Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (2024)

Published: Updated: by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 16 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you like Hummus (or Hummus bi Tahina), you'll love my easy Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe! Who knew mixing simple ingredients like chickpeas, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and tahini, in the right proportions, can result in such a delicious dish? Serve with some homemade pita bread.

Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (1)

Although everyone is familiar with hummus these days, I remember a time when I would take some to a potluck and no one knew what it was.

At times, I had to practically beg my co-workers to just taste it. In fact, I even had to bribe my husband to try it by making a spicy version (I'll tell you about it later in this post).

So if you enjoy Mediterranean dips like this Tirokafteri (Greek Feta Dip) and ful medames you'll love this easy and authentic hummus recipe!

Jump to:
  • 🧐 Why This Recipe Works
  • 🥣 What Goes Into This Recipe
  • 🥙 How to Make Authentic Lebanese Hummus
  • 🍽 Serving Suggestions
  • 🤷🏻‍♀️Recipe FAQs
  • 👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips
  • 🥗 Related Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🧐 Why This Recipe Works

  • Homemade Lebanese Hummus Recipe is a million times better than anything you can find in a store. I am often told by friends that this is the BEST hummus recipe they've ever tried. Once you learn how easy it is to make, you'll never buy already-made hummus again!
  • My homemade Hummus recipe makes a wonderful, healthy snack when served with veggies, especially carrots.
  • This is a fairly simple recipe; probably one of the simplest I'll ever share. In fact, you only need a handful of ingredients and a food processor or a blender.
  • You can adjust the recipe to your liking. For example, garlic lovers can add more cloves of garlic, and those who are addicted to spicy food can add a habanero or sprinkle the hummus with cayenne pepper instead of paprika.

🥣 What Goes Into This Recipe

Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (2)

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Garbanzo Beans Hummus can be made with dried chickpeas or canned garbanzo beans. Canned garbanzo beans are more convenient and don't require soaking overnight so that's usually what I end up using.
  • TahiniTahini is made by grinding sesame seeds into a paste. If you don't want to purchase tahini online, you can make it yourself using my simple two-ingredientrecipe.
  • SerranosSerrano peppers are not usually added to hummus, however, I add them occasionally, when preparing hummus for my husband, who can't get enough of spicy food!
  • Paprika — Paprika is usually sprinkled on hummus just before serving. You can also use cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Oil — No hummus recipe is complete without some extra virgin olive oil. The higher the quality the better!
  • Garnish — Save a few chickpeas to use as garnish, and don't forget some fresh parsley for a beautiful pop of color. You can also sprinkle some Zaatar for added flavor.

🥙 How to Make Authentic Lebanese Hummus

Step 1: Drain garbanzo bean, reserving a few tablespoons of the liquid for later use. Add garbanzo beans to a food processor, along with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Reserve the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (3)

Step 2: Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until you have a smooth texture. Add the reserved garbanzo beans liquid to achieve the right consistency. ​

Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (4)

🍽 Serving Suggestions

To serve this authentic hummus recipe, transfer the hummus to a deep plate or bowl and smooth with the back of a spoon. Create a well in the center and pour the remaining olive oil into it. Sprinkle the hummus with paprika or cayenne pepper. Serve plated hummus with pita chips or pita bread.

Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (5)

If you love chickpeas as much as I do, you'll want to try this sweet and slightly spicy General Tso's Chickpeas recipe from Allie at naturallieplantbased.com. It's flavorful, and easy to prepare!

🤷🏻‍♀️Recipe FAQs

What's the origin of hummus?

Hummus has been a staple in the Middle East for hundreds of years. In fact, the earliest recorded recipe dates back to the 13th century.

Some claim the recipe originated in Turkey. Others claim it's a Lebanese recipe, while some insist it's an Israeli dish. As with many Middle Eastern recipes, it's hard to determine the exact origin of the recipe and the matter will be argued no matter who you give the credit to.

"Hummus" is the Arabic word for "chickpeas." In the Middle East, this dish is actually called "Hummus bi Tahina" which means "chickpeas with tahini."

How do you serve Hummus?

Besides being served with pita bread as “Mezza” or “appetizer,” it is also served as a sidedish with stews,falafels,chicken,kabobs,and shawarma. You can also use it as a sandwich spread and add it to your favorite wraps, especially in a Sabich Sandwich.

What can you add to hummus?

Although Hummus used to be prepared with a blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, these days there are all kinds of ingredients incorporated into this dish.
Here are a few ingredients that can be added to the food processor before blending the chickpeas.

