Classic hummus
Smooth, creamy hummus with tahini, lemon and garlic, made from canned chickpeas in 10 minutes.
- Prep
- 10 mins
- Total
- 10 mins
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Budget
Recipe: Classic hummus
Classic hummus
Ingredients
For the hummus
- 1 can chickpeas, 400g, drained, liquid reserved
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp ice-cold water, or reserved chickpea liquid
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve
- paprika, to serve
Kitchen kit
- Food processor Search Amazon for food processor
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon links go to search results for the kit, never food.
Method
-
Step 1: Blend the tahini
Blitz the tahini, lemon juice and garlic in a food processor for 1 minute until thick and pale.
-
Step 2: Add the chickpeas
Add the chickpeas, cumin and salt and blend for 2–3 minutes, scraping down the sides.
-
Step 3: Loosen
With the motor running, add the cold water a tablespoon at a time, then the oil, until very smooth and creamy. Taste and add more lemon or salt.
-
Step 4: Serve
Spoon into a bowl, swirl the top, drizzle with oil and dust with paprika.
Tips
- For extra-smooth hummus, simmer the drained chickpeas with 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda for 10 minutes, then rinse well. The skins slip off.
- Contains sesame (tahini).
Storing & reheating
Cover and refrigerate; eat within 2 days.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 1 month; stir well after defrosting in the fridge.
Variations
- Roasted red pepper hummus: blend in 1 jarred roasted pepper.
- Beetroot hummus: add 1 cooked beetroot (not in vinegar).
Allergies: Always check the labels of the ingredients you buy for allergens — our dietary tags are a guide, not a guarantee.
From feeed.co.uk/recipes/classic-hummus/ · Checked 17 October 2026
Questions people ask
Can I make it without tahini?
Yes, use extra olive oil, though the flavour will be less nutty.
Sources & inspiration
Checked 17 October 2026. Written in our own words; we checked proportions, technique and food safety against:
See other recipes that use the same kit on our kitchen kit pages.
