Easy Hummus

Easy Hummus
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When I want a quickly prepared appetiser, I invariably turn to my recipe for Easy Hummus.

I can prepare it in minutes from ingredients I almost always have on hand, in less time than it takes to go to the store to buy a tub. Not surprisingly, the home-made version tastes infinitely better than the store bought. Plus, there is the satisfaction of knowing that you have made it yourself, and you know exactly what it contains; there are no unnecessary additives or artificial preservatives.

The exact origin of hummus is uncertain. It has crossed many borders, being enjoyed by people throughout the Middle East and Greece. Whatever its origin, almost everyone knows hummus, the quintessential chickpea dip. It contains just a few main ingredients; chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, some fresh garlic and olive oil.

This hummus recipe is quickly and easily made using canned chickpeas, which are readily available and easily stored for spur-of-the-moment hummus making.

The purist, however, would use dried, pre-soaked and boiled chickpeas. To obtain the smoothest puree, they would peel the chickpeas. Yes, every single one. And one day, to satisfy my curiosity, I will try that method.

Meanwhile, I’m very satisfied with the result I obtain by using my easy recipe. The hummus comes together in minutes, all ingredients being whizzed together in a food processor or high powered blender. The resulting dip should be smooth, creamy and flavourful. I have a few tips to achieve that. When you drain the can of chickpeas, make sure that you reserve the liquid. This liquid is aquafaba, currently enjoying great popularity with vegans and those with egg allergies, for its use as an egg replacer. The reason you want to save the aquafaba is that you’ll add some of it back into the hummus to thin and lighten the mixture.

With so few ingredients, it is essential that they be of the best quality.

I prefer to use canned, organic chickpeas. For the best flavour, it is essential to use fresh lemon juice; never use the bottled variety. Lemon is a fabulous flavour enhancer, adding brightness and zing to many dishes. Please, don’t ever use garlic powder; always use a clove of fresh garlic. And the oil; always ensure it is extra virgin olive oil for maximum quality and flavour.

Hummus, of course, is an ideal dip; it is healthy and versatile.

Use it as a dip for vegetables, serve it with crackers, pita chips or bread; serve in pita bread with falafel or use it as a spread for sandwiches. You can serve hummus plain, with just a drizzle of olive oil. However, it also likes to dress up. Today I’ve chosen to use a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, pomegranate arils and mint leaves. You could also try topping it with caramelised onion, lemon zest, some whole chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, a sprinkle of paprika, some fresh herbs, chilli flakes or za’atar. It is an ideal dip to customise, so make it your own.

Today, to keep this appetiser gluten free, I have chosen to serve it with rice crackers. It is also lovely served with pita bread or vegetables. Or, you could try our Mixed Seed Crackers

By the way, Hummus has a few different spellings – either way, it always tastes good ;). I hope you will enjoy this quickly and easily made appetiser. If you try it, please let me know in the comments below. Be sure to try my other version also: Roasted Carrot Hummus. 

Xx Alex

P.S. For more delicious Dip ideas, be sure to have a read of my Tasty Dips for Entertaining!

5 from 57 votes
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Easy Hummus

When you need a quickly prepared appetiser, this Easy Hummus recipe is a life saver. With just a few minutes' work, you will have a nutritious, very tasty, smooth and creamy dip which will be suitable for many people with specific dietary requirements. Serve it plain or dress it up. Serve it with pita bread, crackers or vegetables.

Course Appetizer, Entree, Nibbles, Starter
Cuisine Greek, Middle Eastern
Keyword dairy free, delicious, dip, easy hummus, gluten free, hummus, simple, vegan
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 163 kcal
Author Alexandra

Ingredients

  • 425 g cooked chickpeas I used a can of chickpeas
  • 1 clove garlic medium sized
  • 3 tbsp hulled tahini well stirred *
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp reserved chickpea water *
  • sea salt to taste I use Maldon sea salt flakes

Serving Suggestions

  • pomegranate seeds and fresh mint
  • a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper
  • serve with crackers, pita bread, vegetables etc.

Instructions

  1. Drain the chickpeas in a sieve, over a bowl. Do not discard the chickpea liquid.*

  2. Add the chickpeas to the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender.

    Add the remaining ingredients to the chickpeas.

    Blend until smooth.

  3. Test for seasoning and add salt, and/or tahini and lemon juice to taste.

    If the mixture is too thick, add more of the reserved chickpea liquid until it reaches the desired consistency.*

  4. I like my hummus to have a fresh, lemony tang, so depending on the variety of lemon I use, I may add more lemon juice. Some lemons have more flavour than others.

