Basic Hummus

6 steps · 45 min total

1. 01

   Process Tahini and Aromatics

   Start by pureeing the tahini in your food processor for about 1 minute, until it loosens into a smooth, light paste.

   Next, add the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and salt. Pulse the mixture until everything is well combined and fragrant.

2. 02

   Add Chickpeas

   Add the chickpeas, whether you've skinned them or not, in two batches. Process the first batch until it's completely smooth before adding the second, ensuring a creamy texture.
3. 03

   Adjust Consistency

   Taste the hummus and adjust as needed. If you prefer a looser, smoother consistency, add a little more lemon juice or water, pulsing until it reaches your desired texture.
4. 04

   Transfer to Bowl

   Scrape the finished hummus into a serving bowl.
5. 05

   Garnish Hummus

   Garnish the center of the hummus with a few whole garbanzo beans, then sprinkle generously with paprika (hot or mild, depending on your preference). Finish with a good drizzle of your best extra virgin olive oil.
6. 06

   Serve

   Serve the hummus with warm pita bread; whole wheat pita is a good choice if you have it.