Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz, rinsed and drained, reserve a few for topping)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (from 1 ½ to 2 lemons, plus more to taste)
- 1 garlic clove (medium to large, roughly chopped)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (to taste)
- ½ cup tahini
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water (plus more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (plus a drizzle for serving)
Toppings
- Chickpeas (reserved and optional)
- Sumac or paprika (a sprinkle)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Olives
- Baby tomatoes
- Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Peel the Chickpeas: In a fine-mesh strainer, rinse the canned chickpeas under cool water for about 30 seconds and peel the skins off the chickpeas to achieve a creamier hummus texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the peeled chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, tahini, and ground cumin to a food processor or high-powered blender.
- Process the Mixture: Blend the ingredients until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add Ice Water and Olive Oil: While continuing to blend, slowly incorporate 2 tablespoons of ice water and the tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. If the tahini is very thick, add 1 to 2 more tablespoons of ice water until the mixture becomes ultra-smooth, pale, and creamy.
- Adjust Flavors: Taste the hummus and add more lemon juice, salt, or water as needed to balance flavors and reach the desired consistency.
- Load and Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swooshes on the surface. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with reserved chickpeas, a sprinkle of sumac or paprika, chopped fresh parsley, olives, baby tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Peeling the chickpeas creates a significantly creamier hummus but can be time-consuming—this step is optional.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more ice water little by little if the hummus is too thick.
- Feel free to swap toppings based on preference; roasted red peppers or pine nuts make great alternatives.
- Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
