Hummus bi Tahini
Authentic Lebanese Hummus bi Tahini, a luxuriously creamy chickpea dip blended with rich tahini, bright lemon juice, and pungent garlic. This recipe aims for the silkiest texture and most vibrant flavor, a true testament to its origin.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Dried chickpeas(Choose good quality, small to medium-sized chickpeas.)
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda(For soaking, helps to soften the chickpeas significantly.)
- 120 ml Tahini(Use good quality, runny tahini. Stir well before measuring.)
- 80 ml Fresh lemon juice(Juice of about 2-3 medium lemons. Adjust to taste.)
- 2-3 cloves Garlic(Adjust to your preference. Mince or crush them finely.)
- 60-120 ml Ice water(Start with 60ml and add more as needed for desired consistency. Very cold water is key.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste.)
- for serving Extra virgin olive oil(A good quality olive oil is essential for flavor.)
- for garnish Paprika(Smoked or sweet paprika.)
- optional, for garnish Fresh parsley(Finely chopped.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried chickpeas thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water (at least 3 times their volume). Add the baking soda. Let them soak for at least 12 hours, or preferably overnight. The chickpeas will expand significantly.
⏱️ 12-24 hours - 2
Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Place them in a large pot and cover with fresh cold water by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chickpeas are extremely tender and easily crushed between your fingers. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during cooking. For the smoothest hummus, you can optionally remove the skins from the cooked chickpeas. This is tedious but yields the best texture.
⏱️ 1.5 - 2 hours - 3
Drain the cooked chickpeas, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Let the chickpeas cool slightly. In a food processor, combine the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Process for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Add the slightly cooled chickpeas to the food processor with the tahini mixture. Process until the mixture is very thick and paste-like. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the ice water, about 2 tablespoons at a time. Continue processing until the hummus is incredibly smooth, light, and fluffy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides several times. Add more ice water if needed to reach your desired consistency, but avoid making it too thin.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 5
Taste the hummus and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice. 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.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the absolute smoothest hummus, take the time to remove the skins from the cooked chickpeas. It makes a significant difference.
- ✓Using very cold (ice) water is essential for creating a light and fluffy texture. Don't skip this step!
- ✓Good quality tahini is key. Stir it well before measuring as the oil can separate.
- ✓Adjust the garlic and lemon juice to your personal preference. Start with the recommended amounts and add more if desired.
- ✓If your hummus seems too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved chickpea cooking liquid (or cold water) at a time while processing until it reaches the desired consistency.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Top with spiced ground lamb or beef for a hearty meal.
- Add a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Stir in a tablespoon of cumin for a different aromatic profile.
- Serve with a side of warm pita bread, vegetables, or falafel.