Velvet

Silky Hummus with Tahini, Lemon and Cumin

Inspired by techniques from America's Test Kitchen and NYT Cooking.

Hummus · Levantine

Canned chickpeas are simmered soft and skinned, then blended with a strained garlic-lemon liquid, cumin, plenty of tahini and olive oil, and served with warm pita.

Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Total45 min
DifficultyEasy
Per serving303 kcal
FreeDairy-freeVegetarianVegan
Servings8Recipe makes 8
Allergens (EU 14)
GlutenCrustaceansEggsFishPeanutsSoybeansMilkTree nutsCeleryMustardSesameSulphitesLupinMolluscs

Always check the labels of the products you use.

Method

  1. 1

    Simmer the chickpeas. Put the chickpeas, bicarbonate of soda and 1.5 litres water in the pan. Bring to the boil and simmer 20-25 minutes until very soft and the skins float.

  2. 2

    Infuse the lemon. Stir the garlic, lemon juice and salt in a small bowl and leave 10 minutes. Strain, pressing on the garlic, and discard the solids.

  3. 3

    Remove the skins. Drain the chickpeas, return to the pan and cover with cold water. Swish with your fingers and pour off the floating skins; repeat 3-4 times. Drain and keep 2 tbsp whole chickpeas aside.

  4. 4

    Blend. Blend the remaining chickpeas with the lemon liquid, 60 ml cold water and the cumin for 1 minute. Add the tahini and 2 tbsp oil and blend 1 minute more until pale and creamy, adding water a teaspoon at a time if it is too thick.

  5. 5

    Serve. Spread in a shallow bowl and top with the reserved chickpeas, a pinch of cumin, parsley and a drizzle of oil. Serve with warm pita.

Storage

Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not leave out for more than 2 hours. Cool leftovers in a shallow container and refrigerate within 2 hours (within 1 hour on a day above 32°C).

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • colander
  • fine sieve
  • small bowl
  • food processor
  • spatula

Nutrition per serving (estimated values)

Per servingAmount
Energy303 kcal
Protein9.6 g
Carbohydrate34.6 g
of which sugars3.1 g
of which free sugars0.6 g
Fat15 g
of which saturates2 g
Fibre5.9 g
Salt1.52 g

Protein per 100 kcal

3.2 g High Protein needs ≥ 10 g

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient values