Easy Creamy Vitamix Hummus Recipe 

Are you prepared to embark on a delectable journey that will whisk your taste buds away to the lively streets of the Middle East? Brace yourself because we're about to dive headfirst into the world of homemade hummus – that silky, savory, and utterly addictive delight that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of countless food enthusiasts worldwide.

Whether you're a seasoned kitchen connoisseur or a curious culinary explorer, making your own hummus is an experience that promises to elevate your snacking game to a whole new level. With homemade hummus, you can say goodbye to store-bought hummus with its artificial additives and lackluster taste. You can create a personalized hummus masterpiece that suits your unique palate with a few simple ingredients and some kitchen magic. Whether you crave the zing of lemon, the heat of chili, or the earthiness of roasted garlic, the world of homemade hummus is your canvas to explore.

In this blog post, we will share a scrumptious and easy hummus recipe that is nutritious and guilt-free indulgence. So, whether you're looking for a post-workout snack, a crowd-pleasing party dip, or simply a quick and nutritious bite, hummus has got you covered.

Best Hummus Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

1. In a food processor or high-speed blender like Vitamix, combine the drained chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, cumin, and a pinch of salt.

2. Combine the ingredients in a blender until a smooth and velvety texture is achieved. If the mixture appears overly thick or lumpy, gradually incorporate small amounts of water (one tablespoon at a time) during the blending process until your desired consistency of creamy hummus is attained.

3. Sample the hummus and make any necessary adjustments to the seasonings. If desired, enhance the flavors by incorporating additional lemon juice, salt, or cumin to suit your personal taste.

4. Transfer the prepared hummus into a serving dish, and adorn it with a delightful drizzle of olive oil and garnish. Pair the hummus with pita bread, crisp vegetables, or utilize it as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.

The tool: To craft your own homemade hummus recipe, you will require a food processor, a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix, or a handheld immersion blender.

Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings. We sprinkled paprika and sumac in this recipe and topped it with toasted pine nuts and micro greens with a drizzle of olive oil.

What Ingredients You Will Need To make hummus

Chickpea

When it comes to preparing hummus, the choice is between using canned chickpeas or cooked chickpeas. Opting for the convenience of a can provides a quicker solution, but it may come at the expense of taste. Various brands of canned chickpeas may contain excessive sodium, impart a strange metallic flavor, or lack the desired nutty taste. Using canned chickpeas involves a certain degree of risk.

However, if your goal is to create the ultimate hummus experience, it's worth taking a few additional steps to cook the chickpeas from scratch. To begin, you'll need to soak dried chickpeas in a medium to large bowl filled with water. The ideal ratio is equal parts chickpeas and water. It's important to leave enough water for the dried chickpeas to absorb and room for expansion. Allow the chickpeas to soak overnight or for a minimum of 10 hours. The longer soaking time is preferable as it helps soften the chickpeas. Once the chickpeas are adequately hydrated and softened, thoroughly wash and rinse them.

In case you happen to forget to soak the dried chickpeas or simply lack time to soak them for the full 10 hours, don't worry. With the assistance of an Instant Pot, you can still cook unsoaked chickpeas and achieve the desired texture.

How To Cook Raw Chickpeas

Stovetop Method: Begin by placing your chickpeas in a medium to large cooking pot with a lid. Ensure that the chickpeas are fully submerged in water, and you can adjust the amount of water to your preference. Increasing the amount of water will extend the boiling duration.

To enhance the flavor, you can include bay leaves and a sprinkle of salt if available. Cover the pot with the lid and cook over low to medium heat for approximately 45 minutes to an hour or until the chickpeas have softened.

Slow Cooker Method: Transfer your chickpeas to a slow cooker and submerge them with around 6 cups of water, ensuring they are fully covered. Optionally, add bay leaves and salt for added flavor. Set the cooking time for the chickpeas to 4 hours on high heat or 8 hours on low heat.

Instant Pot Method: In your Instant Pot, combine the chickpeas, approximately 4 cups of water, bay leaf, and salt. Adjust the Instant Pot to manual mode and select high pressure for a cooking duration of 12 to 15 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your personal preference. A 12 minutes setting will result in a slightly crisp texture, while 15 minutes will yield chickpeas similar to canned ones.

After the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for approximately 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid. If you're using unsoaked chickpeas, increase the cooking time to approximately 30 minutes and release the pressure naturally.

Tahini

Tahini, derived from ground sesame seeds, imparts a luscious nutty flavor and smooth texture to the hummus. Additionally, tahini introduces beneficial fats and enhances the overall taste.

In the absence of tahini, natural peanut butter or almond butter can be used as an alternative, offering a distinct flavor profile.

Lemon juice

The addition of lemon juice brings a zesty and revitalizing taste to the hummus. It helps balance the richness of the tahini and provides a bright citrus note. It also helps prevent the hummus from oxidizing and adds a hint of acidity.

In the event that fresh lemons are unavailable, bottled lemon juice can be utilized; however, for the best flavor experience, fresh lemon juice is recommended.

Olive oil

Extra-virgin olive oil is recommended for its robust flavor, enhancing the smoothness and richness of the hummus while adding a fruity and savory flavor. It contributes healthy monounsaturated fats and helps achieve a velvety texture.