• roasted sweet peppers
avocados
olives
roasted garlic
• chipotle peppers
sundried tomatoes

👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips

  • I've never been a huge fan of cumin so I've never added it to my hummus mixture. If you do like it, feel free to add some. Remember, a little goes a long way!
  • Sprinkling hummus with Za'atar gives it a delicious nutty, earthy flavor.
  • Instead of drizzling hummus with olive oil, drizzle with sesame oil, it's a great way to incorporate even more sesame flavor.
  • Store leftover hummus in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (6)
  • Vegetarian Pasty Recipe (Julleh)
  • Roasted Eggplant Dip (Baba Ganoush)
  • Mutabal (Eggplant Dip)

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

Stay in touch with me through social media@ Instagram,Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

📖 Recipe

Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (11)

Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe

Creamy, homemade hummus is so easy to prepare and a million times better than store-bought!

4.98 from 39 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizers, Side Dish, Snacks

Cuisine: Assyrian, Middle Eastern

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 195kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz canned garbanzo beans
  • ¼ cup olive oil divided
  • ¼ cup lemon juice fresh
  • 3 tablespoon tahini
  • 3 cloves roasted garlic (or fresh garlic)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (or cayenne pepper)

Instructions

  • Drain garbanzo bean, reserving a few tablespoons of the liquid for later use. Add garbanzo beans to a food processor, along with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Reserve the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

  • Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until you have a smooth texture. Add the reserved garbanzo beans liquid to achieve the right consistency. ​

Serving Suggestions

  • To serve this authentic hummus recipe, transfer the hummus to a deep plate or bowl and smooth with the back of a spoon. Create a well in the center and pour the remaining olive oil into it. Sprinkle the hummus with paprika or cayenne pepper. Serve plated hummus with pita chips or pita bread.

Notes

  • I've never been a huge fan of cumin so I've never added it to my hummus mixture. If you do like it, feel free to add some. Remember, a little goes a long way!
  • Sprinkling hummus with Za'atar gives it a delicious nutty, earthy flavor.
  • Instead of drizzling hummus with olive oil, drizzle with sesame oil, it's a great way to incorporate even more sesame flavor.
  • Store leftover hummus in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 595mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g

Tried this Recipe? Please leave A Star Rating!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

More Appetizer Recipes

  • Easter Charcuterie Board
  • Cream of Jalapeno Soup
  • Tirokafteri (Greek Feta Dip)
  • Air Fryer Plantains

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

    • Hilda Sterner says

      Hi Tammie,
      I'm so glad you liked it and I hope you kick the store bought brand to the curb! Thank you so much for the review! ❤️

      Reply

  1. Debbie says

    Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (16)
    This is my favorite hummus recipe. I've made it so many times. It's easy and delicious. Thank you Hilda!

    Reply

    • Hilda Sterner says

      Thanks, Debbie! I appreciate you taking the time to review the recipe. 🙂

      Reply

  2. Kelly Methey says

    Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (17)
    Your hummus is soooo good!!! Thanks for such an easy and delicious recipe!!!

    Reply

    • Hilda Sterner says

      Thanks, Kelly. Stil going to make you some with roasted garlic! But first, I have to make tahini paste.

      Reply

  3. Gabrielle Pinet says

    Excellent!!! Make this recipe weekly l!

    Reply

    • Hilda Sterner says

      Thank you, Gabrielle, enjoy!

      Reply

  4. Eddie says

    Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (18)
    just made it and so good, that's the last time I buy hummus from a store, thanks Hilda 🙂

    Reply

    • HildaSterner says

      Hi Eddie
      Haha, that's what I like to hear! I've never liked that store-bought hummus anyways. Especially when it's so easy to prepare. Thank you for your review!!

      Reply

  5. Andrew Terry says

    Hi. The recipe calls for 3T of tahini. What is this T? Teaspoon, tablespoon, tonne?! Thank you.

    Reply

    • HildaSterner says

      Hi Andrew, the "T" stands for "tablespoons" and "tsp." stands for "teaspoons."

      Reply

  6. Liz says

    Hi. How do I proceed if I am using dry chickpeas (soaked overnight)?

    Reply

    • HildaSterner says

      You would use the same directions as canned chickpeas. However, even if they soak overnight, they still will need to be cooked for approximately 45 minutes to an hour, or until tender. Then proceed with the recipe steps. Good luck!

      Reply

  7. Andrea and Sophie says

    Omgosh! I love a good hummus and this one is KILLER! My daughter decided to make this and fresh pita for an appetizer on thanksgiving...it was a hit! Love that you can adjust the flavor to your own liking too. And warm pita bread...oh dear...SO GOOD! And easy! I NEED easy ! There was a store bought hummus at the party that went untouched...ours was devoured!

    Reply

  8. Tanya says

    I pinned it and will try it for sure!

    Reply

Authentic Lebanese Hummus Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Greek hummus and Lebanese hummus? ›

However, there are differences; these countries would serve different traditional food with their hummus recipes, and would tend towards making their hummus with local ingredients—i.e., a Greek hummus would likely use Greek olive oil and chickpeas, whereas a Lebanese hummus would use ingredients sourced closer to ...

