Silky Smooth Hummus

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried chickpeas(About 200g. Choose good quality dried chickpeas.)
• 1 tsp Baking soda(Divided. Used for soaking and cooking.)
• 120 ml Tahini(About 1/2 cup. Use good quality, runny tahini for best results.)
• 60 ml Fresh lemon juice(About 1/4 cup, from 1-2 lemons. Adjust to taste.)
• 2 cloves Garlic(Peeled. For a milder flavor, you can boil the garlic with the chickpeas.)
• 60 ml Ice water(About 1/4 cup. Very cold water is key for a fluffy texture.)
• 1/2 tsp Ground cumin(Optional, for flavor.)
• to taste Salt
• for drizzling Extra virgin olive oil(Use a good quality olive oil.)
• for garnish Paprika(Sweet or smoked paprika.)
• for garnish Fresh parsley(Chopped, optional.)
• for serving Pita bread(Warm pita bread is ideal.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the dried chickpeas thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water (at least 3-4 inches above the chickpeas, as they will expand significantly). Stir in 1/2 tsp of baking soda. Let soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.

   ⏱️ 8-12 hours
2. 2

   Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Place them in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add fresh cold water to cover by at least 3 inches. Stir in the remaining 1/2 tsp of baking soda. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer.

   ⏱️ 2 - 2.5 hours
3. 3

   Cook the chickpeas until they are extremely tender and easily crushed between your fingers. They should be almost falling apart. Skim off any foam or skins that rise to the surface during cooking. Drain the chickpeas, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Discard any remaining liquid.

4. 4

   While the chickpeas are cooking, prepare the tahini mixture. In a food processor, combine the tahini, fresh lemon juice, peeled garlic cloves, and cumin (if using). Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This initial blend helps create a stable emulsion.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
5. 5

   Add the warm, drained chickpeas to the food processor with the tahini mixture. Add salt to taste. Process for 4-5 minutes, gradually drizzling in the ice water while the machine is running. Continue processing until the hummus is exceptionally smooth and fluffy. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon more ice water at a time until desired consistency is reached.

   ⏱️ 4-5 minutes
6. 6

   Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Create a swirl on top with the back of a spoon. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with paprika and chopped parsley (if using). Serve immediately with warm pita bread.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓For the smoothest hummus, ensure your chickpeas are cooked until they are very soft, almost mushy. Overcooking is better than undercooking.
• ✓Blending the tahini with lemon juice and garlic first creates a smooth, pale paste, which is the foundation of creamy hummus.
• ✓Using very cold ice water helps to aerate the hummus, making it lighter and fluffier. Add it gradually to control the consistency.
• ✓Don't skip the baking soda in the soaking and cooking stages; it helps to break down the chickpeas' skins and fibers, contributing to a smoother texture.

🔄 Variations

• Hummus bil Lahme: Top with spiced ground lamb or beef.
• Ful Hummus: Layer with cooked fava beans.
• Spicy Hummus: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a swirl of chili oil.
• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Blend in roasted red peppers.
• Avocado Hummus: Add half an avocado for extra creaminess.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving