Mediterranean Kitchen · Slow-Cooked
Basic Homemade Hummus
Creamy, nutty, and perfectly balanced with lemon and garlic — this classic hummus recipe is the same Mediterranean staple we prepare daily at Aladdin Mediterranean cuisine in Houston.
100% Halal
Short on time tonight?
Our Houston kitchens have it ready — fresh, 100% Halal, made from scratch every day.
The Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas or one 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini well-stirred
- 2 –3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 –2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2 –4 tablespoons cold water or aquafaba chickpea cooking liquid
Method
- If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly. For even smoother hummus, remove the skins by gently rubbing the chickpeas between your hands or a kitchen towel.
- Combine tahini and lemon juice in a food processor and blend for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
- Add garlic, cumin, and salt, and process for another 30 seconds.
- Add half the chickpeas and blend until incorporated, then add the remaining chickpeas.
- While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in olive oil and cold water until you achieve your desired consistency — smooth and creamy but still thick enough to hold its shape.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lemon juice, garlic, or salt to preference.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, create a well in the center with the back of a spoon, and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with paprika, whole chickpeas, or fresh herbs if desired.
Chef's Notes
For a restaurant-style presentation, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of paprika before serving. At Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine, we pair our creamy hummus with warm pita bread and crisp cucumber slices for a true taste of the Mediterranean.
Tip: For an ultra-smooth texture, peel the chickpeas before blending and use cold water or aquafaba to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition
Estimated, per serving
200
Calories
4
Servings
Total Time
Halal
Certified
The kitchen behind the recipe
This dish has been on our menu at Aladdin in Houston for nearly twenty years. Cook it at home wherever you are — and when you're in town, come taste the original.