Ina Garten’s Silky-Smooth Creamy Hummus Recipe

Creamy hummus transforms ordinary chickpeas into a silky, luxurious spread that tantalizes taste buds with its rich, velvety texture.

Mediterranean cuisine celebrates this versatile dip as a nutritious and flavorful staple that brings people together.

Smooth and indulgent, the blend combines earthy legumes with zesty aromatics and nutty undertones.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients merge into a creamy sensation that dances across your palate.

Regional variations add depth and character to this beloved classic, each recipe telling a unique cultural story.

Comfort and elegance merge in this timeless recipe that promises to delight your senses: prepare to be amazed.

Why You’ll Spoon Up Every Bit of Creamy Hummus

• Smoothly Silky Texture: The vigorous skin-removal process and extended blending create an ultra-creamy, velvety hummus that glides effortlessly on your palate, unlike chunky store-bought versions.
• Flavor-Packed Technique: Ina Garten's method of combining lemon, garlic, Tabasco, and paprika transforms ordinary chickpeas into a zesty, complex dip that bursts with Mediterranean-inspired flavors in every bite.
• Restaurant-Quality Presentation: The elegant serving style with whole chickpeas, Marcona almonds, olive oil drizzle, and paprika sprinkle elevates this hummus from simple dip to a stunning appetizer that looks professionally prepared and Instagram-worthy.
• Customizable Comfort Dish: The flexible recipe allows easy adjustments of consistency and seasoning, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal culinary expertise.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ina’s Hummus

• Chickpeas: Classic base for hummus, dried chickpeas provide better texture and flavor than canned ones.
• Baking Powder: Helps soften chickpeas and make them easier to blend smoothly.
• Water: Essential for cooking and adjusting hummus consistency.

• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that balances the creamy chickpea base.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic depth to the hummus profile.
• Tahini: Rich sesame paste that creates authentic Middle Eastern flavor and creamy texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and smooth mouthfeel, used for blending and drizzling.
• Tabasco: Provides subtle heat and complexity.
• Paprika, Smoked Paprika: Offers warm color and slightly smoky undertone.
• Marcona Almonds: Crunchy, premium garnish with buttery flavor.
• Pita Triangles: Traditional accompaniment for serving and dipping.

How to Blend Creamy Hummus at Home

Step 1: Prepare Chickpea Base

• Chickpeas
• Baking powder
• Water

Boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Create Zesty Garlic Blend

• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic

Set this tangy mixture aside.

Step 3: Remove Chickpea Skins

Drain chickpeas and rinse with cold water. Stir vigorously to loosen skins. Repeat rinsing 5-6 times until most skins are gone.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Hummus

Place drained chickpeas in food processor. Save a few whole chickpeas for garnish.

• Lemon-garlic mixture
• Tabasco
• Paprika
• Warm water
• Salt
• Pepper

• Tahini
• Olive oil

Purée for one minute. Adjust consistency with extra lemon juice, salt, and warm water until it reaches a creamy yogurt-like texture.

Step 5: Artfully Serve Hummus

• Reserved whole chickpeas
• Chopped Marcona almonds

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle smoked paprika. Accompany with toasted pita triangles for a delightful dipping experience.

Tips for Smooth and Silky Hummus

• Peel Chickpeas Perfectly: Gently rub warm chickpeas between your hands to slip off the thin skins easily, creating an ultra-smooth hummus texture that's silky and light.
• Boost Lemon Brightness: Squeeze fresh lemons just before adding to the recipe, capturing the zesty, vibrant flavors that bottled juices can't match.
• Control Creamy Consistency: Warm water is your secret weapon for adjusting thickness. Add liquid slowly, blending between each tablespoon to achieve the ideal creamy spread.
• Fine-Tune Flavor Layers: Taste your hummus after blending and play with seasonings. A pinch more salt, a dash of extra lemon, or a sprinkle of pepper can transform the entire dish.
• Elevate with Premium Olive Oil: Finish your hummus with a generous drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This final touch adds luxurious richness and depth to every bite.

