Hummus(Middle Eastern Spread)
Creamy, nutty hummus with tahini, garlic, and lemon, perfect as a spread or dip. Its rich flavors suit parties, snacks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In an electric blender, whirl together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and white pepper until smooth.
- With the blender running, tip the center cap in the cover and gradually add the chickpeas, blending until smooth and a pale color.
- Stop the blender as necessary and, with a rubber spatula, push the mixture towards the blades to ensure all the chickpeas are crushed.
- Chill, tightly covered.
- Serve as a spread with crackers or small wedges of hot pita.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier hummus, add a few tablespoons of cold water while blending. If you find tahini too thick, substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture. Adjust garlic according to your preference; roasted garlic provides a milder flavor. Feel free to customize by adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick. This hummus is also great as a dip for fresh veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hummus as a delicious spread with warm pita bread or crackers. It also pairs beautifully with Vegetable Hodgepodge Salad Low-Cal for a light meal. For a Mediterranean feast, offer it alongside olives, roasted vegetables, and falafel. Consider drizzling with additional olive oil and sprinkling with paprika for a colorful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain its smooth texture, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before sealing. If the hummus thickens after refrigeration, stir in a little water or olive oil to loosen it up before serving. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hummus(Middle Eastern Spread) contains roughly 469 calories, with 17g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (137% of the Daily Value), iron (115% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1786mg per serving (78% 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 omit tahini and replace it with a nut butter like almond or sunflower seed butter for a similar texture. Alternatively, use extra olive oil or a bit of yogurt to achieve creaminess. Keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make my hummus spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate ingredients like cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a dash of chili powder during blending. You can also serve the hummus with a side of spicy harissa sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
What can I do with leftover hummus?
Leftover hummus can be used as a sandwich spread, a salad dressing base, or a dip for veggies and chips. You can also incorporate it into dishes like Rice Pilaf With Black-Eyed Peas And Green Beans or use it as a topping for baked potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
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).