Ideally, you’ll need a blender to make the smoothest dip when following this easy hummus recipe. If you don’t have a blender available, you can use a food processor, but it might not produce as smooth a dip as in the blender. When introducing the water to the hummus, add it one tablespoon at a time, so you can control the consistency. Some chefs also swear by the order in which you add the ingredients to the blender and you can experiment with adding the ingredients in different orders to see if this changes your hummus. You can also try boiling your chickpeas first before tipping into the blender, to create a smoother, creamier texture. And using ice-cold water can help to make your hummus even fluffier too.
How to serve it
When it comes to how to serve hummus, simpler is better. In the recipe above we’ve suggested a sprinkle of paprika, but you can also add other ingredients like red chili flakes, a drizzle of olive oil, chopped cucumbers, and sesame seeds. It’s best dished up with a helping of warm, toasted pita bread for dipping, but you can also dip chopped cucumber or chips into hummus. For a more creative way to use this dip, try dolloping it into a burger at your next barbecue, for something a little different to ketchup. Hummus also works brilliantly in sandwiches and wraps, when paired with roasted vegetables like peppers and courgettes.
Recipe variations
If you’re wondering “what is hummus?” then it’s a Middle Eastern dip made from a chickpea base and blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. And, when making homemade hummus, there are lots of ways you can tweak and vary the recipe. If you want a bit more of a kick in your hummus, you can add spices like ground cumin. Roasted red peppers make a red pepper hummus, and you’ll simply need to add a couple of red peppers to the blender in the recipe above. Adding beetroots to the blend creates a beautiful beet hummus recipe, and turns it pink, for a colorful dip. Lastly, you can add a couple of helpings of pesto to the mix, if you want an Italian-fusion dip.
Storage
Hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It’s the perfect dip to make at the weekend to have available throughout the week for a healthy snack to dip carrot sticks and cucumber into.