Is hummus originally Lebanese? ›

It turns out that the earliest mention in the fascinating world of medieval Middle Eastern cookbooks of hummus is a 13th-century work attributed to the Aleppo historian Ibn al-Adeem (but that may alternatively have been written by an Ayyubid prince). The strongest evidence now points to Syria as the origin of hummus.

What is authentic hummus made from? ›

Say farewell to mediocre store-bought hummus—my hummus recipe guarantees a creamy, whipped, flavor-packed spread, ideal for scooping with pita or as a standout on any Middle Eastern table. Hummus is a Middle Eastern spread made from a blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices.

What do Arabs dip in hummus? ›

As an appetizer and dip, diners scoop hummus with flatbread, such as pita. It is also served as part of a meze or as an accompaniment to falafel, grilled chicken, fish, or eggplant. Hummus is a popular dip in Egypt where it is eaten with pita, and frequently flavored with cumin or other spices.

Why is hummus so much better in Israel? ›

Tahini adds a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the earthy taste of chickpeas. The ratio of tahini to chickpeas in Israeli hummus is often higher than in other variations, making it exceptionally creamy and decadent.

What is the healthiest hummus you can buy? ›

The Healthiest Hummus at the Grocery Store, According to Registered Dietitians
  1. Hope Foods Organic Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus, $6. Hope Foods. ...
  2. Ithaca Classic Hummus, $6. Kroger. ...
  3. Lantana Black Bean Hummus, $4.50. Kroger. ...
  4. Simple Truth Organic Original Hummus, $4. Kroger. ...
  5. Cava Traditional Hummus, $5. Amazon.
Dec 2, 2023

Is falafel from Lebanon? ›

Falafel is made from fava beans or chickpeas, or a combination of both. Falafel is usually made with fava beans in Egyptian cuisine, where it most likely originated, with chickpeas in Palestinian cuisine, or just chickpeas or a combination of both in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria and the wider Middle East.

What food did Lebanon invent? ›

Za'atar – an ancient Levant spice – is still used heavily by Lebanese cooks and classic dishes loved the world over, such as hummus and manoosh, were also a Levantine invention.

What bacteria grows on hummus? ›

Hummus is very nutritious, but has a high water activity that supports the growth of several microorganisms, including spoilage microorganisms like Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli [6]. In addition, it is susceptible to microbial cross-contamination during preparation and post-processing [3].

What can I use instead of tahini in hummus? ›

If you feel adventurous, try replacing the tahini with an equal amount of peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, Greek yogurt, chopped roasted peppers, pitted olives, roasted beets, steamed sweet potato, avocado, or thawed frozen peas, to name just a few possibilities.

Why does homemade hummus taste different? ›

Another cause might be that your lemon is a bit old, causing it to taste more bitter than sour. Lastly, if you've added too much garlic or just happened to used a particularly strong clove, it'll leave the hummus with a very pungent, raw taste.

What do Lebanese people eat hummus with? ›

Then, it's served with extra virgin olive oil and traditionally eaten with Arabic bread (pita). It's a very healthy snack that you can eat as a dip or add to grain bowls, sandwiches, or salads. This hummus recipe is the classic traditional Lebanese hummus that I grew up eating.

Should you eat hummus every day? ›

While hummus is a very healthy snack option, it should not be consumed in large quantities.

What is Israeli hummus made of? ›

Put the cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika in a food processor. Puree until smooth. If the hummus is too thick or dry, add a bit of the cooking liquid, more lemon juice, or tahini to taste.

What is Greek hummus made of? ›

It's the quintessential Middle Eastern dip made by blending chickpeas with tahini, garlic, and citrus. I grew up on it, and I'm convinced that this simple beige dip is some of the best stuff on earth! Creamy, satisfying and packed with plant-based protein.

What is the best kind of hummus? ›

Best Tasting Hummus
  • Cedar's Hommus - Roasted Red Pepper.
  • Pita Pal Original Flavor Hummus.
  • Eat Well Embrace Life Edamame Hummus.
  • Cedar's Hommus - Classic Original.
  • Pita Pal Roasted Garlic Hummus.
  • Sabra Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.
  • Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus.
  • Tribe Everything Hummus.

Why do people think hummus is Greek? ›

Since the words Greece and Mediterranean have a better reputation in the West, a lot of restaurants owned by Lebanese and Palestinian people have called their restaurants Greek or Mediterranean restaurants making some people think hummus is Greek. There's no connection to Greece.

What is the difference between Greek fava and hummus? ›

Hummus is made with chickpeas while Fava is made with either Santorini Fava or yellow split peas. There are other small differences and hummus often has other ingredients added to the basic recipe. But the beans are the core thing that separates these two delicious Greek dips.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 5851

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.