Homemade garlic hummus is delicious no-cook spread or dip that’s a cinch to make!
A can of chickpeas, tahini, fresh garlic, and a few seasonings are blended into a creamy dip that’s delicious with chips, crackers, veggies, or as a topper for sandwiches, wraps, and burgers!
Garlic Hummus Heaven
What is hummus? Made by mashing chickpeas (AKA garbanzo beans) with tahini (AKA sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings, hummus is a simple traditional dip that originates in the Middle East and has become popular worldwide, similar to tzatziki. This recipe uses fresh garlic for an even more robust flavor, but it’s also easy to customize using pureed veggies. Why buy it when it’s so easy to make from scratch?
What’s in Garlic Hummus?
- Chickpeas: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, chickpeas are the star of every hummus recipe. Buy them canned (save the reserved liquid) or soak and cook dried chickpeas according to package directions.
- Tahini: Hummus can be made with common pantry ingredients, except for tahini, which can be found in the international foods section of the supermarket. However, you can still make a flavorful garlic hummus without tahini by using Greek yogurt, creamy peanut butter, or any other nut butter to taste.
- Garlic: One clove is recommended in this recipe, but use as much as you like. To extend the shelf life of garlic hummus, use garlic powder instead because fresh garlic can develop toxins after more than 4 days. Garlic can be roasted or smoked for more layers of flavor. Extra roasted or smoked garlic can be made into garlic butter as a delicious spread on a homemade baguette.
- Seasonings: Olive oil can be swapped out for sesame oil for a more pronounced tahini flavor, if desired. Fresh lemon juice (and some zest!) adds the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works too. Cumin, paprika, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can be added for a bit of color and depth of flavor.
Versatile Variations
- Blend in some roasted red bell peppers, beets, butternut squash, or avocado to create a new hummus recipe every time you make it.
- Make a dessert inspired chocolate hummus by blending in cocoa powder and honey or maple syrup. Serve with cookies like Nilla wafers, graham crackers, or fresh fruit.
- Chocolate hummus also makes a tasty topping for breakfast toast, muffins, pancakes, or waffles.
How to Make Garlic Hummus
- Place all ingredients in a food processor or Vitamix, (full recipe below).
- Pulse until smooth, adding chickpea liquid or water
Ways to Enjoy Hummus
Once you’ve made hummus from scratch, you’ll want to keep it on hand for all kinds of applications. Serve it on a veggie platter with bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and crostini, wonton crisps, or as a fun dip for pasta chips, and watch the kids gobble it up! Garlic hummus is delish as a spread on a hearty roast beef sandwich or a wrap. Stir some into a fresh pot of pasta as a hearty meatless Monday dinner.
Storing Homemade Hummus
Garlic hummus can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and frozen in zippered bags for up to 6 weeks. Before serving, stir and refresh the flavors with fresh lemon juice and a dash of salt.
Freeze garlic hummus in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to a zippered bag. Pop one or two out to make snack trays with veggies for school or workday lunches.
More Dips to Try
Did you enjoy this Garlic Hummus Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
Garlic Hummus Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 ounces chick peas 1 can, reserve juice if desired
- ½ cup tahini
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 clove garlic
- red pepper flakes to taste
- olive oil garnish, optional
- paprika garnish, optional
Instructions
- Add chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and garlic to food processor.
- Process until smooth or desired texture. Add water or reserve chick pea juice to thin if desired.
- Add red pepper flakes to taste.
- Fold mixture into a bowl and garnish with additional olive oil and paprika, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Discard after 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
©Our Zesty Life. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!
REPIN this Garlic Hummus Recipe
What is Tahiti? Where do you get it?
Hi Evelyn,
Tahini is sesame paste. You can find tahini on Amazon, or at the grocery store, you can usually find it in the ethnic aisle, or where you find peanut butter. In a pinch, you can replace tahini with peanut butter. Enjoy!