There’s nothing quite like the silky smooth texture and rich, nutty flavor of homemade hummus. This classic Lebanese Hummus Recipe is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and for good reason! It’s incredibly healthy, packed with plant-based protein, and offers a versatile canvas for countless meals and snacks. Once you master this simple recipe, you’ll find yourself whipping up batches weekly to pair with warm pita bread, crisp vegetables, or even spreading it generously on sandwiches and wraps for an added burst of flavor and nutrition.

Growing up, I have fond memories of my Mom meticulously preparing her incredibly creamy hummus before every family gathering. The aroma of fresh lemon and tahini would fill our home, signaling that deliciousness was on its way. That exquisite dip would vanish within minutes, scooped up with slices of warm, soft pita bread that my Grandpa and I would often pick up from a small Lebanese market in Akron, Ohio. That market was a treasure trove of childhood memories, where we’d also indulge in Jordan Almonds and countless bags of pita. Hummus, for me, isn’t just a dish; it’s a comforting journey back to those cherished moments.

Today, I’m thrilled to share with you the exact Lebanese Hummus Recipe I’ve perfected over the years. It’s the ultimate foundational recipe that you can enjoy as is, or easily customize with your favorite additions. This guide will walk you through creating a rich, smooth, and authentic hummus that will impress everyone who tastes it.

Why Homemade Lebanese Hummus is a Must-Try

While store-bought hummus can be convenient, making it from scratch elevates the experience entirely. Homemade hummus offers a freshness and depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate. You control the quality of ingredients, the seasoning, and the texture, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your preference. Plus, it’s incredibly economical and a fantastic way to incorporate more whole foods into your diet.

• Superior Flavor & Texture: Experience the true taste of fresh ingredients and achieve that ideal creamy consistency.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s a powerhouse of nutrients.
• No Preservatives: Enjoy a natural dip free from artificial additives.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the garlic, lemon, and tahini to suit your palate, or get creative with delicious variations.

Beyond the Classic: Delicious Hummus Variations

Once you have this classic Lebanese hummus recipe down, the possibilities for customization are endless. It’s a fantastic base for exploring new flavor profiles. Here are a few popular variations you might want to try:

• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Simply blend in some roasted bell peppers for a sweet and smoky twist.
• Lemon Hummus: Amp up the citrus notes with extra lemon zest and juice for an even brighter flavor.
• Spicy Hummus: Add a kick with a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a few slices of jalapeño.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) for a rich, umami flavor.
• Beet Hummus: Roasted beets give hummus a vibrant color and earthy sweetness.

Hummus is more than just a dip; it’s a culinary cornerstone in our family. It features prominently in almost every gathering, serving as a versatile appetizer or a key component of a larger meal. If you’re planning your meals, consider incorporating this protein-rich dip to complement main courses like Greek Marinated Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce, Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs, Lebanese Meat Pie Recipe, or these delightful Easy Spinach Fatayer (Lebanese Spinach Pies).

We also love to use hummus in innovative ways, from hearty bowls like Hummus with Spiced Beef and Toasted Pine Nuts to refreshing Mediterranean Sandwiches and trendy Mediterranean Hummus Toast with Za’atar. Its creamy texture and robust flavor make it an excellent spread, a protein booster, and a delightful addition to almost any savory dish.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Hummus

Creating the perfect Lebanese hummus requires just a handful of quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature creamy texture and balanced flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): The heart of hummus! These legumes create the dip’s creamy base. While you can use dried chickpeas that have been soaked and cooked, canned chickpeas offer a convenient shortcut without sacrificing much flavor. Always remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly before use. A little tip for extra creaminess: save some of the chickpea liquid (aquafaba) from the can; it can be used to thin the hummus to your desired consistency.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Essential for brightening the flavors and adding a zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the tahini. Always opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled for the best taste. It truly makes a difference in the final product.
• Tahini: This creamy paste, made from ground sesame seeds, is non-negotiable for authentic hummus. It provides the characteristic nutty flavor and contributes significantly to the smooth, buttery consistency. Think of it like a Middle Eastern peanut butter, but with a unique, slightly more bitter, earthy taste. You’ll typically find tahini in the international or Middle Eastern section of your local grocery store. Good quality tahini makes all the difference!
• Fresh Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the hummus. The amount you use can be adjusted to your preference – one clove for a milder taste, two or more for a bolder garlic punch. While not strictly necessary for every hummus, it’s a traditional and highly recommended addition.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used both in the blend and as a beautiful drizzle on top. A good quality extra virgin olive oil not only enhances the flavor but also adds to the luxurious texture. You can use regular olive oil or even avocado oil as a substitute, but extra virgin offers the most authentic taste.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste): While not explicitly listed above, seasoning is crucial. Start with a pinch and adjust until perfect.
• Garnish (Optional): Freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika or sumac are classic garnishes that add visual appeal and a fresh note.

