Hummus(Arabic Appetizer)
Creamy, flavorful hummus with a hint of lemon and garlic, perfect for dipping or spreading. Great for gatherings, snacks, or as part of a mezze platter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chickpeas on medium-high heat until softened.
- Add a little water if necessary.
- Place chickpeas into a blender.
- Add garlic cloves, salt to taste, lemon juice, and sesame seed oil.
- Blend until very smooth.
- Place in a serving dish.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Lightly cover with olive oil to prevent drying.
- Serve with pita bread for dipping.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra creamy texture, blend the chickpeas with some of their cooking liquid instead of water. You can substitute tahini for sesame seed oil if preferred. Adjust the garlic to your taste; roasted garlic can also add a sweet flavor. If you like a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. This hummus pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like a Crispy Garden Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hummus in a shallow bowl and create a swirl with the back of a spoon before drizzling with olive oil. It pairs well with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crispy chips for dipping. Consider offering sides like Marinated Chilled Potatoes for a delightful spread. It's a fantastic appetizer for gatherings and goes well with light salads.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain its texture, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before sealing. When ready to enjoy, you can stir in a little water or olive oil and blend again to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hummus(Arabic Appetizer) contains roughly 93 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 519mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make hummus without tahini?
Yes, you can make hummus without tahini by using sesame seed oil or simply omitting it altogether. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. You can also experiment with other nut butters or add more garlic for depth.
How can I make my hummus smoother?
To achieve a smoother hummus, ensure you blend it for a longer time. Adding a bit of ice water or the reserved liquid from the chickpeas can help create a creamier consistency. Also, peeling the chickpeas can make a significant difference in texture.
What can I use instead of chickpeas?
If you don't have chickpeas, you can substitute them with white beans or lentils. Both options will provide a different flavor but will still create a tasty dip. Remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the new base.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).