Ready to discover what could easily be the best homemade hummus recipe you’ve ever tried? Say goodbye to store-bought hummus and hello to this light, creamy, and utterly delicious homemade version! Made with simple ingredients you can easily find in any grocery store, this Healthy Hummus recipe is great as a party dip paired with pita bread, and also shines as a flavorful sandwich filling. Its smooth and creamy texture, combined with the zest of fresh lemon and the warmth of garlic, make it a delightful alternative to the usual store-bought options. Perfect for anyone trying their hand at making their own hummus for the first time, this recipe is all about bringing a little bit of authentic Middle Eastern flair right into your kitchen.
Why This Healthy Hummus Is So Good
- Fresh and Flavorful: This isn’t just any hummus; it’s a fresh and lighter alternative to the creamy hummus often found in stores. The secret ingredient? Fresh lemon juice and very finely minced garlic, both of which pack a super satisfying punch, giving this hummus an extra flavor that can’t be beaten.
- Creamy Perfection: Achieving the creamiest hummus is all about the blend of simple ingredients – garbanzo beans, olive oil, and plain yogurt. This combination ensures a smooth, creamy texture that’s just perfect for dipping or spreading.
- Easy and Versatile: Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying an easy hummus recipe for the first time, you’ll love how straightforward and versatile this recipe is. It’s not just a wonderful recipe for a party dip; it also works brilliantly as a healthy, flavorful sandwich filling.
- Packed with Healthy Fats: Garbanzo beans and extra virgin olive oil contribute healthy fats, making this hummus not only tasty but also nutritious. It’s the perfect hummus for health-conscious food lovers looking for a snack that’s both satisfying and good for them.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. From a sprinkle of sesame seeds or dukkah to a dusting of fiery spices like cayenne or chili pepper powder, you can add a variety of flavors and health benefits to your hummus. Each addition brings out a new dimension, making this the very best hummus recipe to experiment with.
The History of Hummus
Let’s take a little culinary journey back in time to explore the origins of hummus, a dish that has found its way into the hearts (and fridges) of food lovers around the world. Hummus, which literally means ‘chickpeas’ in Arabic, is a dish with ancient roots, steeped in the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East.
The basic ingredients of hummus – chickpeas, garlic, lemon, and tahini (sesame paste) – have been staples in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. While the exact birthplace of hummus is a topic of friendly debate among various Middle Eastern countries, there’s no denying that this simple, nutritious dish has been a staple of the region’s food culture for a long time.
Interestingly, the earliest known recipes resembling hummus appear in cookbooks from Cairo in the 13th century, a testament to its longstanding presence. These historical versions were quite similar to what we enjoy today, with regional variations that have evolved over time.
Throughout history, hummus has been appreciated not only for its delightful taste and versatility but also for its nutritional value. Chickpeas, the core ingredient, are a fantastic source of protein and fiber.
In more recent times, hummus has transcended its regional origins to become a beloved dip that has spread across the globe. It’s adapted and embraced in countless kitchens, from being a simple dip for pita bread in the Middle East to becoming a staple in health-conscious diets in the West.
Whether it’s the center of a meze platter, a spread in a sandwich, or a dip for veggies, hummus continues to be a simple yet profound testament to the rich, diverse culinary history it comes from. Every scoop of hummus we enjoy today is a delightful blend of history, culture, and of course, great taste.
Ingredients For This Healthy Recipe
- Can of chickpeas
- Lemon juice
- Kosher salt
- Garlic
- Plain yogurt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley
How To Make This Healthy Hummus Recipe – Step by Step
- In a food processor, combine canned chickpeas, lemon juice, salt, garlic and yogurt. Process for 1 minute, then open the food processor and scrape the sides. Process for another minute.
- While the processor is running, pour in the olive oil. Taste and check for smooth consistency. If the hummus is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with smoked paprika, fresh parsley and drizzle with additional olive oil.
A Healthier Hummus
In addition to leaving out a specific ingredient (watch the video below to find out), I’ve also lightened up the recipe by adding in plain yogurt to create a smooth, creamy hummus.
Serving Ideas For Hummus
What to use this healthy hummus for? What to dip in it? So many options, it’s pretty darn versatile! Here are some ideas:
- Kale Tabouli
- Spread hummus on your favorite bread.
- Use instead of mayonnaise or mustard.
- Dip pita chips in hummus.
- Make hummus mashed potatoes.
- Make deviled eggs.
- Pair hummus and vegetables.
- Make a Mediterranean-inspired dinner with fish topped with hummus
- Serve with falafels
Top Tips For This Healthy Hummus Recipe
- Store-bought lemon juice always tastes stale and sad, and it will make your hummus taste stale and sad. Buy lemons and your hummus will taste fresh and delicious.
