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Creating Unforgettable Hummus: A Comprehensive Guide by The Food Lab

Creating Unforgettable Hummus: A Comprehensive Guide by The Food Lab

Discover the secrets to making incredibly smooth, flavorful hummus at home. This recipe combines ancient traditions with modern culinary science for the perfect dip.

Hummus, a beloved staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, has conquered taste buds worldwide. But creating that silky-smooth texture at home can be challenging. Fear not! This recipe unlocks the secrets to achieving restaurant-quality hummus in your own kitchen.

Our journey to hummus perfection involves a fascinating exploration of chickpea science, garlic chemistry, and blending techniques. Get ready to elevate your hummus game!

The Magic of Tahini Sauce

The key to exceptional hummus lies in its tahini sauce. We’ll show you a revolutionary method that transforms raw garlic into a sweet, aromatic paste without any harsh bite. This technique opens up a world of possibilities for other garlic-based recipes too!

Cracking the Chickpea Code

Dried or canned? To peel or not to peel? We’ve tested every method to bring you the ultimate chickpea preparation technique. The result? Incredibly tender chickpeas that blend into silky smoothness without tedious peeling.

The Blender Revolution

Discover why blending hot chickpeas is the game-changer you never knew you needed. This simple trick creates a vortex of creaminess that will forever change how you make hummus.

The Science of Garlic Flavor

Uncover the fascinating chemistry behind garlic’s pungency and learn how to harness its flavor without overpowering your hummus. This knowledge will transform not just your hummus, but all your garlic-based dishes.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound dried chickpeas (1 generous cup; 225g)
  • 2 teaspoons (12g) baking soda, divided
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 small onion, split in half
  • 1 small stalk celery
  • 1 small carrot
  • 2 medium cloves garlic
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 cups (350ml) tahini sauce with garlic and lemon
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving
  • Za’atar, paprika, warmed whole chickpeas, and/or chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving

Directions

  1. Soak chickpeas overnight: Combine chickpeas, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 2 tablespoons kosher salt in a large bowl. Cover with 6 cups cold water, stir to dissolve. Drain and rinse thoroughly after soaking.
  2. Cook the chickpeas: Place chickpeas in a large pot with remaining baking soda, 1 tablespoon salt, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, and bay leaves. Add 6 cups water, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for about 2 hours until chickpeas are falling apart. Keep chickpeas submerged, adding water if needed.
  3. Blend while hot: Discard onion, celery, and bay leaves. Transfer chickpeas, carrot, and garlic to a blender with 1 cup cooking liquid. Blend on low speed, gradually increasing to high. Add more cooking liquid if needed to achieve a smooth, thick purée.
  4. Mix in tahini: Transfer the hot chickpea mixture to a large bowl. Whisk in tahini sauce and salt to taste. Allow to cool to room temperature, thickening as it cools.
  5. Serve: Plate the hummus on a wide, shallow dish. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with za’atar, paprika, warm whole chickpeas, or chopped parsley. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Pro Tips

For a quicker version, use canned chickpeas. Drain and rinse one 28-ounce can, then simmer with the aromatics for about an hour before blending. While not quite as smooth, a food processor can be used if you don’t have a high-powered blender.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
111 Calories
4g Fat
16g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 to 10
Amount per serving
Calories 111
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 5%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 169mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 1mg 7%
Calcium 19mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 194mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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