Classic Hummus is one of the world’s most beloved dips and spreads, originating from Middle Eastern cuisine and enjoyed worldwide for its smooth texture, rich flavor, and incredible versatility. Made primarily from chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, this simple yet luxurious dip delivers bold taste, natural creaminess, and wholesome nutrition in every bite.
Whether served as part of a mezze platter, paired with pita bread, or used as a spread on wraps and sandwiches, hummus offers both comfort and elegance. This particular recipe celebrates authentic texture and flavor, finishing with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of warmth and color.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it transforms basic pantry staples into something truly impressive. The flavor is deeply satisfying—nutty from tahini, bright from lemon juice, and balanced with garlic and spices.
The texture is incredibly smooth and luscious, especially if you use warm chickpeas or peel them for extra creaminess.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
This hummus is a must-try because it captures authentic Middle Eastern flavor while being incredibly easy to prepare at home. Store-bought hummus often contains preservatives or lacks the silky homemade texture.
Making it fresh allows you to control consistency, adjust acidity, increase garlic heat, or add creative toppings. It’s also a crowd-pleasing, healthy option for parties, meal prep, snack boards, and casual meals.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0–5 minutes (if warming chickpeas)
- Total Time: 15–20 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 180 calories
- Course: Appetizer, Dip, Snack
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1/4 cup reserved chickpea liquid or cold water
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (to taste)
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for topping)
- Paprika for garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, garnish)
Cooking Directions
- Blend tahini and lemon juice until whipped and creamy.
- Add garlic, cumin, salt, and olive oil. Blend again.
- Add chickpeas gradually, blending until smooth.
- Add chickpea liquid or water until creamy consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle paprika.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prepare Chickpeas:
Drain chickpeas and rinse. For extra smooth hummus, remove skins by gently rubbing between fingers or warming them briefly. - Blend Tahini and Lemon Juice:
Place tahini and lemon juice into a food processor and blend until thick and creamy. This step gives hummus its signature silky texture. - Add Seasonings:
Add minced garlic, cumin, salt, and olive oil. Blend until well combined. - Add Chickpeas:
Add half the chickpeas and blend until smooth, then add the rest. - Adjust Consistency:
Slowly add cold water or chickpea liquid while blending until hummus becomes airy, soft, and creamy. - Plate and Garnish:
Spoon hummus into a bowl, create a shallow swirl, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle paprika (and parsley if desired).
How to Serve
Serve hummus:
- With warm pita bread or pita chips
- Alongside sliced vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers)
- As part of a mezze board with olives, pickles, falafel, and tabbouleh
- As a spread for wraps or sandwiches
Best enjoyed slightly warm or room temperature for optimal flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Use cold water or ice cubes while blending to achieve fluffier texture.
- Peeling chickpeas, though optional, dramatically improves smoothness.
- Adjust garlic based on preference—fresh garlic is stronger than roasted.
- Use high-quality tahini and olive oil for best authentic flavor.
Variations
- Roasted Garlic Hummus: Replace raw garlic with roasted garlic cloves.
- Spicy Hummus: Add cayenne, harissa, or chili oil.
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Add one roasted bell pepper while blending.
- Herb Hummus: Add fresh dill, parsley, or cilantro.
- Pine Nut Garnish: Top with toasted pine nuts and olive oil.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5–6 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge and re-blend before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Spatula
- Storage container
Conclusion
Classic Hummus Dip with Olive Oil and Paprika is a timeless recipe that proves simple ingredients can create something unforgettable. Rich, nutritious, and endlessly customizable, it suits every occasion—from party appetizers to daily snacking. Once you try homemade hummus, you may never go back to store-bought.
Classic Hummus Dip with Olive Oil and Paprika
Description
Classic Hummus is one of the world’s most beloved dips and spreads, originating from Middle Eastern cuisine and enjoyed worldwide for its smooth texture, rich flavor, and incredible versatility. Made primarily from chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, this simple yet luxurious dip delivers bold taste, natural creaminess, and wholesome nutrition in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare Chickpeas: Drain chickpeas and rinse. For extra smooth hummus, remove skins by gently rubbing between fingers or warming them briefly.
-
Blend Tahini and Lemon Juice: Place tahini and lemon juice into a food processor and blend until thick and creamy. This step gives hummus its signature silky texture.
-
Add Seasonings: Add minced garlic, cumin, salt, and olive oil. Blend until well combined.
-
Add Chickpeas: Add half the chickpeas and blend until smooth, then add the rest.
-
Adjust Consistency: Slowly add cold water or chickpea liquid while blending until hummus becomes airy, soft, and creamy.
-
Plate and Garnish: Spoon hummus into a bowl, create a shallow swirl, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle paprika (and parsley if desired).
