Classic Hummus

Classic hummus originated in the Middle East and is known for its creamy texture and subtle blend of flavors. You make classic hummus from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. This savory spread or dip has become popular throughout the world because of its taste and its nutritional benefits. It's packed with plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients.

Ingredients You'll Need for this Recipe

For the hummus:

• 1 pound cooked chickpeas (or canned chickpeas)  
• ¾ cup olive oil 
• ¼ cup tahini paste
• Juice of ½ of a lemon 
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds 
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika powder

For serving:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil 
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika powder
• Fresh chopped parsley, green olives, and a few whole chickpeas for garnish
• Carrots, cucumber slices, pita bread, toasted bread, olives, etc.

How to Make Classic Hummus

1. Juice half of a lemon and set aside. 
2. Place the cooked chickpeas, olive oil, tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, cumin seeds, chili flakes (if using), and smoked paprika powder in a food processor. If you are using an immersion blender, place the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
3. Process or blend to your desired consistency, pausing to scrape the sides. You can process it until it is smooth or leave it a bit chunky.
4. Spread the hummus on a plate, creating swirls with the back of a spoon.
5. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika powder.
6. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, green olives, and a few whole chickpeas.
7. Serve with your choice of dippers.

How to Serve Classic Hummus

Serving classic hummus is an art that can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire. You can serve hummus in a bowl by itself or garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, green olives, and whole chickpeas. Serve it with an array of dippers, such as toasted bread, pita chips, crackers, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Spread hummus on your sandwiches and wraps or serve it on a charcuterie board.

Tips & Variations for this Dish

For the creamiest, most flavorful hummus, consider the following tips:

• Use high-quality tahini paste and olive oil for the best taste.
• If you have time, peel the chickpeas. This step, although time-consuming, makes a noticeable difference in the creaminess of the hummus.
• If you are using canned chickpeas, rinse them under cold water to remove the sodium and preservatives to achieve a cleaner flavor.
• Adjust the amount of garlic, lemon juice, and spices to meet your preferences.
• Try adding roasted pumpkin, avocado, or sun-dried tomatoes for different variations on this classic.
• Add one roasted red pepper (seeds and skins removed) before blending to create roasted red pepper hummus with a sweet, smoky flavor.
• Replace some or all of the chickpeas with black beans for a Latin twist. Add a bit of chopped jalapeno for a spicy kick.

How to Store Leftovers

You can store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before you close the lid, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the hummus. This helps to keep it moist and prevents it from drying out. If you have a large quantity of hummus, consider dividing it into smaller portions before refrigerating. Then you only need to take out the amount you will consume, reducing the number of times the entire batch of hummus is exposed to air. Do not freeze hummus as it can alter the texture and flavor.

More Dip Recipes

• Healthy Greek Seven Layer Dip
• Smoky Pumpkin Hummus
• Healthier Kale Artichoke Dip with Baked Wonton Chips
• Rosemary Roasted Beet Hummus

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