The Best Homemade Hummus

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This life-changing homemade hummus is creamy, smooth, and fluffy and packed with a rich, nutty, and lemony flavor. It’s easy to make with minimal everyday ingredients and has a million different uses!
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 55 minutes
Soaking Time 8 hours
Total 1 hour
5 from 430 votes

I don’t say this lightly: this is the best homemade hummus recipe! It’s easy to make with a handful of ingredients and features an incredible texture and restaurant-quality flavors, just like my Beet Hummus. One try and, like thousands of other readers, you’ll never go back to store-bought hummus again!

I’ve been making homemade hummus for over 8 years now. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t need to be a world-class chef to make the best homemade hummus. You just need a few quality ingredients and some tricks up your sleeve!

plate of creamy hummus with olive oil and herbs with pita bread

What is hummus?

Hummus (or “humus”, “houmous”, and “hommus”) is the Arabic word for “chickpeas”. It’s a naturally vegan dip or spread made primarily with cooked chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon, and salt; some versions also contain cumin.

Hummus has been a staple in many Middle Eastern countries for centuries. There’s actually quite a debate about who invented hummus and which countries can claim hummus as their own. If you’re interested in reading more, check out this article on who invented hummus and this article on hummus’s origins.

For more cultural and sociopolitical context, I also recommend the books of Palestinian food writer and historian, Reem Kassis (The Palestinian Table (2017) and The Arabesque Table (2021). The process and techniques I used have been largely influenced by three chefs—Yotam Ottolenghi, Sami Tamimi, and Michael Solomonov—so be sure to check out their cookbooks if you want to learn even more!

plate of creamy hummus with olive oil and herbs with pita bread

Why this recipe works

Incredibly creamy and smooth.

If you’ve eaten store-bought hummus, then you’ve experienced its infamous stiff and gloopy texture. That is NOT what we want. Instead, hummus should be creamy, as well as somewhat loose and pliable.

A handful of good-quality ingredients and simple techniques are all you need to make the best homemade hummus. The texture of this hummus is extremely creamy and smooth, never gritty or chunky. That alone will have you reaching for more.

Life-changing flavors.

I have a long list of grievances with store-bought hummus but one of the biggest is the flavor (or lack thereof). It’s also usually served cold, which causes the nutty richness that makes hummus amazing to lie dormant.

As chef Michael Solomonov mentions in his cookbook Zahav (the titular name of his restaurant where hummus is the most popular dish on the menu):

“[Even the best store-bought hummus] requires certain additives to make it shelf-stable–most likely citric acid. These additives turn hummus sharp and sour–light years away from the dreamy qualities of fresh hummus.” – Chef Michael Solomonov

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Using fresh ingredients to make hummus from scratch helps you avoid those additives and flat flavors. Instead, each scoop is boldly nutty, lemony, and rich in flavor. It’s a life-changing experience. 

It’s just plain foolproof.

It may sound complicated, but making your own hummus is easier than you’d think. All of the ingredients are easy to find, and the dip comes together entirely in a food processor.

The recipe gets a little more complicated if you’re cooking dried chickpeas yourself (the method I recommend) but I will guide you through the process below.

plate of smooth creamy hummus topped with olive oil and lemon on marble backdrop

Ingredient notes

Labeled hummus ingredients laid out on a wooden cutting board.

Chickpeas

AKA garbanzo beans. You can use both canned and dried chickpeas to make hummus but for the very best hummus, I like to cook dried chickpeas myself.

Canned chickpeas come with a firmer texture, which can leave the hummus with a slightly chunky texture.

There is a solution to this, though! When using canned chickpeas, just simmer the drained chickpeas in a pot of boiling water with baking soda. This will soften them right up. See the FAQ section for more details.

Tip: Using canned chickpeas? Remember to save the aquafaba (the water in the can)! Use it to make banana bread, vegan aioli, frothy cocktails, vegan whipped cream, and so much more. 

Tahini

Tahini is a smooth and rich paste made from sesame seeds. It’s a primary ingredient in hummus and should never be left out. A  good-quality brand of tahini makes a HUGE difference because its flavor is so prominent in every bite.

Tip: Always use tahini from hulled sesame seeds (unhulled sesame seeds are usually bitter). Check out my suggested tahini brands in the FAQ section below. 

Lemon

Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the rich, nutty, and savory flavors. Without it, the hummus would lack its distinguishable ‘pop’. 

Garlic

Some people (hi, me!) like their hummus quite garlicky. If you don’t love the sharpness of raw garlic, you can (1) use less garlic (start with 1 clove) or (2) quickly marinate the garlic cloves in a small bowl of the lemon juice. 

Salt

For flavor and to make everything taste like itself! 