    *When you’ve blended your hummus and it is smooth, creamy and ready for serving, pour it into a serving bowl. Take a dessert spoon and press the back of the spoon into the centre of the hummus. With your other hand, rotate the bowl clockwise and you will create a spiral. This makes for a lovely presentation and allows a drizzle of olive oil to neatly pool in the indentation.

    Serve the hummus with crackers, pita bread or an assortment of vegetables.

Recipe Notes

*The Australian tablespoon is 20ml.

*Tahini is a sesame paste, available in all major supermarkets. You may find with some brands of tahini that it has separated. There will be thick paste on the bottom of the jar and a fair degree of oil on the top. You will need to stir these two together to form a smooth paste.

*If you forget, and accidentally discard the chickpea liquid, just use water instead.

*I tested the recipe using three different brands of chickpeas and found that the amount of chickpea water I needed, to obtain the right consistency, varied between brands. Use your judgement, add more if you like a thinner consistency.

*One of the tins I used seemed to lack flavour, requiring much more salt and lemon than the others. Adjust the flavour and the texture to suit your requirements. 

Nutrition Facts
Easy Hummus
Amount Per Serving
Calories 163 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 299mg13%
Potassium 216mg6%
Carbohydrates 17g6%
Fiber 5g21%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 15IU0%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 53mg5%
Iron 1.8mg10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Easy Hummus


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299 Comments on “Easy Hummus”

  2. Reply


    That is just how I make it too… sometimes without Tahini 🙂 Have added cayenne at times too -but neither mint nor pomegranate – so that’s worth a try for something different

    1. Reply

      Hi Deborah! Thanks for stopping by 🙂 If you give the mint and pomegranate a try, let me know what you think! Hope you’ll love combination 🙂

  3. Reply

    Delicious + healthy + beautiful! What more could you ask for! Well done Alexandra. This looks fab!

  4. Reply


    You always have the best recipes. I buy hummus all the time, and I’m sure homemade is so much better. I can’t wait to try this!

  8. Reply

    It looks so pretty and festive on the plate! My son loves hummus, so I’ll make this for him during December!

  9. Reply


    This looks really lovely! I have no idea how this tastes like but I’ll pretty sure check out the ingredients.

  10. Reply


    Another beautiful recipe! You managed to make a simple hummus into a lovely holiday appetizer! Love the color!

  11. Reply


    Gosh I saw this in one of the tribes and just had to click through. It looks so delicious. Pinned for later 🙂

  12. Reply

    We love hummus at my house! Thank you for the tip about using the reserve chickpea liquid to enhance the flavor, I will have to try that.

  13. Reply

    Your hummus looks so delicious and festive! I have to pin it to make for my Christmas eve party!

  14. Reply

    This sounds so yummy! I would have never thought to pair this together, but I’m for sure going to have to try it!

  15. Reply

    Wow!! It only has 17 carbs!! I’m not very familiar with hummus dip but it seems like a healthy appetizer that I would enjoy!

  16. Reply

    Hummus is one of my favorite side dishes. I have only made it once and it wasn’t very good. Is the lemon juice crucial? I am allergic to it, but maybe that’s why mine didn’t taste good before.

    1. Reply

      Hi Carli! You can definitely leave out the lemon juice. Perhaps a small amount (not as much as the lemon juice) of apple cider vinegar would give this a lift instead for you 🙂

  18. Reply


    My daughters have recently developed an addiction for hummus. I have never made it but it doesn’t look very hard. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Reply

      Hi Sara! How lovely – perhaps they can give you a hand in the kitchen and whip this up? I can imagine the kids may love to help decorate it, also 🙂 Enjoy!

  20. Reply

    I love Hummus too and make a similar easy recipe. I refuse to buy it because it is so easy to make hehe!

  21. Reply


    I absolutely love Hummus, but I have never made it myself. This hummus recipe looks delicious and simple though and I will be trying it for myself!

  22. Reply

    Ooh I seriously love hummus! This looks so yummy and easy to make, ill have to try it soon! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  23. Reply


    Your hummus recipe is so easy to do and I love to give this a shot, the added pomegranate is so beautiful

  25. Reply

    Hummus tastes so good and it is so good for you too. I love the idea of being able to make it fresh right in my own home.

