A step-by-step guide to making homemade hummus:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1/4 cup well-stirred tahini (sesame paste)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water
- Dash of paprika, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse and Drain Chickpeas:
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas under cold running water. This helps remove excess salt and makes the hummus smoother.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor:
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt.
3. Process Until Smooth:
- Process the mixture for about 20-30 seconds until it becomes a coarse paste.
4. Scrape Down the Sides:
- Stop the food processor and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly blended.
5. Add Water:
- With the food processor running, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water gradually through the feed tube. Continue processing until the hummus becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined. Add more water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
6. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning. You can add more salt, lemon juice, or tahini to suit your taste preferences.
7. Serve:
- Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. If desired, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top, and sprinkle with paprika and chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
8. Enjoy:
- Serve your homemade hummus with pita bread, vegetable sticks, crackers, or use it as a spread or dip. It's delicious as a snack or appetizer.
9. Storage:
- Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to a week.
Homemade hummus is not only easy to make but also highly customizable. Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or pine nuts for unique flavor variations. Enjoy your delicious homemade hummus!