Small Batch Hummus

In a world where convenience often means sacrificing quality, take a moment to treat yourself to a small batch of Homemade Hummus. Once you taste this smooth and creamy hummus, bursting with rich, vibrant flavors, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it from the store. With just a can of chickpeas and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this nutritious delight in less than 10 minutes—so much better than any store-bought variety!

Enjoy your hummus with a variety of fresh, colorful veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips, or pair it with crunchy tortilla chips. It’s also fantastic as a flavorful spread in a turkey wrap, adding a delicious twist to your sandwich.

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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.

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Ingredients And Substitutions

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch hummus recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

• Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are the easiest to use and pantry-friendly. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of drained chickpeas, which is roughly one 15-ounce can. If you prefer dried chickpeas, soak 3/4 cup overnight and cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, measure out 1 1/2 cups for the recipe. Any extra chickpeas can be refrigerated and used within 2 days in salads or soups. If you don’t have chickpeas, white beans like cannellini are a good substitute, though the flavor will be a bit different. Leftover chickpeas can also be used in our flavorful Slow Cooker Chickpeas and Sausage recipe.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its high quality and rich flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use light olive oil or avocado oil.
• Tahini: This sesame seed paste is usually found in the international foods section of your supermarket. It gives the hummus a creamy, nutty flavor. If you can’t find tahini, sunflower seed butter is a good substitute.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor, adding a tangy zest to your hummus. You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but the flavor might not be as vibrant.
• Garlic: I feel that one clove is enough for this recipe. Chop or mince it before blending to ensure it’s evenly distributed. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Start with 1/2 teaspoon of each, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Optional Toppings: Add some extra flair to your hummus with toppings like pine nuts, smoked paprika, or chopped parsley.

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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