Hummus

Homemade Smooth, Creamy, Nutty and Velvety Spread

Is there anything better than this homemade smooth, creamy, nutty and velvety spread?! I like to garnish mine with a generous drizzle of olive oil, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, chopped parsley, pine nuts, chickpeas and smoked paprika for a twist and flavor. It comes together easily in minutes and it's super creamy, smooth & fresh.

In my younger days I was a Nanny for a Jordanian family. I learned to make hummus like a pro and perfect this recipe from watching the children's mom cook. She always made sure the kids, myself included, had fresh authentic food daily.  This is where my middle eastern inspired food comes from.  I remember watching these 7 basic ingredients  transform into a luscious smooth homemade hummus. Whether you enjoy it with fresh veggies, or scoop it up with wedges of pita bread, I hope you love it as much as I do!

Tips & Tricks:

• If you don’t have a high-speed blender, you can use a food processor to make this recipe. However, a blender will make a smoother and more creamery dip, so if you use a food processor, know that you may have to let it run for a few minutes longer to get super creamy hummus. Be patient. 

• The ice cubes help in whipping the hummus into a creamier texture. 

• Hummus can be made ahead and lasts for up to 4 days in an airtight container. 

• Tastes best if served at room temperature….real hummus is never served cold!

Ingredients:

Serves Roughly 8

• 1½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• ⅓ cup smooth tahini

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, more to taste

• 1 garlic clove

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• 5 tablespoons water & 5 ice cubes

For garnishing:  chopped tomatoes, diced cucumbers, chopped red onion, chickpeas, pinenuts, parsley, smoked paprika, chopped pitted Kalamata olives…all optional!

Cooking Instructions:

[ 1 ] Drain chickpeas in a strainer or colander and rinse thoroughly. 

[ 2 ] In a high-speed blender, place the drained & rinsed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and ice cubes. Blend until very smooth, adding water to the mixture as needed until you reach your desired consistency.

[ 3 ] Transfer to a serving plate, top with preferred garnishes and serve with warm pita and veggies, as desired.