Substitute: If using sea salt instead of the kosher salt called for in the recipe, you’ll need to use about half of the amount called for in the recipe, then adjust according to your desired taste.

Ice water

Water brings the hummus together. I learned from chefs Ottolenghi and Tamimi that ice water, in particular, makes the texture even creamier and gives it an almost fluffy, pillowy, and whipped consistency.

Step-by-step instructions

First, soak and cook the dried chickpeas if you haven’t done so already. Cook until very soft.

Or, if you’re using canned chickpeas, boil them in water with a little baking soda for a few minutes to help them soften.

Drain, then transfer to a food processor while still warm. Blend the chickpeas until you’re left with a thick puree.

Now add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, kosher salt, and pepper. Blend again and slowly stream in the ice water as the machine is running.

Once it’s smooth and creamy, give the hummus a taste and add more seasonings or lemon juice as needed.

Make the lemon-garlic topping before serving the hummus. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the garlic and cook until it’s golden. Add the lemon zest and cook for another 30 seconds.

Transfer the lemon zest and garlic to a plate (reserve the oil) and add a sprinkle of salt on top.

Dress and serve the hummus. Spoon the hummus onto a large serving plate. Use the back of the spoon to make waves on the top and/or a well in the center. Add the garlic-lemon topping and finish with a drizzle of the reserved oil, chopped flat-leaf parsley, and paprika or Aleppo pepper. Enjoy!

Tips for making the best hummus 

To peel or not to peel? 

You will achieve the absolute dreamiest texture if the chickpea skins are peeled beforehand, but it isn’t a necessary step.

A lot of chickpea skins actually start to come off naturally after the chickpeas have been boiled with some baking soda. Just discard any loose skins. 

Hack for peeling chickpeas faster: Lay the cooked chickpeas on a paper towel. Use a second paper towel to rub them vigorously to help loosen the skins.

The chickpeas should be soft

You’ll know the chickpeas have been cooked to perfection when they feel very soft and can be easily squashed when pressed with a spoon/fork or pressed between your fingers.

If using canned chickpeas, it’s important to simmer them first so the hummus gets super smooth.

Serve hummus at room temperature (or warm) 

This way, you experience hummus the way it’s intended to be experienced and how it’s typically served across the Middle East—a luxuriously smooth dip with layers of rich, nutty, and savory flavors.

One way I keep the hummus warm is to make it with chickpeas that have been recently cooked. However, if you’ve pre-cooked and refrigerated your chickpeas, consider warming the chickpeas up in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes first

How to serve this hummus

  • One of the most popular ways to serve hummus here in the West is as an appetizer or snack. Make it a part of a grazing board, surrounded with pita bread or homemade naan, fresh-cut veggies, crackers, or pita chips for dipping.
  • In the Middle East, you’ll find hummus included as part of the main or side dishes during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s great on a mezze platter with falafel, tabbouleh, and tzatziki; use it as the base layer on a plate, then top with cooked beans and roasted veggies (similar to my Broccoli and Za’atar Chickpeas with Yogurt Sauce); or enjoy it with your favorite vegan protein, like Grilled Tofu Skewers.
  • Hummus is always a fantastic addition to Mediterranean grain bowls and can even be thinned out with water, lemon juice, or vinegar for an easy salad dressing.
  • Slather it onto a sandwich or in a stuffed pita with crumbled vegan feta, arugula or kale, cucumber, and pickled red onions.
  • Don’t forget the toppings! You can take hummus over the top with the fried garlic and lemon topping from this recipe. Or, to get it on the table faster, stick with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, sumac or paprika, pine nuts, Aleppo pepper, and/or za’atar on top.
plate of the best hummus with olive oil and herbs with pita bread

Frequently asked questions

Can I use canned chickpeas to make hummus?

The results won’t be quite as smooth but you can definitely make hummus with canned chickpeas.

In this recipe, you can substitute the dried chickpeas with 2 (15-ounce/425g) drained and rinsed cans.

While it’s easiest to just use a can of drained chickpeas to the food processor, the texture can be slightly chunky and not lusciously smooth. This is because, for hummus, you want super soft chickpeas that have fewer skins. And canned chickpeas are not super soft (they’re rather firm and great for salads/bowls and eating whole.

To remedy that, you can cook the canned chickpeas (even though they’re already cooked). Add them to a saucepan, cover with an inch or two of water, and add ½ teaspoon baking soda. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a rapid simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chickpeas start falling apart. Continue making the recipe as per the instructions at step 3 (draining the chickpeas and adding them to the food processor.

What tahini brands do you recommend?

