Homemade Hummus with Roasted Garlic
Hummus, the beloved Middle Eastern dip, is a creamy, flavorful spread that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a snack, or as a complement to a main course. This recipe for homemade hummus with roasted garlic takes the classic dish to the next level, adding a depth of flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
The history of hummus is a long and storied one, dating back to ancient times. The earliest known mention of hummus comes from a 13th-century Arabic cookbook, but it is believed that the dish has been around for much longer. Hummus is thought to have originated in the Middle East, and it has since become a popular dish all over the world.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 90 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 head of garlic, roasted
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Drain the chickpeas and rinse them well.
- In a large pot, cover the chickpeas with fresh water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the chickpeas are tender, about 1-2 hours.
- While the chickpeas are cooking, roast the garlic.
- Once the chickpeas are cooked, drain them and reserve the cooking liquid.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, roasted garlic, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Process until smooth, adding some of the reserved cooking liquid as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Why It Works
- Soaking the chickpeas overnight helps to soften them and make them easier to cook.
- Roasting the garlic adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the hummus.
- Using tahini, a sesame seed paste, gives the hummus a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- The combination of lemon juice, salt, and cumin provides a bright, tangy, and savory flavor profile.
- Adding a touch of cayenne pepper (optional) gives the hummus a subtle kick of heat.