The Best Healthy Chickpea Hummus Recipe

Get ready for hummus heaven with The Best Healthy Chickpea Hummus Recipe – a simple and delicious dish that’ll make you wonder why you ever bought store-bought. Smooth, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this homemade hummus is not just a taste upgrade, but also a healthier choice. Whether you’re dipping veggies, spreading it on crackers, or making a killer sandwich, this hummus is your versatile, go-to dip or condiment.

What Is Hummus? 

A popular Middle Eastern dish, hummus is a dip or spread made out of a base of chickpeas. Traditional recipes included tahini and lemon, and today most versions also include garlic and olive oil. The popularity of the dish dates back for as long as records show, and the exact origins are unknown. It is believed to have been largely popularized due to its affordability and easy preparation. 

Today, you’ll find a wide array of hummus variations. However, for this chickpea hummus recipe, we stuck to the basics, creating a smooth and creamy dip that’s just as tasty and even healthier than any of the pre-made versions available at your local grocery store. 

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Healthy Hummus Recipe

Hummus is the rockstar of versatility, and for this version, we’re keeping it simple to give you a healthy hummus recipe that plays well with all your favorite snacks, appetizers, and meals. The best part? You likely have everything you need right in your kitchen.

• Chickpeas – Full of fiber and plant-based protein, chickpeas soften and form a thick paste to create the base of this hummus. 
• Baking Soda – Boiling chickpeas in baking soda helps raise the pH balance of the water allowing their skins to loosen easily, creating a softer, smoother texture.  
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Mixed into the chickpea hummus and sometimes even swirled on top, the addition of olive oil provides healthy fats and creates a rich, luxurious taste and texture. 
• Tahini – Made out of ground sesame seeds tahini boosts the flavor of your hummus with a slightly nutty taste. You can buy it at the store, or for a budget-friendly option, you can make tahini yourself by pulsing sesame seeds in a food processor until smooth! 
• Lemon and Lime – The acidity of the citrus helps cut through the heaviness of the fats, creating extra layers of depth and a refreshing flavor you’ll love. 
• Seasonings – For this recipe, we used cumin, white pepper, and sea salt, but feel free to experiment with whatever you like best! 
• Ice Water – It may sound strange, but the addition of cold water and ice creates the absolute fluffiest, most creamy hummus you’ll ever taste. 

How to Make Easy Chickpea Hummus

This recipe comes together faster than a trip to the store! Here’s your express guide to hummus perfection:  

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, and place them in a pot with water. 
2. Add baking soda, and bring the ingredients to a boil. Then, simmer for 20 minutes. 
3. Submerge the chickpeas in cold water, and remove their skin. 
4. Pulse the chickpeas in a food processor or blender. 
5. Pour in the tahini, oil, lemon, and lime juices before pulsing again. 
6. Add the remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth and creamy. 

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, in our opinion, there’s not much this chickpea hummus recipe can’t be served with. The versatility is endless, but here are some of our favorite ways to serve up this scrumptious hummus:   

• As a dip for fresh veggies
• Spread on pita or naan bread
• Smeared on sandwiches for extra flavor 
• Drizzled as a dressing on salads

Common Questions

Is chickpea hummus healthy? 

Absolutely! Chickpea hummus is packed with healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein, making it a super nourishing recipe.

Do I need to peel the chickpeas for hummus?

While it’s not mandatory, peeling the chickpeas can lead to an extra smooth and creamy hummus. It might take a bit more time, but the silky texture is worth the effort!

Can I use canned chickpeas for hummus?

Yes, canned chickpeas are convenient and work well for hummus! For an even creamier texture, simmer them briefly before blending to soften them up.

Why is my hummus too thick, and how can I fix it?

If your hummus is thicker than you’d like, gradually add cold water or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) while blending until you reach your desired consistency.

More Ways to Make Hummus

Our go-to chickpea hummus is the perfect canvas for even more flavor adventures or to star in an impressive appetizer spread. Get ready to take your hummus game to the next level with these delicious recipes:

• This Hummus with Roasted Tomatoes and Olives spruces up traditional recipes with fresh veggies and tasty toppings for incredible flavor and an amazing texture you’ll love. 
• Elevate your hummus from a snack or appetizer to a complete and satisfying meal with this Hummus Baked Chicken! 
• Warm spices, sweet squash, and roasted pecans combine all the flavors of fall in this Roasted Maple Butternut Squash Hummus Dip. It’s an irresistible recipe you’ll crave all year long!