  26. Reply

    I just recently started to like hummus only a few months ago. Every time I would buy it I would never finish the tub – I need to try this recipe! As you mentioned, it’s probably so much better than the store-bought stuff.

  27. Reply


    This looks so delicious! Hummus is one of my favorite foods! I have never made it myself, so I will have to give it a try!

  28. Reply


    Hummus is so yummy! I love that is a healthy snack, so I won’t feel guilty having whole dip for myself hahaha I always buy at the the groceries store, but I think that homemade is always better. I definitely would try this at home, it’s perfect for parties.

    XO
    Candace
    http://www.thebeautybau.com

  29. Reply

    I’ve never made hummus before but this looks like an easy recipe to follow and would be good as a veggie dip.

  30. Reply


    Hummus is my favorite dip to dip veggies or chips in. This recipe for hummus looks really delicious. I will have to try making this one.

  32. Reply

    Oh I never thought to put pomegranate in with hummus but that sounds absolutely delicious! Thanks for this yummy post 🙂

  33. Reply


    Can’t go wrong with Hummus, such a delicious classic! I love that you topped it with Pomegranate and mints, that sounds so delicious!

  34. Reply


    This looks so healthy and delicious. I love the idea of garnishing with fresh pomegranate too. I’ll have to try this.

  35. Reply


    Yes, I love this recipe! It is so festive and pretty. Also fantastic that it is so healthy and not filled with cream or cheese. Great for anyone to have on their Christmas table!!

  36. Reply

    I love Hummus!! We have it often. I’ve always wanted to try to make it! Cool recipe!!! Thanks for sharing.

  39. Reply

    I’ve never made hummus before but with your recipe it seems so simple I am definitely going to give it a try!

  40. Reply

    Oh I can’t wait to try this, my husband and I both love hummus. We go through so much of it, that is quite expensive, so I’d much rather slash that part of my grocery bill in half with a good recipe to make. Can’t wait to test it out.

  41. Reply


    Omg this recipe really is easy! I’ve never tried hummus with pomegranate before, can’t wait to try!

  42. Reply

    Homemade hummus tastes so much better than store bought. I couldn’t believe how easy it is to make! Perfect recipe! Yummy!

  43. Reply


    I love hummus, but I’ve never had a chance to prepare it on my own. It looks delish and easy to prepare, so I believe I’ll give it a try pretty soon! 🙂

  45. Reply


    Great recipe! I recently found love for dips and chips and this is a great addition to the dips I could offer to my friends!

    xoxo
    anythingrad.com

  49. Reply

    I’m not a fan of hummus but I’ve only ever tried the shop stuff. I’ll have to give this a go and see if I like it any better.

  52. Reply


    I really love hummus but I always tend to buy it already made. I have never attempted to make it myself- but maybe I should!

  54. Reply


    I always want 1,000% more garlic and tahini in my hummus and making it myself is the only way to accomplish that 🙂 Thank you for this tutorial!

  56. Reply

    The garnish you used for the humus is beautiful! We will need to try this in the near future.

  57. Reply

    We love hummus! Haven’t made it before but I’m saving your recipe to try it.

    Xx, Nailil
    thirtyminusone.com

  58. Reply

    I also love hummus with pita bread but I just eat them in restos. Gee, I didn’t know it was just easy to make. But I don’t have tahini though and I dunno where to get it.

    1. Reply

      Hi Sigrid! Tahini is available in supermarkets in Australia – not sure where you live, however? Maybe a health food store will stock it, too! 🙂

  59. Reply

    I love this post ! I’m a hummus fan and was lovely to read more about it ! Nice pictures !

  61. Reply

    Oh I will definitely be trying this recipe!!! It looks so delicious and I already love hummus!!! There is nothing like some delicious hummus! ❤️

  63. Reply


    I’m a big hummus fan but I’ve never made it homemade before! I’ll have to try this out. wish me luck.

  66. Reply

    I may not be familiar with this recipe but I’m sure by the way I look at those photos, it can be a delicious appetizer one could ever have. I hope to learn cooking too.

  68. Reply


    I love pomegranates and I can’t wait to try this and sprinkle some on top. I never thought of that before 🙂

  70. Reply

    Yum love the pomegranate in your styling! Makes the hummus look so special and festive! Bernadette x

  73. Reply


    Looks delicious and I love pomegranets. Thank you for sharing your delcious looking “easy hummus”

  75. Reply

    Hummus is an absolute favourite! growing up in the Middle East, Hummus has been almost a staple for us! Gonna try your version out too! Thanks

  78. Reply


    I haven’t tried this recipe yet but surely an eye catcher, I’m bookmarking this for future reference!

