Creamy, smooth, and endlessly customizable — hummus is a Middle Eastern classic that’s taken over kitchens worldwide. Whether you’re scooping it with pita, spreading it in sandwiches, or serving it with veggie sticks, it’s the perfect healthy dip you can whip up in minutes.
Let’s start with the perfect base recipe, then dive into delicious flavor variations that transform it into something new every time.
🌿 The Perfect Hummus Base
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 tbsp water (adjust for texture)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 2–3 ice cubes (for extra creaminess)
Method:
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Blend with ice cubes (or cold water) until smooth and creamy.
- Ice helps emulsify the tahini and olive oil, giving hummus a light, whipped texture.
- It also keeps the flavor fresh and prevents the dip from warming up during blending.
- Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, or olive oil to preference.
💡 Pro tip: For extra-smooth hummus, peel the chickpeas before blending. It takes a few extra minutes but gives a silky, restaurant-style finish.
🎨 Flavor Variants
Each of these versions starts with the base recipe — simply blend in the extra ingredients below for a quick twist.
- 🔥 Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Add ½ cup roasted red peppers + ¼ tsp smoked paprika. - 🧄 Garlic Lovers’ Hummus
Add 2–3 extra roasted garlic cloves. Top with olive oil drizzle and chopped parsley. - 🌶️ Spicy Chipotle Hummus
Add 1 chipotle pepper in adobo + 1 tsp adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick. - 🌿 Herby Green Hummus
Add ½ cup parsley + ½ cup cilantro + a squeeze of lemon juice. - 💗 Beetroot Hummus
Add ½ cup cooked beetroot + 1 tsp cumin for an earthy, vibrant pink dip. - 🥑 Avocado Hummus
Add 1 ripe avocado + 1 tbsp lime juice — creamy and fresh. - 🍛 Curry Hummus
Add 1½ tsp curry powder + a pinch of turmeric for golden color and warmth. - 🍅 Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus
Add ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes + 1 tsp balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. - 🧅 Caramelized Onion Hummus
Fold in ¼ cup caramelized onions and black pepper after blending. - 🫒 Olive Hummus
Add ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
🍽️ Topping & Serving Ideas
- Swirl olive oil on top with a sprinkle of paprika or za’atar.
- Add roasted chickpeas or sesame seeds for crunch.
- Serve with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or grain bowls.
🧊 Final Tip
Blending with ice cubes might sound unusual, but it’s the secret to silky-smooth hummus — once you try it, you’ll never skip that step again.