Storing Hummus for Fresh Flavor

• Preserve Texture: Transfer hummus to a shallow, wide container with a tight-fitting lid to minimize air exposure. Smooth the surface with a spoon and drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top, creating a protective seal that prevents drying and maintains creaminess.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, where temperature remains most consistent. Keep the hummus away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption, ensuring its delicate taste remains pure and unaltered.
• Freezing Technique: Divide hummus into small portions before freezing, using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and label with the date, allowing easy tracking of storage time. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator and stir vigorously to restore its original smooth consistency.

Fun Additions to Classic Hummus

• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Blend roasted red peppers into the basic recipe for a sweet, smoky flavor that adds vibrant color and complexity to the traditional hummus.
• Spicy Jalapeño Hummus: Incorporate fresh jalapeños or green chilies during blending to create a zesty, heat-packed version that brings extra kick to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Hummus: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like parsley, mint, and oregano to infuse the hummus with bright, aromatic Mediterranean flavors that transport your taste buds.
• Beetroot Hummus: Roast and blend beetroot into the chickpea mixture for a stunning deep purple hue and earthy sweetness that makes the hummus visually striking and uniquely delicious.

Final Scoop of Creamy Goodness

Creamy hummus perfection emerges from Ina Garten’s meticulous culinary craftsmanship.

Mediterranean flavors dance across palate landscapes, revealing complex textures and nuanced seasonings.

Chickpeas transform into silky elegance through careful preparation and blending techniques.

Smooth tahini and bright lemon notes create harmonious balance within each delectable bite.

Share this remarkable recipe, comment with your culinary experiences, and spread deliciousness across social platforms – your taste buds will thank you.

Ina Garten Creamy Hummus Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s creamy hummus elevates a classic Middle Eastern dip with silky smoothness and rich tahini flavor. Garlic, lemon, and olive oil blend seamlessly to create a luxurious spread perfect for gatherings or quiet moments of culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 (15.5-ounce/425-gram) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup (120 grams) tahini
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 3 lemons)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon garlic, finely grated (about 4 cloves)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon Tabasco sauce
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish and Serving:

• Good olive oil
• ¼ cup (30 grams) salted, roasted Marcona almonds, roughly chopped
• Toasted pita triangles, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare chickpeas by combining them with baking powder in a large saucepan, covering with of water. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and gently simmer for 25 minutes, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking.
2. Create a lemon-garlic infusion by whisking ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) of fresh lemon juice with minced garlic in a small mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to rest and develop flavors.
3. Remove chickpea skins through a meticulous process: drain the cooked legumes, then submerge in cold water. Agitate thoroughly to loosen and separate skins, repeating the draining and rinsing cycle 5-6 times until most outer layers are eliminated.
4. Transform chickpeas into a smooth puree by transferring them to a food processor. Isolate of whole chickpeas for garnishing. Incorporate the lemon-garlic mixture, Tabasco sauce, paprika, warm water, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until achieving an ultra-smooth consistency, periodically scraping processor sides.
5. Enhance the hummus by adding tahini and olive oil. Blend continuously for one minute until achieving a luxuriously creamy texture. Fine-tune the consistency by gradually introducing additional warm water, lemon juice, and salt until reaching a yogurt-like smoothness.
6. Plate the hummus artfully by spreading it across a large serving dish, creating an elegant 2-inch (5-centimeter) border. Embellish with reserved whole chickpeas and chopped Marcona almonds. Finish with a delicate olive oil drizzle and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Accompany with crisp, toasted pita triangles for an authentic presentation.

Notes

• Gently squeeze chickpeas between fingers to slip off papery skins, revealing smooth, creamy interior that blends into silky hummus.
• Zesty fresh lemon juice transforms ordinary dip with bright, tangy notes that dance across your taste buds.
• Warm water becomes your secret weapon for achieving perfect, velvety texture—add sparingly and blend thoroughly.
• Taste-testing unlocks hummus magic, allowing you to fine-tune salt, pepper, and citrus until every bite sings with balanced flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil transforms simple dip into luxurious appetizer, creating glossy swirls that whisper Mediterranean elegance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe (approximately 1/4 cup or 60 grams)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 5 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 mg