Small Batch Hummus

In a world where convenience often compromises quality, take a breather and treat yourself to a small batch of Homemade Hummus that will leave you questioning why you ever opted for store-bought varieties.

This smooth and creamy hummus is effortlessly made from scratch, boasting rich, vibrant flavors. With just a can of chickpeas and a few simple ingredients, in less than 10 minutes, you’ll achieve a final product that is not only nutritious but incomparable to store brands.

this Recipe

Enjoy your hummus with vibrant carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks, or crunchy tortilla chips. It’s also great as a flavorful spread in a turkey wrap.

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What Is Hummus?

Hummus is a creamy, thick spread made primarily from mashed chickpeas and various other ingredients, including tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. Originating in the Middle East, it has become a global sensation—beloved for its versatility and health benefits.

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this small batch hummus recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

• Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are the go-to for this recipe due to their convenience and pantry-friendly nature. For this recipe, about 1 1/2 cups of drained chickpeas are used, roughly equivalent to a 15-ounce can. If you prefer using dried chickpeas, you’ll need 3/4 cup, which should be soaked overnight and cooked as per package instructions. Once cooked, measure out 1 1/2 cups for the recipe. Any extra can be refrigerated and used within 2 days in salads or soups. If you’re out of chickpeas, white beans like cannellini can be a decent alternative, though the taste will be a little different. If you have leftover chickpeas, consider using them in Chickpea Curry.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its high quality and full-bodied flavor. It’s less processed and retains the natural vitamins and minerals from olives. Light olive oil or avocado oil can be used for a milder flavor.
• Tahini: This sesame seed paste is usually found in the international foods section of your supermarket. It lends a creamy, nutty flavor to the hummus. Sunflower seed butter can be used if tahini is unavailable.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor, adding a tangy zest to your hummus. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used, but the flavor may be less vibrant.
• Garlic: One clove is sufficient for this recipe. It’s best to chop or mince the garlic before blending to ensure even distribution. A quarter-teaspoon (1/4 tsp) of garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available.
• Salt and black pepper: A 1/2 teaspoon of each is generally a good starting point, but you can adjust to your own taste preference.
• Optional toppings: Elevate your hummus game with pine nuts, smoked paprika, or chopped parsley as a garnish.

Instructions For Perfect Small Batch Hummus

1. Drain and Rinse Chickpeas: Start by draining and rinsing your canned chickpeas to prepare them for blending.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the chickpeas, tahini, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper into a food processor or high-speed blender.
3. Blend to Perfection: Process the mixture until you achieve a smooth, creamy hummus texture.
4. Taste Test: Sample your hummus and tweak the seasonings to your liking. Don’t hesitate to add a bit more salt, lemon juice, or garlic to get it just right.
5. Transfer and Serve: Scoop the hummus into a serving bowl to enjoy immediately or store for later use.

Optional Garnishes

Elevate your hummus experience with some finishing touches. Consider adding toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch, a drizzle of quality olive oil for richness, and a dash of smoked paprika for smoky undertones.

Expert Tips

• Tahini Substitutes: While tahini gives hummus its classic earthy depth, you can make do without it. Sunflower seed butter or unsweetened nut butters like almond or cashew can be used as an alternative, but note that this will change the hummus flavor.
• Tahini’s Shelf Life: If you have tahini on hand, it’s a great addition. Don’t worry about it going to waste; a jar keeps well in the fridge for an extended period once opened.
• Olive Oil as a Blending Aid: If you’re opting out of tahini, you may need to up the olive oil quotient to achieve the right blending consistency for your chickpeas.
• Flavor Adjustment: When using alternative ingredients to tahini, you might need to tweak the other seasonings, such as lemon juice or garlic, to balance the flavors.
• Check the Consistency: The texture of your hummus can also change based on the substitute you use. Feel free to add a tablespoon of water to smooth things out if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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