Best Mediterranean Hummus Recipe (2024)

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By Kevin

published Jul 07, 2023

5 from 8 votes

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This hummus recipe is just about my best hummus recipe yet. Chickpeas and tahini bring a sweet earthiness complimented perfectly by lively lemon, pungent garlic, and spicy cumin. Get ready for the most silky smooth, heavenly hummus ever!

Best Mediterranean Hummus Recipe (2)

Sure I know there are numerous recipes out there for hummus. But, in my defense, I’ll share with you my tip on how to make the smoothest and creamiest with my simple tricks.

I know it’s a big statement, but this really is the best hummus recipe! It has everything you’d expect from your average hummus recipe with some added bonuses.

This Mediterranean hummus comes out so light, fluffy, and silky smooth due to a couple of tricks that I am excited to teach you about. We’re going to use humble baking soda and ice cubes to create a little culinary magic. Don’t worry, though — it’s still just as easy to prepare as any other dip!

Table of Contents

  • Shopping Tip
  • Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
  • How to Make The Best Mediterranean Hummus Recipe
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Best Mediterranean Hummus Recipe Recipe

For more divinely delicious dips from the Silk Road, check out my Mutabal (Charred Eggplant Dip), Skordalia Recipe (Potato and Garlic Dip), and this Whipped Feta Dip.

Tip From Kevin

Try to find tahini made from Ethiopian sesame seeds; the buttery, complex Humera seeds are the best quality. Both Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods carry Ethiopian tahini. Or, you can order the Soom brand online.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Chickpeas – These nutty, buttery beans form the foundation of the recipe. Learn How to Cook Chickpeas yourself or opt for the quicker, more convenient canned version.
  • Baking Soda – Softens the chickpeas and decreases their cooking time.
  • Tahini – Gives the hummus its smooth velvety texture and an earthy, nutty taste. Look for it near the peanut butter or in the international aisle at your local supermarket.
  • Lemon Juice Enlivens the dish with a dash of citrus sunshine.
  • Garlic – Perks up the recipe with a pungent, peppery bite.
  • Cumin Adds a comforting warmth and a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
  • Ice Cubes Helps incorporate more air into the hummus, giving it the lightest, fluffiest texture possible.
  • Garnishes – Top it all off with olive oil, parsley, sumac, a sprinkle of either Egyptian Dukkah or Lebanese Zaatar, or any of your favorite spices.
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How to Make The Best Mediterranean Hummus Recipe

  1. Soak the Beans. Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with 2.5 cups of water. Cover and set aside to soak overnight. You can skip this step and go to step 2 if using canned beans.
  2. Drain & Rinse. Transfer the beans to a colander to drain and rinse thoroughly. Place a large skillet or saucepan over high heat. Add the chickpeas and baking soda to the heated pan. Toss and stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes to coat and dry.
  3. Boil & Soften. Add 6.5 cups of water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 30 minutes. During the process, use a spoon to skim both foam and skins from the chickpeas. Cook until tender and squishable to the touch.
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  1. Transfer to the Food Processor. Drain and transfer the cooked chickpeas to the food processor. Pick out any loose skins or debris as desired, but don’t go overboard.
  2. Puree into Paste. Process the chickpeas until they begin to form a thick paste. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. Add Other Ingredients. Keep the food processor running while you carefully add in the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt. Finally, drop in the ice cubes. Continue to process for at least 5 minutes for the creamiest results.
  4. Chill & Serve. Transfer the hummus to a bowl and set it aside to rest for at least 30 minutes. If not serving immediately, place the covered bowl in the refrigerator.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What Goes Well With Mediterranean Hummus?

This hummus recipe works as a tasty dip, spread, or condiment. Pair Mediterranean hummus with some of these tasty recipes.

– As an appetizer, serve with veggies, crackers, and other dips like Muhamara (Red Pepper Dip), Melitzanosalata (Creamy Eggplant Dip), and Whipped Feta Dip.
– Serve with Pita Bread, Garlic Naan Bread, Zaatar Bread, or your favorite flatbreads.
– Enjoy alongside kabob recipes like Grilled Koobideh Kabob (Beef and Lamb), Shashlik (Pork Shish Kabobs), or Joojeh Kabob (Persian Chicken Kabob).
– Spread onto sandwiches and wraps like Tantuni Wraps or Greek Chicken Souvlak.

Is Making a Homemade Hummus Recipe Worth It?

