Allergen Info
This is the best hummus you can make in 10 minutes or less.
We are big fans of hummus. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress, whether it’s at a party, a casual get-together, or even just a cozy night at home. It’s a hit every time we make it. We’ve served it so many ways that it’s practically become a staple in our kitchen. After a lot of tweaking and experimenting, we’ve simplified our recipe to make it as easy as possible without sacrificing any of the flavor. Seriously, it’s so simple, anyone can do it!
Table of Contents
Hummus is a great option for many food allergy families because not only is it dairy-free, but it’s naturally free of most of the top allergens. However, it’s important to note that this recipe, and most hummus recipes aren’t safe for those with sesame allergies due to the tahini.
If sesame is off the table for you, there are some tahini alternatives out there you can try, but we haven’t played around with any to know how successful they might be in this recipe. If you would like us to get back in the kitchen and play mad scientist to find the best sesame free alternatives, head over to Instagram and let us know in the comments for this recipe.
Hummus has been enjoyed for centuries, and with good reason! It’s a simple, wholesome dish that has its roots in the Middle East and is deeply connected to the mediterranean. Hummus is more than just a tasty snack; it’s part of the culture.
Today, hummus has made its way around the world, in part due to its versatility. Whether you’re dipping veggies, eating it with pita bread, slathering it on a sandwich, or going full gourmet with a grain bowl, hummus fits in just about everywhere. And don’t worry if you’ve never made it before—this quick and easy recipe will have you whipping up a batch like a pro in no time. Trust us, you’ve got this!
We’re not claiming to be experts—well, maybe Shaun is after watching hundreds of hummus videos—but we promise this version is quick, easy, and delicious.
The Secret to Great Hummus: Tahini
Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, and it’s essential to the flavor and to achieving that smooth, luxurious texture we all love in hummus. Think of it like peanut butter, but made from sesame seeds instead, giving it a nutty and slightly bitter flavor. The key to good hummus is good tahini. If your tahini is solid and doesn’t pour out like a thick liquid, it’s probably old or not the best quality. Look for brands that sell tahini in glass jars with a smooth consistency—this is what gives your hummus its creamy base.
Shaun likes to take it a step further by whipping the tahini to make it fluffy. He saw this once in a video, and while it’s not often mentioned in recipes, he swears it’s worth the effort. This step gives the hummus an extra light, airy texture. You can skip this if you’re in a hurry, but if you’ve got an extra minute, give it a try. Another trick is keeping the hummus cold during preparation to prevent the tahini from becoming bitter. Using ice water or even crushed ice helps maintain a smooth, rich texture without adding heat.
Chickpea Shells: To Remove or Not to Remove?
In this recipe, we keep the chickpea shells on for the sake of speed, but if you’re after that extra-smooth, ultra-creamy hummus, removing the shells is the way to go. Shelling chickpeas takes a little extra time, but it can make a noticeable difference in texture, especially if you’re aiming for restaurant-quality smoothness. On the other hand, chickpea shells provide some extra dietary fiber, which can be a nice healthy bonus. Ultimately, it’s a personal preference—keeping the shells saves time, while removing them will give you that silky smooth finish. Since the intent of this recipe is to be quick and easy, we leave the decision up to you!
What Pairs Well with Our Hummus?
Our hummus is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of foods. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just making a snack, here are some delicious options to enjoy alongside your hummus:
- Fresh Veggies – Crisp cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are perfect for dipping.
- Pita Bread – Warm, fluffy gluten-free pita or pita chips are a classic and always a hit.
- Moussaka – Our hearty and comforting moussaka is a great meal, and a side of hummus brings an extra layer of flavor.
- Baba Ganoush – Serve hummus with our smoky baba ganoush for a Middle Eastern spread that’s rich in flavor.
- Falafel – Pair your hummus with crispy, golden falafel for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
- Grilled Chicken or Vegetables – The creamy spread balances perfectly with the smoky, charred flavors of grilled meats and veggies.
- Crackers – Crunchy allergy-safe crackers or flatbreads make a quick and tasty pairing as a snack.
These options are just the start—hummus is flexible enough to complement a wide range of dishes, making it a staple in any kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 14.5oz can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans (drained)
- 1/3 cup high-quality tahini
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Pinch of lemon zest (optional for more citrus flavor)
- 1/8 tsp cumin (optional – we usually use closer to ¼ tsp)
- 1/2 clove garlic (or up to 2 cloves if you love garlic, thinly sliced or run through a garlic press)
- Ice water (amount varies, used to manage texture)
- 1/8 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
Recipe
Step 1: Blend Lemon Juice & Garlic
Add lemon juice and garlic to your food processor and blend. Let the garlic sit in the lemon juice for at least a minute—this helps remove some of the spiciness from the fresh garlic.
Step 2: Whip the Tahini (Optional)
Add the tahini and blend until the volume almost doubles. It should turn pale and fluffy, almost like a mousse. Add olive oil, ice water, or crushed ice as needed to get the desired texture. If you’re using olive oil here, make sure it’s from the 1/8 cup you’ve set aside. (If you’re skipping the tahini-whipping step, add the tahini to the food processor and move on to the next step.)
Step 3: Add Chickpeas & Blend
Add the drained chickpeas, olive oil, and salt to the food processor. Add cumin and lemon zest if you’re using them. Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Water can be added at any time while blending, but it’s more likely to be needed at the beginning. If the texture looks dry or crumbly, add ice water or crushed ice 1 tsp at a time until it’s creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Adjust the Texture & Taste
Give the hummus a taste—if it’s a bit bland, add more salt and blend again.
Enjoy your hummus!
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Spectacular 10-Minute Hummus
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 1 14.5 oz can of chickpeas/garbanzo beans drained
- 1/3 cup high-quality tahini
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Pinch of lemon zest optional for more citrus flavor
- 1/8 tsp cumin optional – we usually use closer to ¼ tsp
- 1/2 clove garlic or up to 2 cloves if you love garlic, thinly sliced or run through a garlic press
- Ice water amount varies, used to manage texture
- 1/8 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil EVOO
- 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
- Pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Add lemon juice and garlic to your food processor and blend. Let the garlic sit in the lemon juice for at least a minute—this helps remove some of the spiciness from the fresh garlic. If you’re using olive oil here, make sure it’s from the 1/8 cup you’ve set aside.
- *(Optional but recommended)* Add the tahini and blend until the volume almost doubles. It should turn pale and fluffy, almost like a mousse. Add olive oil, ice water, or crushed ice as needed to get the desired texture.
- If you’re skipping the tahini-whipping step, add the tahini to the food processor and move on to the next step.
- Add the drained chickpeas, olive oil, and salt to the food processor. Add cumin and lemon zest if you’re using them. Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Water can be added at any time while blending, but it’s more likely to be needed at the beginning. If the texture looks dry or crumbly, add ice water or crushed ice 1 tsp at a time until it’s creamy and smooth.
- Taste the hummus. If it’s a bit bland, add more salt and blend again.
