Homemade Hummus Without Tahini (with VIDEO)

There's something wonderfully comforting about whipping up a batch of homemade hummus. The creamy texture, the garlicky aroma, and that zesty lemon kick, it all comes together in a delightful dip that's hard to resist. For years, I believed that authentic hummus required tahini, a rich sesame seed paste. But one day, craving hummus and without tahini in my pantry, I decided to experiment. To my delight, I discovered that hummus without tahini is not only possible but also incredibly delicious.

Recipe

This no-tahini hummus has since become a staple in my kitchen. It's perfect for those moments when I want a quick, healthy snack or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings.

It's made with simple ingredients that I always have on hand: chickpeas, garlic, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil. The omission of tahini allows the other ingredients to shine, resulting in a lighter yet equally satisfying dip.

Over time, I've played around with this basic recipe, adding roasted red peppers for a smoky twist or a handful of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. But no matter the variation, the core remains the same, simple, wholesome ingredients blended to creamy perfection. Whether you're a hummus purist or someone looking to try a tahini-free version, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home too.

Jump to:

⭐Why You'll Love This Homemade Hummus
🧾Homemade Hummus Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Hummus Without Tahini
📖Variations
🍽 How to Serve Hummus
💭Tips for Recipe Success
❓FAQ
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Homemade Hummus

Simple Ingredients: I don’t use tahini in this recipe. So sure, you already have all these ingredients in your pantry.
Simplicity: This is a simple hummus no tahini recipe, that skips the tahini, so it’s easier and quicker to make! I never have tahini at home, so I made this recipe that tastes amazing without it!
Versatility: This delicious homemade hummus recipe without tahini is so versatile! You can use it for dipping vegetables, pita bread, seed crackers, or spreading on sandwiches and wraps.

🧾Homemade Hummus Ingredients

Here is a list of everything you need:

Chickpeas: I love using chickpeas as the base of this hummus because they create that perfect creamy, smooth texture we all enjoy. I usually go for canned chickpeas when I want something quick, but cooking them from scratch works wonderfully too.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds a bold, vibrant flavor that really enhances the dip. If you’re not a fan of the sharpness, you can roast the garlic beforehand to bring out its natural sweetness.
Lemon Juice: I always reach for freshly squeezed lemon juice because it brightens up the hummus beautifully. The citrusy tang adds a refreshing note that keeps you coming back for more.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil makes a huge difference. It gives the hummus a rich, silky finish that’s incredibly satisfying.
Cumin Powder: I like to add cumin for a warm, earthy depth that complements the creamy chickpeas perfectly. It’s a simple addition that makes the hummus feel just right.
Salt: Salt is essential for bringing all the flavors together. I find that it enhances the garlic, lemon, and cumin, creating a balanced and delicious dip.
Water: Adding water helps achieve the desired consistency. I prefer to add it gradually until the hummus reaches that perfect creamy, spreadable texture.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Hummus Without Tahini

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. In a food processor, blend the cooked chickpeas, garlic, salt, cumin powder, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil until smooth and creamy, adjusting consistency with water as needed. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.

2. Transfer the hummus to a serving platter and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

3. Garnish with paprika and chopped chives for decoration.

4. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers. Bon appétit!

📖Variations

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: For a delicious twist, add some roasted red peppers (whether from a jar or homemade) and a sprinkle of smoked paprika into the hummus mixture before blending. It adds a lovely sweet and smoky flavor that you'll adore!
Avocado Hummus: For an extra creamy and nutritious touch, blend in some ripe avocado into the hummus mixture. Just make sure to adjust the lemon juice to balance out the flavors!
Beetroot Hummus: Add some roasted beetroots into the hummus mix, they bring a lovely earthy sweetness and vibrant color to the blend. It's a delicious twist worth trying!

🍽 How to Serve Hummus

Here's how I enjoy hummus:

I love dipping Seed Crackers into my hummus. It's the perfect crunchy combo!

I also like to serve hummus with fresh veggies like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers. It's a colorful and healthy snack.

For a tasty twist, I pair my hummus with other dips like tzatziki and Muhammara. You can mix and match your favorites!

Sometimes, I use hummus as a salad dressing by adding a splash of water or lemon juice. It adds a creamy and flavorful touch to any salad.

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Adjust Consistency Carefully: When adding liquid (like water, lemon juice, or extra virgin olive oil) to your hummus, go slowly. You can always pour in a little more if needed, but it's tricky to thicken it up again if it becomes too runny. Take your time and get that perfect consistency!

Blend Thoroughly: Be patient while blending everything together to get that velvety smooth and creamy texture. It's worth the extra time for a delicious hummus!

Storage: Transfer the hummus to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly to maintain freshness. You can store for up to 4-7 days.

❓FAQ

What Exactly Is Hummus?

Hummus is a creamy dip or spread made from cooked and mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and often spices, enjoyed as a popular Middle Eastern dish.

What can I substitute for tahini in Hummus?

You can substitute peanut butter or almond butter for tahini in hummus to achieve a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.

Can I freeze Hummus?

Yes, Hummus can be frozen for longer-term storage. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen hummus in the refrigerator overnight before using it.