Absolutely! Making homemade hummus means you save money and end up with a far more flavorful dip.

It starts with easily accessible and inexpensive ingredients. Choosing homemade over store-bought hummus also means that you will end up with a much larger volume of hummus for what you spend. This is especially true if you start with dried beans. Plus, the time investment is minimal. You can make this hummus recipe in less than 30 minutes once the beans are cooked.

Furthermore, when making your own hummus, you can adjust as needed to make it the best hummus recipe for your preference. Make it thicker, make it thinner, or make it spicier — the choice is yours! I also add 1 bunch cilantro leaves and 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños for a spiced up version that I highly recommend!

How Long Does Homemade Hummus Last?

Stored in an airtight container, Mediterranean hummus will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

If you end up with too much on your hands, freezing is also an option. Store your leftover hummus in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying again.

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Best Mediterranean Hummus Recipe

5 from 8 votes

Two tricks make this hummus recipe satiny smooth. Zesty garlic, lemon, and smoky cumin make it the best Mediterranean hummus recipe around!

Servings: 8

Cook: 35 minutes mins

Resting Time (optional): 30 minutes mins

Total: 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup dried chickpeas (See Note 1)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 6 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup tahini (See Note 2)
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 3-4 ice cubes (See Note 3)

Garnishes

  • olive oil
  • parsley chopped
  • sprinkle of sumac
  • sprinkle of dukkah
  • zaatar spice

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Instructions

  • Soak the dried chickpeas overnight in a large bowl covered by 2.5 cups water. Cover with kitchen towel and set aside. If using canned chickpeas, skip this step go to Step 2 below.

  • Drain and rinse the chickpeas. To a large saucepan or skillet over high heat add the chickpeas and baking soda. Toss to coat and dry cook 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

  • Add the 6.5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Cook for 30 minutes (See Note 4) over medium heat. Skim any foam and skins that floats to surface. Chickpeas are done when they break up easily when pressed between thumb and finger. Drain and transfer to food processor. At this stage you can pick through to remove any skins, but I feel the food processor going at 5 minutes does a fantastic job of creating a creamy texture.

  • Process cooked chickpeas to a thick paste. Stop and scrape down the sides. With motor running add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt and cumin. Next, with motor still running, drop in the ice cubes and mix for a total of 5 minutes. You want the creamiest, smoothest paste. (For a spicier version see Note 5 below).

  • Transfer to a bowl, cover and allow to rest at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate if not eating immediately. Allow to come back to room temperature before spooning on to a serving plate. Garnish with a drizzle of good olive oil, parsley and either sumac, dukkah or za’atar.

Video

Notes

  1. If not soaking and cooking chickpeas from scratch, feel free to use canned. Two 15.5oz cans drained is what you’ll need for this recipe.
  2. Try to find tahini made from Ethiopian sesame seeds; the buttery, complex Humera seeds are the best quality. I’ve found brands at Trader Joes and Whole Foods, or order the Soom brand online.
  3. I find the ice cubes work best, but about 6 1/2 tablespoons of ice water can be substituted.
  4. Cook the chickpeas between 20-40 minutes depending on freshness.
  5. Add 1 bunch cilantro leaves and 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños for a spiced up version that I highly recommend!

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 601mg | Potassium: 425mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 41IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 3mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course: appetizers

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Author: Kevin

Have You Made This Recipe? Let Me Know on InstagramTag @keviniscooking or tag me #keviniscooking!

Best Mediterranean Hummus Recipe (8)

Kevin

I was bitten by the cooking bug as a kid cooking and baking along side my mom. After an ROP restaurant course in high school, I went to work in restaurants and catering. My love of travel and food has led me across the world and I love to share those foods with family and friends.

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Best Mediterranean Hummus Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Greek hummus and Lebanese hummus? ›

However, there are differences; these countries would serve different traditional food with their hummus recipes, and would tend towards making their hummus with local ingredients—i.e., a Greek hummus would likely use Greek olive oil and chickpeas, whereas a Lebanese hummus would use ingredients sourced closer to ...

Is hummus good on a Mediterranean diet? ›

On the Mediterranean Diet

Rich in olive oil and healthy fats, hummus is a staple of the Mediterranean Diet. The olive oil in the spread scores low on the glycemic index and is low in saturated fat. Like many other Mediterranean Diet staples, hummus helps to prevent various diseases and health conditions.

