Hummus with tahini is a beloved Middle Eastern dip that has gained worldwide popularity. This creamy, savory, and nutritious spread is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish component. In this guide as a Zirve Food, we'll walk you through a classic hummus recipe featuring tahini, offering tips for variations and serving suggestions. Whether you're a hummus novice or a seasoned pro, this article will help you create the perfect hummus every time.

Ingredients

To make the best hummus with tahini, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 cup dried chickpeas (or 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed)

1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt to taste

2-3 tablespoons cold water

Paprika and chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chickpeas

• If using dried chickpeas
• Soak the chickpeas overnight in a large bowl with plenty of water. They will double in size.
• Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.
• Cook the chickpeas in a large pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, about 1-2 hours. Skim off any foam that forms during cooking.
• Drain the cooked chickpeas and let them cool.
• If using canned chickpeas
• Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.

2. Blend the Ingredients

• In a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice. Process for 1 minute. This step helps create a creamy and fluffy hummus.
• Add the minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. Process for another 30 seconds.
• Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor. Process for 1 minute.
• Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, then add the remaining chickpeas. Process for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
• With the processor running, slowly add 2-3 tablespoons of cold water until the hummus reaches your desired consistency.

3. Taste and Adjust

• Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, lemon juice, or garlic to taste.
• If the hummus is too thick, add a bit more cold water and process again.

4. Serve

• Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl.
• Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Hummus

Peel the chickpeas: For an extra smooth hummus, remove the skins from the chickpeas after cooking. This can be a bit time-consuming but makes a noticeable difference.

Use quality tahini: The flavor and consistency of your tahini can significantly impact your hummus. Look for smooth, well-stirred tahini made from 100% sesame seeds.

Adjust to taste: Hummus can be customized to your liking. Experiment with adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or extra spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.

Hummus Variations

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Add 1-2 roasted red peppers to the food processor during the blending step.

Spicy Hummus: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small chili pepper for heat.

Herb Hummus: Blend in fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley for a vibrant, herby flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Hummus is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

As a dip: Serve with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or crackers.

As a spread: Use it as a base for sandwiches or wraps.

As part of a meal: Include hummus in a mezze platter with falafel, tabbouleh, and other Middle Eastern dishes.

Conclusion

Making hummus with tahini at home is straightforward and rewarding. By following this guide, you can create a delicious, creamy hummus that's sure to impress. Capture a unique flavor with the best Zirve tahini you will use. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and find your perfect blend. Happy cooking!