Zesty Lemon Garlic Hummus

$- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1/4 cup tahini - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt to taste - Water (2-4 tablespoons as needed) - Lemon zest (for garnish) - Paprika (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make lemon garlic hummus, gather these ingredients first. Each one plays a key role in flavor. The chickpeas are the base. They add creaminess and protein. Tahini brings a nutty taste and smooth texture. Garlic gives a sharp bite that balances the dish. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and tang. Extra-virgin olive oil enriches the mix and adds depth. Ground cumin gives a warm, earthy note. Salt enhances all the flavors. Water helps adjust the hummus to your desired thickness. Lemon zest, paprika, and parsley are for the finishing touches. They make the dip look beautiful and taste fresh. With this list, you're ready to create a tasty dip that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You need a can of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and water. Drain and rinse the chickpeas to remove the canning liquid. Mince the garlic cloves to release their flavor. Zest the lemon to add a fresh touch later. Measure out the tahini and olive oil. This prep makes blending easy. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and salt. Process the mix until it is smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides to get everything blended well. If the hummus is thick, add water one tablespoon at a time. Blend until you reach a creamy texture. Taste your hummus and adjust the salt or lemon juice for the best flavor. Scoop the hummus into a serving bowl. Use a spoon to create a small well in the center. Drizzle some olive oil into the well. For garnishing, sprinkle lemon zest, paprika, and chopped parsley on top. This adds color and flavor. Serve your hummus with pita, veggies, or chips for a delicious snack! To get the right texture in your hummus, start by blending the chickpeas and tahini well. If the mixture is too thick, add water slowly. Use 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s creamy. You want a smooth dip, not a paste. Scrape the sides of the food processor often. This step makes sure everything mixes evenly. Taste your hummus after blending. If it needs more zing, add extra lemon juice. For more depth, sprinkle in more cumin. Don’t forget to adjust the salt. A pinch can change the whole flavor. You can also try adding a little garlic powder if you want a stronger garlic taste. Remember, balance is key. For the best results, use a good food processor. A blender can work, but it might not blend as smoothly. Make sure to have a spatula handy for scraping down the sides. A measuring spoon set is useful for the exact amounts. Using these tools will help you create a perfect dip every time. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice will give your hummus a vibrant flavor that canned alternatives can't match. Adjust Consistency: If your hummus is too thick, add water gradually until you reach the desired creaminess; this helps in achieving the perfect texture. Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add other spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick, or try roasted garlic for a different profile. Chill Before Serving: Let your hummus sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. {{image_2}} To make spicy lemon garlic hummus, add some heat. Mix in 1 to 2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. This version wakes up your taste buds and brings a new level of flavor. Roasting garlic changes its flavor. It becomes sweet and smooth. Try using 1 to 2 bulbs of roasted garlic instead of fresh. Just blend the roasted cloves into the mix. This version has a rich taste that is perfect for garlic lovers. Herbs add freshness to your hummus. You can mix in fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or dill. Start with 1/4 cup of chopped herbs. Blend them in for a burst of flavor. This option makes your hummus unique and bright. Feel free to explore these variations. Each one offers a different taste experience to enjoy! To store leftover hummus, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Make sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the hummus to avoid air exposure. It will stay fresh for about five days in the fridge. If you notice any changes in smell or color, throw it out. You can freeze lemon garlic hummus for longer storage. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as hummus expands when frozen. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Stir well before serving. To keep your hummus at its best, always use clean utensils. This prevents bacteria from spoiling the dip. If you want to keep it fresh, consider making smaller batches. Enjoy it fresh for the best taste and texture. Adding a drizzle of olive oil on top can also help keep it moist. Hummus works great with many foods. You can dip fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Pita bread and chips also make tasty choices. You can spread hummus on sandwiches or wraps too. It adds flavor and creaminess. Yes, you can use canned garlic. It saves time and is easy to find. However, fresh garlic gives a stronger taste. If you use canned, try starting with a small amount. Adjust to your liking as you blend. Lemon garlic hummus is not just tasty; it’s healthy too. Chickpeas provide protein and fiber. Garlic can boost your immune system. Lemon juice adds vitamin C, which is great for skin and health. Olive oil has healthy fats that are good for your heart. Homemade hummus lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you notice any off smells or colors, it’s best to toss it. Always check before you eat. You can find pre-made lemon garlic hummus at many grocery stores. Look in the deli section or near the dips. Brands vary, so check the ingredients for what you like. Local markets may have fresh options as well. This blog post shared how to make delicious hummus with simple ingredients and clear steps. You learned about preparing, blending, and presenting hummus. I also provided tips for the right texture and flavor. Variations let you get creative, while storage tips keep your hummus fresh. Homemade hummus is easy, healthy, and tasty. Enjoy making it your way!$

A creamy and flavorful hummus with a zesty lemon and garlic kick.

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Course Appetizer

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings 6

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

15 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
0.25 cup tahini
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste salt salt
2-4 tablespoons water (as needed)
1 lemon zest of lemon (for garnish)
to taste paprika (for garnish)
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and salt.
Process the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.
If the hummus is too thick, gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.
Once blended to a creamy texture, taste and adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed.
Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, and use a spoon to create a small well in the center.
Drizzle a little extra olive oil in the well and sprinkle the top with lemon zest, paprika, and chopped parsley for garnish.

Notes

Adjust the consistency with water as needed.

Keyword appetizer, garlic, hummus, lemon, vegan