Mediterranean Hummus
This Mediterranean Hummus is creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly smooth! Consisting of rich tahini, buttery chickpeas, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and warm ground cumin, this homemade hummus is the type of dip that makes an incredible party appetizer, topped with fresh Mediterranean-inspired toppings!
If you’re looking for a spread to add rich flavor to your meals or a dip to serve alongside freshly sliced veggies, pretzels, and crusty bread, hummus is always a winner!
Blend it up in a matter of minutes to enjoy at parties and social gatherings, or as a healthy alternative to store-bought hummus for you and the family to enjoy at home.
WHY THIS MEDITERRANEAN HUMMUS
- Rich, creamy, and silky smooth! It’s great as a dip or spread any time of the year.
- Incredibly easy to make, especially when using canned chickpeas for added convenience. Simply add the ingredients to a food processor and blend!
- Easily adjust the flavor of your Mediterranean hummus by using different herbs, spices, and toppings.
Despite hummus being a traditional Middle Eastern dish, it’s made its way into the hearts and homes of many across the globe, and for good reason! It’s loaded with healthy and fresh ingredients, warm spices, and herbs.
Get your creative juices flowing by topping your Mediterranean hummus with an array of topping choices, such as caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and much more!
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Chickpeas – Cooked or canned chickpeas will work for this Mediterranean hummus. When using canned chickpeas, be sure to rinse and drain them well to remove excess salt and liquid. They must also be peeled to eliminate unwanted texture in the hummus.
- Garlic – Use peeled garlic cloves for a delicious depth of flavor.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds flavor, tanginess, and helps the hummus blend smoothly. Only use bottled lemon juice if you have to.
- Salt – This will enhance the flavors of the hummus and you can easily adjust it according to your preference.
- Tahini – Use a high-quality tahini as it’ll provide a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture that is needed for the perfect consistency. Be sure to stir your fresh tahini before adding it to the food processor.
- Ground cumin – For a rich, warm, and spicy kick to the creamy hummus.
- Olive oil – Used to make the creamy hummus as well as for drizzling over the hummus.
- Fresh toppings – I’ve topped this Mediterranean hummus with halved cherry tomatoes, quartered cucumbers, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, fresh chopped parsley, thinly sliced parsley, thinly sliced red onion, dry oregano, sea salt, ground paprika, and olive oil.
COOKED CHICKPEAS VS CANNED: WHAT’S BEST?
Canned Chickpeas
I don’t have to convince you that canned chickpeas offer great convenience when making any type of hummus. Apart from peeling them, all you need to do is rinse and drain them well before adding them to the food processor along with the rest of the Mediterranean hummus ingredients.
Cooked Chickpeas
If you’d like to experiment by using dried chickpeas for this recipe, I highly recommend that you soak them in a bowl of water overnight (8-12 hours) with a bit of baking soda which will break down the skins for easy removal.
Once soaked, rinse and drain your chickpeas and remove any remaining skin left. Bring a pot of water (enough to cover the chickpeas) to the boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 45-90 minutes until they are very soft. Drain the chickpeas and add them to the food processor along with the other hummus ingredients.
An alternative method for cooking dried chickpeas is using your Instant Pot! With this method, you can skip the soaking step and add the dried chickpeas along with water (about 4 cups of water for every cup of dried chickpeas) and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Cook on HIGH for 35-40 minutes and then use a natural release.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
- Refrigeration: Store the hummus and fresh toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Remove any fresh toppings from the hummus and store the leftover Mediterranean hummus in an airtight container or sealable freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir with some additional olive oil or water, if needed, before serving.
MORE SCRUMPTIOUS DIPS AND SPREADS
Mediterranean Hummus
This quick and easy Mediterranean Hummus is creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly smooth! Enjoy it with your favorite toppings as the perfect party appetizer or spread.
Ingredients
For Hummus
- 3 cups cooked or canned chickpeas
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ cup + 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more according to taste
- ⅔ cup tahini
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1tbsp olive oil
For Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, chopped into quarters
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp ground paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Combine all the hummus ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and lemon juice if needed. For a thicker hummus, add more olive oil; for a thinner consistency, add a splash of water. Set aside.
- Chop all the vegetables for the topping.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with dried oregano, salt, fresh parsley, olive oil, and olives to create a flavorful salad.
- Spread the hummus in a serving dish and top with the vegetable salad. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, a sprinkle of paprika, and a drizzle of extra olive oil.
- Serve with pita bread, pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Level up your hummus game with this Mediterranean-loaded hummus! Imagine creamy hummus, made with chickpeas, tahini, and a touch of lemon and garlic.
- Fresh, chopped veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion add pops of color and texture. Briny kalamata olives and crumbly feta cheese bring a salty depth, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness.
- But there's more! A dusting of oregano and paprika infuses the entire dish with warm, Mediterranean vibes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Apart from the toppings that I’ve used, other fresh Mediterranean-inspired vegetables, such as diced red bell pepper or chopped artichoke hearts would be perfect toppings. Feel free to also use other fresh and seasonal veggies that you love the most.
Adding ice-cold water to the food processor with the rest of the hummus ingredients is said to create a super fluffy texture and ultra-smooth consistency. I haven’t done this and my Mediterranean hummus still comes out creamy and smooth, but feel free to experiment.
The great news is that you can enjoy hummus as a delicious dip or spread. I love it with naan or pita bread, pretzels, Melba bread slices, on sandwiches or wraps, with Tofu chips, pretzels, Everything Bagel 2 Ingredient Breadsticks, or your favorite fresh veggies, such as carrots, bell peppers, or celery sticks.
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