What do Lebanese people eat hummus with? ›

Hummus. Hummus is a traditional creamy dip that's both delicious and healthful. It's made with tahini, chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. You can smear it on pita or combine it with lots of fresh vegetables like carrots and eat it as an appetizer.

What can I add to hummus to make it taste better? ›

Next, enhance the blank slate of flavor with a few squeezes of lemon juice, a sprinkling of garlic salt, a turn of freshly cracked pepper, a heavy-handed sprinkle of paprika, and a generous drizzle of your nicest olive oil. Bonus points if you have an herby olive oil on hand with a little color to it.

Why is Israeli hummus so good? ›

Tahini adds a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the earthy taste of chickpeas. The ratio of tahini to chickpeas in Israeli hummus is often higher than in other variations, making it exceptionally creamy and decadent.

Why is hummus so much better in Israel? ›

To some degree it depends on who you ask, but mostly Israeli-style hummus is smoother and creamier than most of the hummus you find in your grocery store. It has a lot more tahini — a paste made from sesame seeds — in it than some other Middle Eastern varieties of hummus.

What is not allowed on a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet prohibits the consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, refined grains, and trans fats. Additionally, the diet limits the intake of red meat and high-fat dairy products. In addition, the consumption of alcohol is restricted, with the exception of red wine, which you can have in moderation.

Why do you have to eat hummus within 7 days? ›

Store-bought hummus may have a longer shelf life than homemade, depending on how it is prepared. But both varieties should last up to 7 days in the refrigerator (for prepared hummus this applies once the container is opened). Like any food, hummus is perishable and is prone to spoilage.

What is the healthiest thing to eat with hummus? ›

Hummus pairs perfectly with fresh veggies and crispy salads. This crunchy cucumber and tomato salad is a refreshing side dish with a bowl of hummus, but it also works beautifully as a topping for a loaded and colorful hummus.

What country eats the most hummus? ›

In Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon, it is a staple food, often eaten every day, not merely a dip but rather a main dish. It can be found served warm, room temperature, or cold.

How long does homemade hummus last? ›

How long does homemade hummus last? It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 1 week in the fridge (but it's best within 4 days). You can prevent it from drying out by storing it in an airtight container with a light layer of extra virgin olive oil on top.

What do Lebanese eat every day? ›

Chickpeas and parsley are also staples of the Lebanese diet. Well-known dishes include baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, sfeeha, falafel and shawarma. An important component of many Lebanese meals is hummus, a chickpea puree dish, and many dishes are eaten with flatbread. Well-known desserts include baklawa, sfouf and ka'ak.

How to fancy up hummus? ›

Consider jammy, Roasted Caramelized Onions or crispy garlic (that you can fry in your microwave!) as your next hummus toppings for an easy upgrade. If you're looking for a little extra crunch, consider Dukkah, a savory blend of nuts, seeds, and spices.

Why does my homemade hummus taste bad? ›

Another cause might be that your lemon is a bit old, causing it to taste more bitter than sour. Lastly, if you've added too much garlic or just happened to used a particularly strong clove, it'll leave the hummus with a very pungent, raw taste.

Why is my homemade hummus tasteless? ›

You're Not Using Enough/The Right Tahini

The one ingredient that gives hummus its undeniable richness, depth of flavor, and subtle nuttiness is tahini. This means that the final product depends on the amount of tahini that you add and the brand of tahini that you're using.

What's the difference between Greek and Lebanese food? ›

Greek Style: Spices mixed into the meat (spices and peppers, powders) Lebanese Style: Marinade – Neomonde Mediterranean has a secret marinade sauce that we use to soak our meat in overnight (the result is succulent flavorful meat).

What is Greek hummus made of? ›

It's the quintessential Middle Eastern dip made by blending chickpeas with tahini, garlic, and citrus. I grew up on it, and I'm convinced that this simple beige dip is some of the best stuff on earth! Creamy, satisfying and packed with plant-based protein.

What is the difference between Greek and Israeli hummus? ›

According to Solomonov, “the secret to great Israeli-style hummus is an obscene amount of tahini.” Unlike Greek-style hummus which is heavy on garlic and lemon, Israeli hummus is all about the marriage of chickpeas and tahini.

What is hummus Greek? ›

Hummus (/ˈhʊməs/, /ˈhʌməs/; Arabic: حُمُّص ḥummuṣ, "chickpeas"), also spelled hommus or houmous, is a Middle Eastern dip, spread, or savory dish made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.

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