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Creamy Hummus with Zaatar and Olive Oil Drizzle

creamy hummus with zaatar and olive oil drizzle - featured image

A quick and easy homemade hummus recipe featuring creamy blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, topped with za’atar spice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for snacking, gatherings, or as a versatile dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas)
  • 3 tablespoons tahini (preferably smooth)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water (plus more if needed for consistency)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt)
  • 12 teaspoons za’atar spice blend
  • Extra olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas well under cold water. If using dried chickpeas, soak overnight and cook until very tender (about 1.5 hours).
  2. In a food processor, combine tahini and fresh lemon juice. Process for about 1 minute until pale and creamy.
  3. Add minced garlic, ground cumin, and salt to the whipped tahini. Pulse briefly to mix.
  4. Add chickpeas to the mixture. Blend on medium speed while slowly drizzling in cold water and olive oil. Scrape down sides as needed.
  5. If hummus is too thick or grainy, add water one tablespoon at a time until silky smooth. Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice as desired.
  6. Scoop hummus into a shallow serving bowl. Create shallow swirls on the surface with the back of a spoon.
  7. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the top, then sprinkle za’atar evenly.
  8. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Use cold water and olive oil added slowly to achieve creamy texture. Whip tahini and lemon first to avoid bitterness. Rinse canned chickpeas well to remove excess salt and tinny taste. Adjust garlic to taste or roast for milder flavor. Scrape sides during blending for even texture. Let hummus rest in fridge for best flavor. For creamier texture, blend a few ice cubes with chickpeas.

Nutrition

Keywords: hummus, zaatar, olive oil, creamy hummus, homemade hummus, Middle Eastern dip, vegan dip, gluten-free, easy recipe