you can make it your own.
I loved your humus recipe it is amazingly tasty.thanks got sharing
You’re very welcome, Mrs. Naima! I’m so glad you love it!
I adore Hummus and your recipe has it all!!! Thank you!!!
Sharon – Thank you so much! You are too kind!
Looks like a great recipe to try making homemade hummus.
Pam – Thank you! Hope you enjoy!
I’ve never eaten hummus before, first time for everything. I’m saving this recipe on my Pinterest board health snacks
Anita – I’m excited you plan to try it. Hope you enjoy it!
Looks like I’m going to have to go bold and buy some chickpeas and tahini to give this recipe a try!
Donna – Yes! It is a must try! I hope you enjoy!
I’ve always wanted to make my own humus, and now I have the most simple and delicious looking recipe, thank you!!
Cannot wait to try this!!!!!
Hayley – Hope you enjoy!
I will definitely be trying this recipe. I can’t stand the store bought versions, so this one may be a winner! Plus if it helps me loose weight, that’s a double win!!!
I can’t wait to try this. I’m trying to eat healthier too. Congratulations on your weight loss way of life.
Looks so good. Will try this. Love hummus.
One of my favorites. Fantastic flavor! Great appetizer, but I can eat it as my meal.
Looks good!
Lisa – Thank you so much!
Easy and excellent classic Hummus.
Carol – Thanks so much!
This is better than any store bought hummus!
Tricia – Thank you so much! This means a lot!
This recipe is definitely a keeper! I love hummus and can’t wait to try this recipe…..looks delicious!
Tiffany – Thanks so much! Let me know how it turns out.
I haven’t made this yet but I am going to, it sounds easy and yummy!!! I love hummus and this is definitely a money saver!
Dianna – I’m so glad you plan to try it! Hope you love it!
OHHHH, how I love hummus!!!! My favorite is garlic hummus eaten with garlic naan bread. I am so going to have to make this.
Great stuff and saves me money
Andy – I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Like the addition of cumin to this recipe. I’ve tried it with eggplant as well and it tastes great!
Thanks for this
Tina – You’re welcome. I’m so glad!
My son loves hummus and I had the ingredients in my pantry so I decided to try it. He loved it and said it was much better than store bought.
Shauna – That’s great. Thanks so much!
Will make this love hummus
Betty – Let me know how it turns out!
Delicious and so easy to prepare!
Cherie – Thank you so much!
If you leave the skins on, does that change the texture of the hummus?
Hi Kathy! Leaving the skins on can make the hummus a little less smooth, but it will still taste delicious! For an extra creamy texture, removing them is worth the extra step.
This is on my list as a must try soon! Sounds easy and quick.
I hope you love it, Carol! It’s such an easy snack to whip up. Let me know what you think when you give it a try!
The hummus recipe sounds wonderful! I might even attempt it- the recipe actually sounds pretty easy and delicious!
Thanks.
Rebecca Printz
Thank you, Rebecca! It’s so easy to make. I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think!
I enjoy Hummus and this sounds so good. I must try making my own. Recipe seems easy to follow.
Sounds delicious ?
Thank you, Kristen! I hope you give it a try. It’s perfect with pita chips or fresh veggies!
It’s so nice to have an easy home recipe for hummus! Tasty and saves us money making our own!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Marty! I love being able to make favorites at home and save a little money too. Thanks for your review!
So easy to make the homemade version !
I’m so glad you found it easy to make, Tammy! Thanks for trying it and leaving a review!
Can’t wait to try this! We all need more veggies. 🙂
Love Hummus. Will definitely give this a yry
I hope you love it, Darlene! It’s such an easy snack to make at home. Let me know what you think!
I have made several times and love this. So easy. I am Armenian and love Middle East foods. This is a great recipe, in fact I pretty much love all your recipes.
way better than store bought
Better than restaurant quality—thank you!
It’s so nice to have an easy home recipe for hummus! Tasty and saves us money making our own!
So good!!
Forgot to buy hummus and used this, way better than store bought!
Love this recipe!
WOW! Better than any hummus I have had a restaurant – Delicious!
Super easy. Zesty fresh flavor, kids love it. Any hints about skinning the little buggers??
I find that it’s best to run cold water over them for approximately 4-5 minutes and it looses the skins so that they are easier to peel. However, this recipe can be made without skinning them as well.