Garlic

Garlic contributes a strong and savory taste to the hummus, imparting depth and complexity to its overall flavor profile. If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be used as a suitable substitute. However, fresh garlic is preferred for its fresh and aromatic qualities.

Cumin

Cumin, known for its warm and earthy characteristics, imparts a unique flavor to hummus. It harmonizes with the nuttiness of chickpeas and tahini, elevating the hummus with a multifaceted taste.

In the absence of cumin, ground coriander or a dash of smoked paprika can be used as alternative substitutes, providing a distinct flavor profile.

Salt

Salt amplifies the overall flavor of the hummus by accentuating the taste of other ingredients. It aids in harmonizing the flavors and contributes depth to the hummus. Begin with a modest amount of salt and adjust according to your preference, gradually finding the perfect balance of flavors.

How To Elevate Your Homemade Hummus Recipe

Roasted vegetables

Roasting vegetables like roasted red peppers and making roasted red pepper hummus. Other roasted vegetables like eggplant or cherry tomatoes can also be blended into the hummus, adding a smoky and sweet flavor to the hummus. It also gives the hummus a vibrant color and a more complex taste.

Roasted Garlic

Elevate your hummus by roasting the garlic cloves before incorporating them. Roasted garlic yields a sweet and mellow flavor, infusing the hummus with added richness and depth. Consider making roasted garlic hummus for a delightful twist on the traditional recipe.

Simply wrap a whole garlic bulb in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes until soft. When blending the ingredients, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves directly into the blender or food processor.

Fresh herbs

Introduce a generous handful of fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil into the blender, along with the remaining ingredients. The herbs will provide a burst of freshness and elevate the overall flavor profile.

Herb-infused Oil

Create an herb-infused olive oil to drizzle on top of the hummus. Warm a small saucepan over low heat, then add a drizzle of olive oil and incorporate fragrant herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil. Let the herbs infuse the oil for a few minutes, then strain the oil and drizzle it over the hummus for added flavor and visual appeal.

Spices and seasonings

Feel free to explore various spices and seasonings to personalize the flavor to your liking. Consider incorporating a touch of paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or sumac for an added burst of flavor. Sumac, in particular, introduces a tangy and lemony essence that complements hummus beautifully.

Toppings and garnishes

Enhance the presentation of your hummus by adding various toppings and garnishes. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top, sprinkle with a pinch of paprika or cumin, or garnish with toasted pine nuts, sesame seeds, or chopped fresh herbs like chopped fresh parsley.

Citrus zest

Add a touch of brightness by incorporating citrus zest into the hummus. Utilize a grater to extract the zest from a lemon or lime and blend it together with the remaining ingredients. The citrus zest will provide a fragrant aroma and a citrusy note.

Nut or seed variations

Experiment with different nuts or seeds in place of or in addition to tahini. Explore the possibilities of using almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter to craft distinctive and flavorful combinations.

Smoked flavors

To infuse a smoky twist, consider incorporating a small quantity of liquid smoke or smoked paprika into the hummus. This will give it a hint of smokiness reminiscent of traditional smoked ingredients.

Add Sliced Steak or Sujuk

For a more upscale presentation, grill or sear thin slices of steak, such as flank or sirloin, to medium-rare or medium doneness. Allow the steak to rest before slicing it thinly across the grain. You can also try sujuk if it's available. Arrange the sliced sujuk or steak slices over the hummus, and you can also add a drizzle of chimichurri sauce or a balsamic glaze to enhance the flavors. You can often find this type of hummus in Turkey.

How to store leftover hummus

Transfer the remaining hummus into a clean, airtight container, preferably made of glass with a tightly sealed lid. This ensures freshness and prevents the hummus from absorbing any undesirable odors from the refrigerator.

With the aid of a spoon or spatula, gently even out the surface of the hummus within the container. This technique aids in reducing air exposure and slows down the process of oxidation. To create a protective seal, delicately drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top of the hummus.

Promptly place the hummus container in the refrigerator. Storing hummus in the refrigerator is essential to preserve its freshness and ensure its safety for consumption. Hummus can generally be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. The flavors may continue to develop over time, so it's normal for the taste to intensify slightly as it sits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned ones?

Certainly, dried chickpeas can be used as a substitute for canned chickpeas. To do so, soak the chickpeas overnight, then cook them until they reach a tender consistency before incorporating them into the hummus recipe. It's worth noting that this may yield a slightly distinct texture and flavor compared to canned chickpeas.

Can I make hummus without tahini?

Absolutely, it is possible to prepare hummus without using tahini. Tahini contributes a distinct flavor and creamy texture, but if you don't have tahini or prefer to avoid it, you can substitute it with natural peanut butter or almond butter or omit it altogether. Adjust the other seasonings to taste.

How can I adjust the consistency of hummus?

If your hummus happens to be overly thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, while blending until the desired consistency is achieved. Conversely, if the hummus turns out to be excessively thin, you can incorporate additional chickpeas or tahini to thicken it.

Can I freeze hummus?

Indeed, hummus can be frozen, although it's important to note that freezing may impact its texture, leading to a slightly grainy or separated consistency upon thawing. To freeze hummus, divide it into small portions and store them in freezer-safe containers, leaving sufficient space for expansion. When ready to use, thaw the hummus in the refrigerator overnight and ensure to stir it well before serving.