- If you mince the garlic in the food processor or blender with the lemon juice and let that mixture rest for a few minutes, the garlic will lose its harsh, raw bite and mellow out.
- Sprinkle on top some sesame seeds, pine nuts or a seeded spice blend, such as dukkah.
- Dusting fiery spices like cayenne and chili pepper powder onto your hummus will lend it a whole lot of bite and health benefits. Capsaicin, the compound that gives piquant peppers their sought-after heat, has been linked to everything from preventing heart disease to decreasing appetite and boosting metabolism.
Healthy Hummus Recipe Video
FAQ: Healthy Hummus Recipe
How long does this homemade hummus last?
When refrigerated in an airtight container, this homemade healthy hummus typically lasts for about 4 to 7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the hummus in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make garlic hummus with this recipe?
Absolutely! To transform this into garlic hummus, simply add an extra garlic clove or a bit of garlic powder for an intensified garlic flavor. Garlic is a common ingredient in authentic hummus and brings a wonderful depth of taste.
Is it possible to add other flavors like red pepper or sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can easily customize this easy homemade hummus recipe. For red pepper hummus, blend in roasted red peppers, or for a different twist, try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Both ingredients will add a unique and delicious flavor to your simple hummus.
How can I achieve a silky-smooth texture like restaurant-style hummus?
For that silky-smooth texture, ensure your garbanzo beans are well processed, and consider adding an extra drizzle of olive oil or a splash of water. Blending for a couple of minutes longer than usual can also help achieve that restaurant-style consistency.
What are some low-calorie ways to enjoy this hummus?
Hummus is naturally low in calories and can be enjoyed with a variety of healthy sides. Dip fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for a nutritious snack. It’s also great as a spread on whole-grain toast or in lettuce wraps.
Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh lemons?
While bottled lemon juice can be used, fresh lemons are recommended for the best flavor. Fresh lemon juice will give your hummus a bright, authentic taste that bottled juice can’t match.
Is sesame paste a necessary ingredient in hummus?
Traditional hummus recipes often include tahini, a sesame paste, which gives hummus its characteristic nutty flavor. However, in this recipe, the combination of other ingredients still ensures a delicious taste even without it.
Are there any spice blends that work well with this hummus recipe?
Spice blends like za’atar or a simple mix of cumin and paprika can be great additions. Sprinkle them on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor in your favorite dips.
As a side note, what are some creative ways to serve this hummus?
Apart from the traditional dip or spread, get creative by using it as a base for a salad dressing, as a topping for grilled meats, or even mixed into a pasta salad for a creamy, flavorful twist.
Don’t Forget To Personalize Your Hummus Journey
As you’ve now discovered the rich history and simple beauty of making hummus, why not take your taste buds on a further adventure? Hummus is a canvas awaiting your personal touch. Experiment with infusions like roasted red peppers, olives, or even beets for a pop of color. Consider garnishing with different herbs, nuts, or seeds for added texture and flavor. Each variation not only adds a unique twist but also connects you to the long line of hummus lovers who’ve made this dish their own over centuries. So, dive into your own hummus making, blend in your favorite flavors, and join the global community of enthusiasts who cherish this wildly versatile dish.
Check Out These Other Delicious Homemade Dips
- Healthy Garlicky Spinach Artichoke Dip with Baked Tofu Fries
- Warm Spinach Mascarpone Dip
- Pork Tenderloin with Warm Grilled Tomato Salsa
- Club Med Salsa Mexicana and Guacamole
Have you tried this Healthy Hummus recipe? Feel free to leave a star rating and I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Healthy Hummus recipe
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can chickpeas garbanzo, rinsed and drained well
- juice from 1 lemon about 1/4 cup
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1-2 cloves garlic very finely minced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, salt, garlic and yogurt. Process for 1 minute, then open the food processer and scrape the sides. Process for another minute.
- While the processor is running, pour in the olive oil. Taste and check for smooth consistency.
- If the hummus is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with smoked paprika, fresh parsley and drizzle with additional olive oil.
Notes
Nutrition
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This is a wonderful lower calorie hummus. I’ve decreased the yogurt and we added 2 tsp pesto and 2 tsp of parm 352 in calories per whole recipe.
Mmm..
Good , but what happened to the delicious and healthy sesame paste. with out tahini can you really call this recipe hummus? or just chickpea dip?
Just made this recipe; perfect!!
I made mine vegan. it was sooooooooo good!!!!!!!!1
So whizzed this up for my hummus mad hubby with the addition of some red jalepeno, verdict delish ! Don’t miss the tahini at all but maybe that’s coz its spicy, anyhow thanks for a fantastic healthy hummus much better than shop bought, ps; your recipe has made its way to sunny Scotland
I like your recipes and articles. But, this one is found a bit ridiculous. All hummus is healthy. You didn’t just improve on thousands of years. Sorry.