My two favorite brands for tahini are Soom Foods and Seed + Mill. Soom Foods is easily available on Amazon. Seed + Mill is a smaller operation local to New York and sold at some Whole Foods; if you can find it, it’s liquid gold. 

For options that are a bit cheaper, Beirut Sesame Paste is quite good and the Whole Foods 365 brand is decent (affiliate links).

I don’t have a food processor. Can I use a blender instead?

Yes. A high-powered blender with a baton is best and will make the hummus super smooth. However, it’s pretty important to use a small-capacity blender, as there is very little liquid in the recipe. If you use a 64-ounce container, for instance, you’ll have trouble getting it to blend. 

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. 

How do you serve leftover hummus? 

Allow it to come to room temperature, or warm it up. Warming it up loosens the texture, making it smoother. Simply add the amount of hummus you’d like to reheat to a saucepan, add a couple teaspoons of water, and stir constantly for a few minutes until warmed through. Or, heat it in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring after each round.

Can you freeze hummus?

Yes, you can technically freeze hummus, though you’ll lose some of that irresistible texture. To freeze, transfer the hummus to an airtight container but leave some room at the top to allow for expansion. Thaw it in the fridge the day before consuming. 

Watch! How to make this hummus

How to make the best hummus of your life
How to make the best hummus of your life

If you love this Homemade Hummus recipe, please be sure to leave a rating and review below! It’s always much appreciated :) And tag me on Instagram – I love hearing your feedback.

The Best Homemade Hummus

5 from 430 votes
This life-changing homemade hummus is creamy, smooth, and fluffy and packed with a rich, nutty, and lemony flavor. It’s easy to make with minimal everyday ingredients and has a million different uses!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Soaking Time 8 hours
Total Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet Vegan
Serving size: 8 to 10

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces (227g) dried chickpeas* (1 cup + 2 tbsp)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda, divided
  • A generous ¾ cup (175-195g) good-quality tahini
  • 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped**
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin, plus more to taste
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 6 to 10 tablespoons ice water

Fried Garlic-Lemon Topping (Optional)

  • cup (80 mL) good-quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 4 to 6 strips of lemon peel, about 2 inches long (don't peel too deeply to avoid the white pith)
  • Flaky sea salt or kosher salt

Other Topping Options***

  • 1 handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Paprika, sumac, or Aleppo pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Soak the chickpeas. Add the chickpeas to a large bowl. Cover with cold water and ½ teaspoon baking soda. Soak for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse.
  • Cook the chickpeas. Add the drained chickpeas to a medium saucepan with ½ teaspoon baking soda and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover the pot, and reduce the heat as needed to maintain a rapid simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
    Uncover the pot and add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chickpeas are very soft and smush when pressed with a spoon/fork or pressed between your fingers. Drain well.
  • Drain the chickpeas, then transfer to a food processor. Blend for 1-2 minutes until you have a smooth puree, scraping down the sides as you go.
  • To the food processor, add ¾ cup tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, 1 heaping teaspoon kosher salt, and pepper to taste. Blend, and with the motor running, stream in the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time. After 6 tablespoons of ice water, evaluate the texture. If you want it to be looser, stream in more water, and continue blending until smooth and creamy. Once you reach your desired texture, taste for seasonings, adding more salt, garlic, cumin, or lemon juice as needed.
  • Make the topping. Heat the olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm (but not too hot), add the garlic and cook, swirling the pan or stirring frequently, for 2 to 2 ½ minutes, until the garlic just turns golden (don't wait until it browns).
    Add the lemon zest and cook for another 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic and lemon zest to a plate and sprinkle with a bit of flaky sea salt. Reserve the oil.
  • Transfer the hummus to a large plate and use the back of a spoon to make waves or to make a well in the center. Spoon the garlic-lemon oil into the ridges or into the well. Top with the fried garlic and lemon zest. Top with chopped parsley and a few shakes of paprika.

Notes

*If using canned chickpeas, see the FAQ question titled “Can I use canned chickpeas to make hummus?”
**If you’re not a huge garlic person, start with 1 clove. After blending, taste and add more garlic as desired. 
***For more topping options, read the section “How to serve hummus.” 

Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 449mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 80IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg

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680 comments on The Best Homemade Hummus

  1. Donna

    Nisha, can you please remove my last name from this comment.

  2. Donna

    5 stars
    This was / IS absolutely wonderful! I made it with my grandson, 15y/o, because he said “we didn’t have hummus”, but we had Pita bread..we also had every other ingredient as i was just hoping for a good time to prepare this! It is so delightful! <3 Thank you..

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Thanks for the awesome review, Donna. We are so happy to hear you and your grandson loved this recipe!

