Garbanzo Bean Hummus Recipe

If you are looking for an easy homemade garbanzo bean hummus recipe that tastes better than anything from grocery stores, this one is for you. 

Using simple ingredients like canned chickpeas, tahini paste made from sesame seeds, and fresh lemon juice, this creamy dip is packed with flavor. You will love how simple it is to create a creamy, restaurant-style hummus right in your kitchen.

This is one of our easy appetizer dip recipes you will want to bookmark for later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Uses a handful of ingredients and comes together quickly.
• Restaurant-Quality: Achieve a smooth hummus similar to your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant.
• Healthier Choice: Perfect for a healthy snack when paired with fresh veggies or pita chips.
• Customizable: Make a plain hummus, a garlic hummus, or even a red pepper hummus.
• Cost-Effective: Cheaper than store-bought hummus and made with better quality.
• Perfect for Dipping: It also makes a great crostini or sandwich spread. 

Ingredients for the best hummus recipe

Garbanzo Beans – This is what makes hummus so easy to make. I usually buy a generic can of chickpeas, and it comes out great. Or use your favorite brand of chickpeas. I do not recommend using dry chickpeas for this recipe.

Tahini – This paste is a butter-like spread made of sesame seeds. It adds that distinctive hummus flavor, and this is a great brand to use. A few years ago, tahini (sesame seed paste) was harder to find, but now you can find it pretty easily. It comes from the Middle East, so check that area of your grocery store. 

Olive Oil – Always a must for anything Mediterranean

Lemon – for flavor

Garlic – I recommend fresh minced garlic cloves, but you can use a paste or jarred if that is all you have.

Salt – Use Kosher salt or Himalayan salt

Equipment and kitchen tools

• Blender or food processor

How to make Garbanzo Bean (chickpea) hummus

1. Drain the chickpeas. Pour into a blender or the bowl of a food processor.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients Mix all of the above until the desired consistency. The consistency should be creamy and blended. If it is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water.
3. I like to add a little Tapatio hot sauce to spice up the plain hummus from time to time, but it tastes good without it too. I like to serve it with pita chips, tortilla chips, sliced carrots, peppers, or celery.
4. Refrigerate and serve.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use Quality Ingredients: A good tahini and fresh lemon juice are key.
• Add Water Carefully: A little water or the cooking liquid from the chickpeas can help adjust consistency.
• Blend Long Enough: Let the food processor run to fully whip air into the hummus for that light, fluffy result.
• Serve Perfectly: Spoon into a shallow bowl, top with a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle pine nuts, and add a bit of fresh parsley. I like to serve it with pita chips, tortilla chips, sliced carrots, peppers, or celery. You can also serve it with warm pita bread. Check out my homemade pita bread recipe. 

For another easy dip recipe, try this delicious White Bean Dip from my friend Jenny.

Substitutions and Variations

• Change Up the Base: Try black bean hummus or even beet hummus for a twist.
• Different Flavors: Mix in roasted red peppers for red pepper hummus or crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. I also like to add a little Tapatio hot sauce to spice up the plain hummus from time to time, but it tastes good without it too.
• Freshness Factor: Top with fresh produce like diced tomatoes or cucumbers for a refreshing crunch.
• Tahini Free: To make your hummus tahini-free, try this Hummus without Tahini recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For more variation ideas, you can add the following to your basic hummus:

• Chopped olives
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Fresh lemon juice
• Ground chili or ground cumin

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later – it’s the best hummus recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Dip Recipes

• Jarcuterie – A delicious meat and cheese board in a jar!
• Easy Corn Salad – Corn and vegetables come together in a side dish form. 
• Pizza Dip – This easy pizza dip recipe is the perfect game day appetizer for your super bowl or sports viewing party!
• Easy Spinach Dip in a Bread Bowl – A classic recipe made in a sourdough bread bowl. Includes a tutorial on the bread bowls for dips and soups.
• Hot Chorizo and Chili Dip – One of our favorite green chili dips with chorizo for added flavor.

Be sure to try my spicy hummus recipe too!

If you are not yet subscribing to my CELEBRATE THE SEASON newsletter, you can subscribe here. I share a few things that I don’t share here and I email you only once a week. I know how valuable your time is and respect that tremendously!