This easy homemade lemon garlic hummus is a healthy and delicious appetizer or snack. Customize it with a variety of Mediterranean flavors to suite your taste.
If you have never made hummus before then you are in for a treat. It is so easy to make and you can make it for fraction of the cost.
What is hummus?
Hummus is a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dish that is served as a dip or side dish.
Do I need special ingredients to make hummus?
Hummus is characterized by two distinctive ingredients: chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and tahini. You can find chickpeas in the canned bean section of your local grocer. This recipe also calls for using some of the liquid from the chick peas so make sure you don’t accidentally discard the liquid!
Tahini is a thick paste that is made from ground sesame seeds. It that gives hummus its unique flavor. Hummus is a source of protein, vitamins, and fiber making it an excellent choice for an added boost of nutrients.
The other ingredients are basic and easy to find staples like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
Where can I find tahini?
Due to the recent increased popularity in hummus, tahini is now now widely available in most large supermarkets. You can find it on the condiment isle near the oils or in the ethnic isle.
Do I need to mince my garlic before adding it to the food processor?
The great thing about making hummus is the food processor does a majority of the work. However, to ensure that the garlic gets fully incorporated I like to mince my garlic before I add it to the food processor.
Never minced fresh garlic before? No problem, you can check out Home Cook Basics for a full tutorial on how to properly cut and mince fresh garlic.
Or if this seems like too much work, use my easy garlic hack and buy the garlic already pre-minced in the jar. This stuff lasts forever and tastes amazing.
Can I add additional ingredients to this recipe?
This recipe is delicious on it’s own, but you can take it to the next level with the addition of other ingredients. The lemon garlic base is just perfect for the additional flavors. Customize it to your tastes! Here are a few ideas:
- add roasted red pepper
- top with olive tapenade
- add avocado prior to processing or top with avocado salsa
What to eat with hummus?
The options for using hummus are endless. Here are just a few of my favorites:
- make a wrap by adding the hummus to to a tortilla
- pita or pita chips
- crackers
- veggies (cauliflower, red peppers, celery, cucumbers)
Is homemade lemon garlic hummus healthy?
Lemon Garlic Hummus is not only a crowd pleaser but it’s full of healthy ingredients and is gluten free.
Does hummus need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Yes, hummus should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria from growing.
How long can I store hummus in the refrigerator?
Store homemade hummus in the refrigerator for up to one week.
How do I make homemade garlic hummus?
Making your own hummus at home is incredibly easy. All you need are a few ingredients and a food processor.
First, add of the ingredients to the food processor.
Next, process the hummus until it is creamy and smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
That’s it!
It really couldn’t be easier.
Enjoy!
Looking for other Mediterranean inspired recipes? Check out this Mediterranean salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
Homemade Lemon Garlic Hummus
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 16 oz can chickpeas (drained but reserve ¼ cup chickpea liquid)
- ¼ cup chickpea liquid
- 1.5 tablespoon tahini
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves crushed garlic
- 4 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 dash paprika for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor.
- Process until smooth and creamy, approximately 3 minutes.
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