Classic Hummus

Classic Hummus

This easy homemade hummus recipe outshines store-bought versions every time. Using canned chickpeas means no lengthy prep time required.

Ingredients

  • 15.5-oz. can chickpeas
    1
  • lemon
    1 large
  • garlic clove
    1
  • tahini

    well mixed

    ½ c
  • or more) kosher salt
    ¾ tsp.
  • cranks freshly ground black pepper
    10
  • ground cumin
    ¼ tsp.
  • extra-virgin olive oil

    plus more for drizzling

    3 tbsp.
  • za’atar and/or sesame seeds (for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Start by prepping all of your ingredients: Drain 15.5 oz. chickpeas in a strainer or colander and rinse thoroughly. Let drain again while you do the other prep.

  2. 2

    Cut 1 lemon in half, remove any visible seeds, and squeeze juice into a small bowl. You should have 3–4 Tbsp.

  3. 3

    Smash 1 garlic clove with the flat side of your knife on a cutting board and remove peel. Continue to mash with side of knife until a paste forms. (You can also grate garlic on a microplane if you have one—you're just looking for a fine paste.)

  4. 4

    Combine drained chickpeas, 3 Tbsp. lemon juice, garlic, ½ cup tahini, ¾ tsp. salt, 10 cracks pepper, ¼ tsp. cumin, and 2 Tbsp. water in a food processor.

  5. 5

    Process until smooth, about 1 minute.

  6. 6

    With the motor running, stream in 3 Tbsp. oil, then continue to process until hummus is very light and creamy, about 1 minute longer. Taste and season with more salt if needed.

  7. 7

    Transfer hummus to a shallow bowl, top with za’atar and/or sesame seeds, and drizzle with more oil.
    → Mastered this base recipe? Here are 4 ways to mix it up.
    Do ahead: Hummus can be made 4 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill. 

    Editor’s note: This recipe was originally published in February 2018. Head this way for more of our best chickpea recipes →

Classic Hummus

Classic Hummus

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About this Recipe

Tired of lackluster store-bought hummus? This easy Classic Hummus recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful dip that's ready in just 10 minutes, proving that homemade truly is best. You'll love how effortlessly you can elevate your snack game or dinner spread.

The beauty of this homemade hummus lies in its simplicity and the vibrant freshness it brings. By using canned chickpeas, you bypass hours of soaking and cooking, getting straight to blending, yet still achieving that smooth, rich texture and bright, garlicky flavor that store-bought versions simply can't match. It’s a truly quick and easy weeknight solution.

You'll discover a luxuriously smooth, almost whipped hummus, bursting with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon and a subtle warmth from cumin and garlic. The creamy base of chickpeas and well-mixed tahini provides a satisfying richness, while a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil adds a silky finish. This naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dip is a delightful starter, snack, or addition to any lunch or dinner spread.

While fantastic as is, you can easily customize this Classic Hummus. Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, or for an extra layer of flavor, consider a pinch of smoked paprika. If you're out of lemons, a splash of lime juice can offer a similar tang in a pinch.

Serve this Classic Hummus generously scooped into a bowl, drizzled with more extra-virgin olive oil, and garnished with za’atar and/or sesame seeds. It's perfect alongside warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or as a spread in sandwiches, making it an ideal starter for weeknight meals or a crowd-pleasing Super Bowl snack.

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