  79. Reply


    I never tried hummus before but now I do! But I don’t know if I can find the ingredients in Japan…

  80. Reply

    My ex was Lebonese and he taught you how to make hummus from scratch… I ate and still eat this almost everyday – I’ll have to try this soon!

  82. Reply

    I love Hummus. I grew up eating it as my Uncle is from the Middle East. This recipe does look really easy. I may have to try my hand at making it!

  83. Reply


    This looks so good – I never would have thought to put pomegranite in hummus, but now that I think about it, this does sound really good!! And I am half Greek!

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  85. Reply

    Thanks for this easy recipe for hummus. It looks really delicious and I look forward to making it with the food processor I got for Christmas.

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  97. Reply


    I am not very keen on simple hummus. I usually like the one that is blended with roasted onions or with roasted peppers. However, I didn’t know that it was so easy to make.

  98. Reply


    Wow, this sounds so yummy..! I love chickpeas. I haven’t tried it for hummus but I bet would taste good

  104. Reply

    Looks so delicious and yummy. I want to also try this cause I remember my mum makes this a lot before she passed away and I never learnt it from her.

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  112. Reply


    I had no idea that hummus could be made this easily. Thank you for sharing. Hummus is not something I can buy easily in Japan, but I can buy these ingredients… time for a bit of experimenting 🙂

    1. Reply

      There are times in our lives when we all need easy Sarah and this dip fits the bill. It can be put together in minutes – and you don’t need to be a good cook to make this. Let me know if you try it. 🙂

    1. Reply

      I too always keep a can of chickpeas; there are so many ways to use them. And like you, I am very fond of olive oil. It’s great that you make the recipe to suit your taste. 🙂

  117. Reply


    Your hummus recipe must be so delicious Alexandra! And full of flavour. I love chickpeas and would love them for hummus too. And pomegranate in this too? That’s so creative!

  118. Reply


    Homemade hummus is always best. I love to make at home, so that I don’t need to eat any preservative rich ones. Your recipe is so easy I agree with you.

  120. Reply

    Your hummus looks delicious. We have made our own before but found it too thick so I’ll definitely reserve the aquafaba next time as you suggest – Thank you!

  124. Reply

    Looks delicious. I never have enough ideas to use the 1000 cans of chick peas that I buy from Costco’s. Now I have another to try!

  126. Reply

    Alexandra, you are a life saver. I just returned from the Middle East after spending 25 years and the thing i miss the most is a good dish of hummus !!! Going to make a batch now , will let you know how it goes.

  129. Reply

    the vegetarians love this and this is a favorite dish the world over. Thanks for the details and love the pics. Lebanese put pomegranate seeds and i love that you did that.

  130. Reply

    I love making hummus. It’s so simple and delicious. Adding pomegranate seeds is so unique and fun!

  132. Reply

    I have been wanting to try making hummus for so long. We love eating hummus at our house. Love that you added pomegranate

  136. Reply

    My granddaughter is the world’s biggest hummus fan. I am sure she’d like this…pom is her fave (and one of mine too). I never thought to use it in hummus.

  138. Reply


    I always love making a homemade recipe and this one is a new and perfect recipe for me to learn. It so delicious!

  139. Reply

    This looks delicious. I don’t even eat hummus if is not home made at home, I will definitely try your recipe!

  140. Reply


    Who would have known that hummus is actually easy to make! I had no idea and I’m so glad you shared your recipe!

  141. Reply


    Reading through your post made me really crave for hummus! I should make some tomorrow after I come home from work.

  142. Reply

    Hummus can be made so many different ways. It’s really a wonderful versatile treat that’s good for you too.

  143. Reply

    I haven’t made homemade hummus in a while, and it really is nice to make things from scratch. My daughter loves hummus and this would be fun to make with her.

  147. Reply

    I’ll give you that this is “easy hummus,” but maybe not so easy for me! It looks so elegant! You did a great job!

  150. Reply

    This is my go to recipe when I have friends over or I have to bring something for dinner. Have you tried it with beetroot or pumpkin? Delicious as well!

  151. Reply

    Thank you for sharing this easy recipe. It looks really delicious and I would have to agree with you that home-made version is indeed better. Can’t wait to try this.

  154. Reply

    I love hummus on all my food as dips especially as I just started a healthy eating challenge. I will def make this tonight

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