Classic Hummus
While I have addressed my love of hummus before, I figured why not talk about it again. I feel like hummus is one of those super versatile and delicious foods that also happens to be full of plant-based protein, fiber and iron (which can be harder to get in a plant based diet). What's not to love?
My classic hummus recipe uses pretty standard with ingredients. Chickpeas are the main ingredient and cooking them beforehand with a little bit of baking soda helps to break them down to help achieve a creamier hummus. Tahini is also a key ingredient. It is really important to get good tahini. I think Trader Joe’s has one of the best ones I have tasted. Some of them can be super bitter and can throw off the taste of the final product. Lemon and garlic, also standard, but I like to chop the garlic and let it hang out in the lemon juice prior to blending everything together so the hummus will have the garlic flavor without the bite of raw garlic. I like to add cumin for its warm earthy flavor. Salt, basically a necessity for me in everything I make. And lastly I like to add a little honey. I like the sweetness it adds and especially if the tahini is more on the bitter side, the honey helps to balance it out.
This hummus is delicious as is and great for dipping crackers or veggies in. You could also use it as a spread on a sandwich or mix it in with a dressing for a salad. It is also a great starting point for exploring other hummus flavors. Swap out the fresh garlic with roasted garlic, add some fresh herbs or spices, or mix in sundried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. There are so many possibilities once you have a good base recipe.
I also like to add toppings when I am serving hummus as a dip. To the classic recipe I often opt for za’atar seasoning and sometimes extra sesame seeds but it is an opportunity to get creative. You could top it with pickled jalapeños for a little kick or maybe some hot honey for a sweet and spice combo. You could have a hummus party and put the classic hummus base in three separate bowls each with its own topping! There are so many possibilities it’s a fun way to play with new flavor ideas, and this recipe makes a big batch so there will be plenty to mess around with.
Classic Hummus
Ingredients:
- 2- 15oz cans of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garlic ( about 2 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6-8 tablespoons ice cold water
- Optional toppings: za'atar, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
- COOK: Place chickpeas in a pot and fill with enough water to cover by about an inch, add baking soda. Bring to a boil, then slightly reduce the heat and allow to cook for about 20 minutes. (Keep an eye on it so it doesn't overflow!) When they are done cooking, drain and rinse well.
- CHOP: While the chickpeas cook, roughly chop the garlic and add to the fresh lemon juice. Allow the garlic to mellow in the lemon juice for about 10-15 minutes.
- BLEND: Add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt to the food processor. Turn on and slowly drizzle water into mixture until everything is well combined. (I usually start with 6 tablespoons as you can always add more toward the end if it's too thick.) Add the chickpeas, cumin and honey and turn the food processor back on until everything is blended. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides to get everything well incorporated. Blend until the mixture is nice and creamy, add more water if necessary.
- SERVE: Taste the hummus and adjust any seasoning for your preference. If serving as a dip, put hummus in a bowl and top with za'atar, toasted sesame seeds, or whatever your heart desires!