Name: Hummus with Lemon and Garlic
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 can chick peas ((or 1 1/2 cups cooked)); 4 tbsp tahini paste; 4 tbsp lemon juice ((add more if you prefer your hummus with a greater punch)); 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ((2 for processing and 2 for garnish)); 2 cloves minced garlic; 1 tbsp salt; 5 tbsp water ((add more/ less depending on consistency preferred)); paprika ((for garnish))

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Hummus is traditionally served drizzled in generous amounts of olive oil and eaten with pitta bread. It has become increasingly popular over the last decade and is often served as a starter in many Middle Eastern cuisines. While there has been much debate around the origins of this much loved dish – it has been said that one of the earliest known recipes that resemble Hummus was found in Cairo in the 13th century.

Hummus is essentially made of crushed cooked chick peas, sesame paste, garlic, and lemon juice. Depending on who is making it, there are some variations where spices such as cumin or paprika are added. Chick peas are also high in protein and packed with nutrients, making it a good addition to any diet.

Bringing the ingredient together

Making Hummus at home is simple, and can be done in as little as 15 minutes. The secret to creating a good texture lies in the order in which the ingredients are added to the food processor.

In the food processor bowl, begin by adding the tahini paste and lemon juice. Tahini paste can be found in the supermarket or you can make it from scratch as well. Process for about 90 seconds. Scrape the sides of the food processor to push the mixture back to the middle so that it can process smoothly.

Next, add the garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and salt to the mixture and continue to process for another 60 seconds.

Now, for the chickpeas, if you are using canned chick peas, drain the water and rinse in cold water. Add half the can of chickpeas and process for 60 seconds. Once done, add the remaining chick peas and process for another 60 seconds.

You will have a creamy, thick texture add this point. To get your hummus to be lighter and more ‘fluffy’, slowly add a couple of tablespoons of cold water with the processor spinning. Finally, add salt to taste.

Serving the Hummus

Pour your hummus into your serving dish, and drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with a little paprika or sumac as desired, and enjoy your homemade hummus with some pitta bread!

Feel free to check out our Chicken Shawarma recipe as well for a Middle Eastern feast!

Print Recipe

Hummus with Lemon and Garlic

Make this smooth and creamy hummus at home with just a few ingredients!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keyword: Hummus

Servings: 4

Equipment

Food Processor

Ingredients

1 can chick peas (or 1 1/2 cups cooked)
4 tbsp tahini paste
4 tbsp lemon juice (add more if you prefer your hummus with a greater punch)
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (2 for processing and 2 for garnish)
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp salt
5 tbsp water (add more/ less depending on consistency preferred)
paprika (for garnish)

Instructions

Add the tahini paste and lemon juice to the food processor, and process for 90 seconds. The mixture should look quite creamy.
Add the minced garlic, 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and salt to the mixture and process for another 60 seconds.
Now, add about half the can of drained chick peas and process for 60 seconds.
Scrape the sides of the food processor to loosen the mixture and add the remaining half of the chick peas and process for another 90 seconds.
The mixture should be quite thick at this point. Now add the water slowly till the perfect consistency is achieved.
Serve in a bowl/ plate and add the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil and some paprika for garnish.
Serve with pitta bread and enjoy!