Creamy Homemade Hummus

Once you realize how easy it is to make hummus at home, it's hard to go back to buying it at the store.

Homemade hummus takes just a few minutes to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already recognize: chickpeas, tahini, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon, garlic and sea salt.

That's it.

No complicated ingredients, and no standing over the stove. Everything goes into the blender and you're done.

I also love making hummus myself because I can choose the quality of the ingredients.

For this recipe, I use Jovial Foods chickpeas, organic tahini, fresh lemon and pure extra virgin olive oil.

The result is creamy, fresh and so much better than plain store-bought hummus.

Why I Love Hummus as a Healthy Snack

Hummus is one of those foods that's incredibly easy to keep in the refrigerator for quick snacks and meals.

Chickpeas provide plant-based protein and fiber, while tahini and extra virgin olive oil add satisfying fats. Pair hummus with colorful vegetables and you have an easy snack that actually gives you some nutrition along with the crunch.

Some of my favorite vegetables for dipping are:

• carrots

• cucumber

• cauliflower

• bell peppers

• celery

• green beans

• radishes

• gluten-free crackers (Mary's Got Crackers or Simple Mills Veggie Flour Pita Crackers)

You can also use hummus as a spread on a gluten-free wrap, add it to a Mediterranean-style bowl, serve it alongside grilled chicken or use it as the base of a snack plate.

Basically, make one batch and you'll find plenty of ways to eat it.

Why Make Hummus at Home?

Besides tasting better, homemade hummus gives you complete control over your ingredients.

You can choose the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil and seasonings you want to use—and adjust the recipe to your taste.

Want more garlic? Add it.

Want more lemon? Squeeze away.

Want it thinner and extra creamy? Add a little more water.

I personally like knowing exactly what's going into my food, especially when a recipe is this simple to make from scratch.

Easy Homemade Hummus

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups chickpeas, rinsed & drained (Jovial Foods brand)

• 2 TBSP pure extra virgin olive oil

• 1/3 cup organic tahini

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1/2 tsp himalyan or sea salt

• 8 TBSP water

Directions:

1. In a high-speed blender or NutriBullet, add all the ingredients and blend well until smooth.

2. Add more water in as needed if too thick.

3. Top with fresh chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and/or red pepper flakes.

Easy Ways to Change the Flavor

Once you have the basic recipe down, hummus is incredibly easy to customize.

Try adding roasted garlic for a sweeter garlic flavor, roasted red peppers for a colorful variation, fresh herbs for a bright Mediterranean flavor or a little extra lemon if you like your hummus more tangy.

You could also sprinkle the finished hummus with paprika, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, sesame seeds or an extra drizzle of good-quality olive oil.

The basic recipe stays the same—you just change the finishing touches.

Dr. Stephanie's Tip: One of my favorite ways to make healthy eating easier is to prepare the foods you want to eat before you're hungry.

Make a batch of hummus and wash and cut your vegetables at the same time. Store everything in the refrigerator so when you need a quick afternoon snack, there's no preparation involved.

You're much more likely to eat those cucumbers and peppers when they're already cut up and there's a container of homemade hummus waiting beside them.

Simple Food Usually Wins

Healthy eating doesn't have to mean complicated recipes or spending Sunday afternoon meal-prepping twenty containers of food.

Sometimes it's as simple as keeping a few easy staples in your refrigerator.

This homemade hummus takes just minutes to make, uses simple whole-food ingredients and gives you an easy way to add chickpeas, tahini, olive oil and more vegetables to your day.

Grab your favorite veggies and start dipping!

FAQ

What makes homemade hummus creamy?

Blending the chickpeas thoroughly with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and water creates a smooth, creamy texture. You can add a little more water as needed while blending.

Is hummus gluten-free?

Traditional hummus is generally made from naturally gluten-free ingredients such as chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon and garlic. If you need to strictly avoid gluten, check the labels of packaged ingredients for possible cross-contact.

Is hummus dairy-free?

Traditional hummus does not require dairy. This homemade hummus recipe is made with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon, garlic, salt and water.

What can I eat with hummus besides pita bread?

Try gluten-free crackers, carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, cauliflower, celery, radishes or green beans. Hummus also works well as a spread for wraps or as an addition to grain bowls and salads.

How can I make homemade hummus taste better?

Fresh lemon, garlic, quality extra virgin olive oil and tahini make a big difference. You can also finish it with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, paprika or another drizzle of olive oil.

Looking for More Easy Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Recipes?

If you like simple recipes made with real ingredients, you'll find plenty more in my cookbook, Allergy-Free Tastes Good to Me.

It's filled with 93 gluten-free and dairy-free recipes designed to make healthy eating easier without sacrificing flavor.

Because healthy food should still taste good.