Our Eastern Mediterranean Hummus recipe is creamy and packed with flavor. This recipe is as original as it gets. A few simple ingredients bring big flavor. A delicious combination of chickpea, tahini, along with lemon and garlic. This recipe will transport you to the Eastern Mediterranean. This vegan plant protein spread is also highly addictive. Not to mention it’s healthy, too!

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The Ingredients & Methods for this Hummus Recipe

This recipe’s ingredients are plain and simple, while creating a complex flavor. Just as easy is the method for pulling it all together.

Chickpeas

We use cooked (from dried) chickpeas in this recipe. While you could used canned, I suggest making them from dried. Cooking from dried adds a certain texture and nutty flavor missing from canned. Also it’s is too easy not go this extra step. See our featured article on Cooking Chickpeas Properly including a method to have the chickpeas ready in an hour. You want the chickpeas at the almost falling apart stage. Do not rinse the chickpeas after draining and finally process the hummus while chickpeas are still warm. Our recommendation for dried chickpeas can be found here. Buy Chickpeas

Tahini

Tahini is sesame paste, that used throughout the Middle-East and Mediterranean regions. It made with either raw or toasted sesame seeds. For the purpose of making hummus we prefer using toasted sesame tahini. Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place. They oils may separate from the solids, so be sure to mix thoroughly before using. Once opened we prefer storing it in the refrigerator, since tahini can become rancid due to its high fat content. It will keep for up six months refrigerated. Just let it come to room temperature before using. It makes it easier to mix if the oils have separated. We recommend either Pepperwood Organics or Soom Tahini. Both are always consistent in quality.

Lemons

You cannot have hummus without fresh squeezed lemon juice. It is the bright counterpoint to the deep earthy and nutty flavors hummus. As a rule of thumb we use the juice of one lemon per 1 cup of cooked chickpeas. For the purposes of this recipe it comes out to 1/2 cup. You should be able to taste the lemon in the background of the finished product.

Garlic

We use 4 smashed cloves of garlic. A word of caution, garlic can easily overpower hummus. We find that 4 medium sized cloves of garlic strike a good balance. Also take into account the garlic will mellow if you let the hummus sit for a while. Soaking the cloves with the lemon juice for 20 minutes before using will also remove much of the sharpness.

Olive Oil

Using the best quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil available to you is important. You want the flavor to come through. The oil works as a binder and helps create the smoothness. Slowly stream the oil into the mix while processing.

Spices

We only use salt, cumin and smoked paprika while blending. Cumin really pulls together the warm earthy deep tones in the mix. It is a necessity to achieve the the true flavor of hummus. The smoked paprika imparts a slight smokiness which is a welcomed addition.

Mixing

The best tool for the job is a good quality food processor fitting with a metal blade. Start by pulsing all the ingredients together except for the liquids (lemon juice and oil), once it forms into a rough paste add all the lemon juice and turn the processor on and let it run. Stream in the oil and continue to process for a good 3 to 4 minutes. Check for taste and consistency. If you find it too thick add some more oil. If too thin allow to sit as it will naturally tighten up over a few hours.

Topping The Hummus Recipe

Drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil. We also add ground Turkish Aleppo pepper (Pul Biber) and some ground sumac. Alternatively a sprinkle of Za’atar works wonderfully as well. Although we love it plain there are many variations from basic recipe. Add either Sriracha or chili garlic paste for a spicy version. Add parsley, oregano, or thyme for a herbal flavor. Roasted garlic, green onions, or flash fried shallots are all great additions as well.

Some Health Benefits of this Hummus Recipe

Besides being vegan, there are some significant health benefits associated with hummus and chickpeas in general. Combining the chickpeas with the other ingredients just add to the health benefits. For starters, it is an excellent source of plant based protein. Packed with calcium, fiber, iron, and folate just for starters. It’s also low on the glycemic index making it a good choice for diabetics. The fiber and healthy fats are also is great for a low cholesterol or healthy heart diet. For more benefits see the following article here.