Dinner

Creamy Homemade Hummus with Tahini, Lemon, and Garlic Recipe

Name: Creamy Homemade Hummus with Tahini, Lemon, and Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1/3 cup good-quality tahini; 2-4 tablespoons cold water, or more if needed; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 medium cloves garlic, peeled and smashed; Juice of 1 lemon (2-3 tablespoons); 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained; Extra drizzle of olive oil; Chopped fresh parsley; Sprinkle of ground sumac or paprika; Toasted pine nuts

ByHarper Ellington January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

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Introduction

Hummus is a creamy, flavorful Middle Eastern dip that’s quick to prepare and perfect for snacking or entertaining. Made from chickpeas and tahini, this classic recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

A round white bowl sits at the center filled with creamy hummus that has a smooth texture and is topped with a swirl of golden olive oil, sprinkled with red spices and chopped green herbs. Around the bowl, there are thin slices of green cucumber, bright orange carrot sticks, and yellow bell pepper strips, arranged in sections forming a colorful border. On the left side, folded pieces of soft, browned pita bread are stacked neatly. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/3 cup good-quality tahini
2-4 tablespoons cold water, or more if needed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 medium cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
Juice of 1 lemon (2-3 tablespoons)
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Optional toppings: extra drizzle of olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, sprinkle of ground sumac or paprika, toasted pine nuts

Instructions

Step 1: Add tahini, cold water, olive oil, cumin, salt, garlic, and lemon juice to a food processor. Puree until smooth.
Step 2: Add the chickpeas and puree for 3-4 minutes, pausing halfway to scrape down the sides of the bowl, until the hummus is smooth. If it seems too thick, add another tablespoon or two of water.
Step 3: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, cumin, or lemon juice as needed.
Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with your desired toppings. Alternatively, transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

For extra creamy hummus, peel the chickpeas before blending.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful twist.
Serve with warm pita bread or fresh veggies for a healthy snack.

Storage

Store hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, stir well and add a drizzle of olive oil if desired. If the texture thickens, you can thin it with a little water or lemon juice. Hummus can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge and stir before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy hummus topped with a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and chopped green herbs sits in the center. Around the bowl are soft, light brown pita bread pieces arranged in a fan shape, with slices of fresh green cucumber, bright orange carrot rounds, and yellow strips of bell pepper fanned out neatly on a white marbled surface. Part of a woman's hand is reaching toward the pita bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make hummus without a food processor?

Yes, you can use a high-powered blender or even mash the ingredients by hand for a chunkier texture, but a food processor gives the smoothest result.

How can I make hummus less bitter?

Bitterness often comes from tahini, so use a good-quality tahini and blend it well with lemon juice and garlic. Adding a pinch of salt and some olive oil also helps balance the flavors.