H Is for Hummus
It could be argued that chickpeas are at their absolute best when blended into smooth hummus — I feel pretty strongly that this is indeed the case. While I’ll take the beige beans in any shape and form, I am happiest when they’re made into hummus. We at Kitchn love the stuff. It makes a frequent appearance in our snacks, lunches, dinners, and even breakfasts.
Here are a handful of our favorite tips and tricks when it comes to making, and of course eating, creamy, garlicky hummus.
There really is nothing better than homemade hummus. While for the uninitiated it may seem intimidating to make, it’s actually quite simple. Gather a few basic ingredients, toss them in your food processor, and blend them away to creamy perfection. Have fresh pita at the ready.
Learn the ways: How To Make Hummus from Scratch
2. But don’t be afraid to cheat with the best store-bought tubs.
Okay, yes, the homemade stuff can’t be beat, but sometimes your hummus craving won’t wait the extra few minutes it takes to DIY it. While there are rows and rows of options at the grocery store, a good chuck of them are subpar. A few tasty tubs, though, get pretty close to homemade and are solid options for your snacking needs.
Know what to look for: The Hummus Taste Test: We Tried 7 Brands and Here’s Our Favorite
3. Embrace its variations.
Pure and simple hummus is a thing of beauty, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with it. Try sprinkling in a little smoked paprika or za’atar for starters. Then go next-level by blending roasted carrots into it or kicking it up with a few jalapeños.
Snag some ideas: 4 Ways to Dress Up Your Hummus
4. Know the tricks to blending the creamiest hummus possible.
Although making hummus from scratch is straightforward, there are a few tricks to know in order to make it better than ever. Things like using dried chickpeas instead of canned, adding a little baking soda to the bean cooking water, and using high-quality tahini can take your hummus to the next level.
Learn the secrets: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Hummus
5. Get a little creative with how you use it.
Of course you can’t go wrong eating hummus with nothing but good pita or crackers or even crudité, but the dip is far more versatile than you may think — and I am not just talking about spreading it on sandwiches. Take your hummus consumption to the next level by incorporating it into a dish you might’ve never thought of using it in before.
Expand your horizons: The One Weird Place I Use Hummus