Please refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and comprehensive instructions.

Simple Steps to Making Perfect Creamy Hummus

Making homemade hummus is surprisingly easy and takes just a few minutes with a good food processor or high-speed blender. Follow these simple steps to achieve that wonderfully smooth and flavorful dip:

Step 1: Puree All Ingredients for Smoothness
Begin by combining all your prepared ingredients – drained and rinsed chickpeas, fresh lemon juice, tahini, garlic cloves, and a initial amount of extra virgin olive oil – into the bowl of a food processor. Process for a full 60 seconds. During this time, you’ll want to pause at least once (around the 30-second mark) to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. This ensures all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and prevents any chunky bits. Continue processing until the hummus reaches a wonderfully smooth and creamy consistency. Taste the hummus at this point and adjust the seasoning as needed. If your hummus appears too thick, turn the food processor back on and slowly add small amounts of cold water (or reserved chickpea liquid) until it reaches your desired consistency – usually about 1-2 tablespoons at a time, blending after each addition.

Step 2: Serve and Garnish Beautifully
Once your hummus is perfectly creamy and seasoned, use a spatula to scrape it into a shallow serving bowl. For an authentic touch and added flavor, create a small swirl in the center of the hummus with the back of a spoon. Drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over the top, allowing it to pool slightly in the swirl. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a dusting of paprika or sumac for color and a hint of spice. Serve immediately with warm pita bread, an assortment of fresh vegetables, or your favorite Mediterranean accompaniments. If not serving right away, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Storage and Freezing Tips for Fresh Hummus

Homemade hummus is fantastic for meal prepping, as it stores beautifully for several days, allowing you to enjoy healthy snacks and meals throughout the week. Properly storing your hummus ensures its freshness and flavor last longer.

• Refrigeration: You can store freshly made hummus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 to 7 days. A clever trick to help preserve its freshness and prevent it from drying out is to drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing the container. This creates a protective barrier.
• Freezing: Hummus is also freezer-friendly, making it an excellent option for long-term storage. Transfer the hummus to an airtight, freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of space at the top to account for expansion during freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the hummus overnight in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a good stir, and you might want to add a fresh drizzle of olive oil to restore its texture and flavor.

Achieving an ultra-creamy hummus is a common goal, and there are a few expert tricks. The most impactful is to remove the skins from the chickpeas. If using canned chickpeas, you can gently rub them between a kitchen towel after draining and rinsing, or simmer them in water with a pinch of baking soda for 10-15 minutes to soften the skins, making them easier to slip off or blend seamlessly. Another secret to lightness and smoothness is to drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of ice water into the food processor while blending. Most importantly, let your food processor or blender run for several minutes (up to 5 minutes or more if needed) to fully emulsify all the ingredients, creating a remarkably airy and smooth texture.

If your hummus turns out thicker than you prefer, don’t worry – it’s an easy fix! While blending, you can gradually add more cold water, reserved chickpea liquid (aquafaba), or a little extra lemon juice or olive oil, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired silky-smooth consistency. Keep blending between additions to ensure it’s fully incorporated.

Yes, you can make a chickpea dip without tahini, but it won’t have the traditional, authentic flavor and creamy texture that tahini provides. Tahini is crucial for that characteristic nutty depth and smoothness. However, if you’re out of tahini or have an allergy, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dip, or use nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty profile. Keep in mind these alternatives will alter the taste significantly from a classic Lebanese hummus.

For convenience and consistent results, canned chickpeas are excellent. However, for the absolute best flavor and creaminess, many chefs prefer using dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight and then cooked until very tender. If using dried chickpeas, cooking them with a pinch of baking soda can help soften them even further and make the skins easier to remove, contributing to a smoother hummus.

Absolutely! Hummus is renowned for its health benefits. It’s a fantastic source of plant-based protein from chickpeas, which helps with satiety. It’s also rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health. The tahini provides healthy fats and essential minerals like calcium, while olive oil adds monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health. As part of a Mediterranean diet, hummus is a wholesome and nutritious food choice.