I can’t wait to try your hummus! I plan on making it today, and I will get back to you and let you know the results. Thanks so much for the great receipe and pictures.
Thanks for the recipe. I made it today as instructed by yourself and it is the best Hummus I have tasted.
what’s the nutritional info?
and is it alright to eat one bowl of hummus with pita for lunch instead of two tablespoons with pita as a snack?
Hi Payal- I don’t provide nutritional info, but you can copy/paste the ingredients into this site: http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/account/index.php
Will the lemon juice make the yogurt curdle? Especially if you try to keep it 5-7 days… Thank you in advance for your advise.
No it does not curdle – there are other ingredients in the hummus to make it all blend really well.
Ooh, and drizzled with a little sriracha for the spicy crowd! Great!
A quarter cup of Lemon Juice is way too much… my hummus is sour now. 🙁
Lovely pictures and lovely hobbies you have! 🙂 I’m a hummus lover. The recipe looks fabulous. Shall definitely try it tomorrow.
Thanks for the post!
Stunning photos, and wonderful story. It is really funny, I make hummus quite often, but have never put tahini in mine as I have never kept any around. I was thinking to get some to add, but now I think I will continue to leave it out. I do wish I could find sumac root to add. When traveling in Israel, the hummus was out of this world, and that was one of the ingredients they used.
great recipe! I’d put a tad bit less yogurt next time just to see if I get a thicker texture.
Jaden! Wow, this looks so delicious. I can’t wait to try this recipe out. Your pictures are out of this world… these look to die for.
Sounds delicious, and looks delicious too!
Hummus! Hummus! Hummus! A favorite of ours, must I say. This recipe looks awesome. I may have to try it one day. Thank you!
from 3girls1apple.com
I love hummus, but I think I would reeeealy miss the rich sesame taste brought by Tahini… Maybe I can make up for it by substituing sesame oil to the olive oil you used?
Oh by all means us Tahini! Just add a tablespoon first, taste and you can add more.
Sesame oil would not be a good substitution.
I can’t wait to try this! I LOVE hummus but I’ve always been a little too intimidated to make it on my own. Not to mention that I never seem to find Tahine paste when I need it. This recipe looks easy and delicious though!
yo. Its looking fine & Its healthy so I like healthy food very much because as a sport person i have to manage my food.
Yum… this looks great. Thanks for the great idea and post. I can’t wait to try it!
ooo that looks great! I have friends that live down that way so I’ll have to let them know about that restaurant! Since I’m about 12 hours away, I’ll have to make your version instead!
Looks delicious!! I love making humus. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
That’s so cool that you spin wool. That’s such an awesome and interesting hobby. Plus this hummus recipe looks great. Hummus is so versatile you can eat it with almost anything!
This hummus recipe looks simply to die for! And I can’t WAIT to snag a copy of your cookbook!! xoxo
I have been wanting to take up knitting and crocheting for ages. I knit a little bit in college, but only very plain scarves and the like, I’d love to learn how to make some of the more complex patterns and designs. If you had any interest in posting about what you’ve made I’d love the read about it/see them!
And this hummus sounds delicious! My dad is from Greece, so hummus was always a staple at our house. Ours was incredibly garlic-y, though, which I liked, but I could definitely see it being too much for some people haha 🙂
You know what goes well with your hummus…homemade kale-sesame crackers! I make mine with furukake, pinch of cayenne, and my garlic seasoning! am totally a happy camper with those crackers slathered with hummus!
Do you have a guess as to how long this keeps?
It should keep for up to a week in refrigerator.
You just made me *really* miss my old handout of a yarn shop in Toronto (The Purple Purl, if ever you’re in town). Since moving to Orlando I haven’t found anything like it, nor have I found many kindred knitting friends. I’m going to get on Ravelry tonight and see if I can’t find a new knitting group. Thanks for the nudge! (This hummus looks and sounds amazing, btw).
I like to add sumac… I also use half tahini half yogurt – tahini is mega good for you!
There’s something about hummus that’s so inviting, comforting and exotic — bursting with flavors if made right 🙂
This sounds like an answer for my granddaughter who is allergic to sesame and sesame oil
I love hummus, and yours looks fabulous! I’ve never tried adding yogurt, but that can only amp up the creaminess!
We love hummus at our house. This recipe is now on my must try list. What gorgeous photography!
Wow! This is gorgeous!
I love this recipe! Tahini is yummy but can’t wait to try the substitution of yogurt.
Hi..
Was looking for nice hummus recipe … I think urs is the best ..will try tomorrow and will link ur recipe in my blog if u dont mind .. great blog dear ..keep it up..
Yogurt! I’ve never thought to add that, but what a great idea!
I love hummus but haven’t had a chance to make it at home yet, this looks so delicious!