  3. Kristina

    5 stars
    This is my second time making this hummus. Both times I’ve used Wegman’s store brand tahini because that’s all I can ever find locally..soon I will buy the good stuff online. Even without the primo tahini this is hands down the best hummus I’ve ever had!! Yes, eating it with carrots and celery is a total womp-womp…but jalapeños & red peppers are a palatable option if you’re avoiding refined grains (sometimes I say screw it and spread it on some naan tho cuz it’s too good not to)

  4. Elizabeth

    Great recipe girl. I used an instant pot to cook my beans after soaking 24hrs. 12 minutes on high, natural release for 12 minutes. Consistency and taste following your quantities was spot on. I removed as many shells as I could for 15 minutes then moved on lol This is not my 1st attempt at hummus, and Im so pleased it finally worked out!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Elizabeth, we’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating alongside your review? Star ratings are big help to readers who are thinking of making the recipe. Thanks!

  5. Kevin

    What an incredible recipe. I feel ashamed to say that I love hummus and have never made it myself. After making this recipe I’ll never buy prepared hummus again. My eyes have been opened, I have reached creamy enlightenment, I am one with the chickpea singularity. Thanks from California.

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Kevin, we’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating alongside your review? Star ratings are big help to readers who are thinking of making the recipe. Thanks!

  6. Jane Radnor-ortiz

    Hi Nisha
    Can I ask about the baking soda and why it’s needed 🤔
    Thank you Jane x

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Hi Jane, adding baking soda to the soaking water AND the cooking water helps to soften chickpeas the most and does so quickly (they get really soft in just 45 minutes). Plus, the baking soda helps remove many of the chickpea skins so you don’t have to peel them individually. And soft chickpeas without skins = creamy, smooth hummus. Hope that helped!

  7. Kristin Goad

    5 stars
    Thank you for your dishes! The recipes are easy to follow and delicious!

  8. Suzie

    5 stars
    Excellent! Perfect on first try! Didn’t need to adjust a thing!

  9. Eager Cook

    I really would like to make this recipe. Does the 8oz of dried chickpeas mean 1 cup ? Or I am supposed to measure the grams on a scale. Sorry…. I don’t want to mess it up.. Looks yummy!

    1. Nisha

      Hi there, sorry for the late reply! If you’re still curious, 8 ounces of chickpeas is slightly more than 1 cup – about 1 cup + 2 tbsp. I will update the recipe to note this. Thanks!

  10. Maritza Crespo

    5 stars
    I was looking for the perfect hummus recipe and I found yours…yes…perfect!
    Thank you!! BTW, love your parents…so funny!!

  11. Mary

    5 stars
    Made your recipe for Hummus. Wonderful creamy texture. My son doesn’t like olive oil on the top of things. I have a food processor but it will not work properly, so out comes the blender (yellow and vintage) took a long time to mix together, but worked. Used tortillas for dipping. Will make flat bread or pita bread later.

  12. Daniella Lundtang

    5 stars
    This is SO good!!

    1. Support @ Rainbow Plant Life

      Thanks Daniella! We’re so glad you enjoyed this hummus.

  13. Dale

    5 stars
    I made this hummus for the first time for a party. I had hoped to take the leftovers to work to share with a coworker, but there were no leftovers. I am throwing away my old recipe and replacing it with this recipe, which I think is outstanding!

  14. Anne

    5 stars
    I love hummus! This recipe is SO good, especially with the roasted lemon and garlic. Yes, please! Nisha, you’re fantastic. Thanks for teaching to become a better vegan home cook. I’ve learned a lot from you.

  15. Sue

    Hi! I was planning to make this recipe this morning and when I went to the print page I was able to pick how many servings I want. My only question is why does the amount of tahini not change when all the other ingredients amounts change? So for any size recipe, the tahini is always 3/4 of a cup. Is that the way it should be? I really appreciate your help because I am craving this hummus watching this video!

  16. Kathryn

    5 stars
    Winner!!!
    I adore recipes that turn out perfect!
    It was loved by all!
    Thank you
    Kathryn

  17. Lisa

    5 stars
    AMAZING I’ll be making this ALL the time!!!!
    Sooooo easy I bought your cook book and love
    Thank you and keep the fabulous recipes coming
    Lisa

  18. Hazel

    3 stars
    It’s good, and definitely better than store bought. However, it’s not that much better for the effort. Maybe a roasted red pepper hummus, or more flavors would make it worth doing again for me.

  19. Sydni

    5 stars
    I am in the middle of making this and wanted to say thank you! This is so good. I am literally spooning this hummus from the food processor into my mouth!

  20. sravya

    5 stars
    i have made this 5 times in the past two weeks– so delicious and creamy! definitely the best hummus recipe!

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