Best Oil-Free Hummus | Easy Homemade Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

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5 from 22 votes

Homemade oil-free hummus that is fluffy, smooth, flavorful, and delicious. The recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and easy to make. This creamy hummus with tahini is ready in less than 25 minutes and therefore perfect as a quick side dish and meal prep.

Best Oil-Free Hummus | Easy Homemade Recipe - Elavegan (1)

Oil-Free Hummus

I love eating hummus, especially when it’s creamy and fluffy. Therefore, I created this hummus recipe which contains only wholesome ingredients and zero oil.

You might love this hummus because it is:

  1. A quick and hearty side dish
  2. Creamy, fluffy, and flavorful
  3. Easy to make with healthy wholesome ingredients

Best Oil-Free Hummus | Easy Homemade Recipe - Elavegan (2)

What Is Hummus?

As per Wikipedia, Hummus is a Levantine dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. It is popular in the Middle East and Mediterranean, as well as in Middle Eastern cuisine around the globe. It can also be found in most grocery stores in North America and Europe.

“Hummus” comes from theArabicword meaning “chickpeas”, and the full name of the prepared spread in Arabic isḥummuṣ bi ṭaḥīnawhich means “chickpeas with tahini“.

Best Oil-Free Hummus | Easy Homemade Recipe - Elavegan (3)

How To Make The Best Hummus?

Apparently, the best hummus in the world is made by an Israeli chef named Michael Solomonov. His hummus is light, fluffy, and super creamy. Now, what’s his secret? The secret to creamy hummus is overcooked chickpeas which are actually falling apart.

Solomonov cooks the chickpeas from dry, and he adds baking soda which makes them cook faster. I also prefer making the hummus from scratch (and often cook the chickpeas in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker), however, if you are in a hurry, you can of course, also use canned chickpeas.

Just make sure to boil the canned chickpeas in water with some baking soda until they are overcooked/a bit mushy (which takes about 15 minutes)!

It’s also important to blend the garlic, lemon juice, spices, half of the plant-based milk, and tahini first. Blend until completely creamy and smooth. Only then start adding the overcooked chickpeas.

Keep blending and add the remaining amount of plant-based milk. You can also add water (preferably ice-cold water), however, I had a better result with plant-based milk. In the above photo, you can see the hummus before adding the remaining milk.

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt to taste and more lemon juice, if desired.

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Should I remove the outer skins from the chickpeas?

I tried both versions and yes, removing the outer skins from the chickpeas definitely makes the hummus creamier and more luxurious! It will turn out less grainy and fluffier. It is time-consuming though and takes an additional 10 minutes or so to remove the skins from the chickpeas.

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Oil-Free Hummus Ingredients

I am not the biggest fan of processed foods and since oil is highly processed I often avoid it. This homemade oil-free hummus contains only simple ingredients which are as follows:

  • One 15 oz can of chickpeas
  • Lemon juice
  • Tahini
  • Plant-based milk (or water)
  • Fresh garlic
  • Ground cumin
  • Paprika
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Fresh herbs to garnish
  • Baking soda

Find the exact measurements below in the recipe card!

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Health Benefits Of Chickpeas

I found a great site that describes the health benefits of chickpeas (garbanzo beans).

1) Diabetes

Chickpeas are particularly high in fiber. Studies have shown that people with type 1 diabetes who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels. For people with type 2 diabetes, higher fiber intake may improve blood sugar, lipid, and insulin levels.

2) Bone health

The iron, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K in chickpeas all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength.

3) Blood pressure

Maintaining a low-sodium (low-salt) intake is essential for maintaining a low blood pressure, however increasing potassium intake may be just as important because of its vasodilation effects.

4) Heart health

The high fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6 content all support heart health. Chickpeas contain significant amounts of fiber, which helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.

To learn more about the health benefits of chickpeas, visit this site.

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This Oil-Free Hummus Is:

  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free
  • Hearty
  • Low-fat
  • Healthy
  • Creamy
  • Fluffy
  • Light
  • Comforting
  • A great side dish
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients

Maybe you want to make my delicious vegan lasagna roll-ups that are filled with this homemade oil-free hummus?! Here you can see a photo of it:

Best Oil-Free Hummus | Easy Homemade Recipe - Elavegan (8)

Should you give this creamy hummus a try, please leave a comment and rating below and don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram or Facebook post with @elavegan and #elavegan because I love to see your remakes! 🙂

Are you interested in more savory oil-free dishes? If yes, definitely also check out the following vegan recipes:

  • Mexican Avocado Salad
  • Vegan Potato Salad
  • Chickpea Eggplant Curry
  • Vegetable Curry With Pineapple
  • Gluten Free Buns (Bread Rolls)
  • Vegan Hungarian Goulash
  • Easy Vegan Pasta Salad
  • Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
  • Healthy Vegan Mac And Cheese
  • Easy Vegan Cheese Sauce
  • Vegan Chickpea Tacos
  • Spinach Pasta Sauce

Best Oil-Free Hummus | Easy Homemade Recipe - Elavegan (10)

Oil-Free Hummus

Author: Michaela Vais

Homemade oil-free hummus that is fluffy, smooth, flavorful, and delicious. The recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and easy to make. This creamy hummus with tahini is ready in less than 25 minutes and therefore perfect as a quick side dish and meal prep.

5 from 22 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Arab

Servings 6

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) tahini
  • 4 tbsp (40 ml) lemon juice (or more to taste)
  • 1/3 tsp salt or more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 4 tbsp (40 ml) plant-based milk (or more for a creamier hummus)
  • 2-3 small cloves of garlic
  • 1/3 tsp baking soda
  • Paprika for serving
  • Fresh parsley for serving

Instructions

  • Rinse and drain canned chickpeas, then place in a medium saucepan and add 1/3 tsp baking soda. Cover chickpeas by at least 2 inches (ca. 5 cm) of water and bring to a boil over high heat. See recipe notes if you want to cook the chickpeas from dry.

  • Boil the chickpeas for about 15 minutes. Once they look overcooked and slightly mushy, they are ready! Drain the chickpeas in a strainer, rinse with plenty of cool water and set aside.

  • Process the lemon juice, garlic, salt, cumin, half of the plant-based milk, and tahini in a food processor until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pause the food processor to scrape down the sides of the processor.

  • Add the mushy chickpeas to the food processor and blend for about 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed.

  • Now add the remaining plant-based milk and blend for a further 1-2 minutes, or until very smooth, creamy and fluffy.

  • Taste the hummus and add more salt to taste and more lemon juice, if desired.

  • Serve in a bowl and top with more lemon juice (I also added a bit of the chickpea cooking water), a dash of paprika (use smoked paprika for a variation), and fresh herbs.

  • Store leftover hummus covered in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days.

Notes

Video Of The Recipe

  • Recipe adapted from Michael Solomonov, via The New York Times.
  • If you don't want to use canned chickpeas you can cook them from dry. Here is how:
  • In a medium bowl, cover 3/4 cup (150 grams) dried chickpeas by at least 2 inches (ca. 5 cm) of cold water.
  • Add 1/2 tsp baking soda and let soak at room temperature overnight. Drain and rinse.
  • In a medium pot, cover soaked chickpeas by about 4 inches (ca. 10 cm) of water.
  • Add 1/2 tsp baking soda and bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer until chickpeas are soft, about 1 1/2 hours. Drain and rinse under running water.
  • You might also enjoy this Vegan Ricotta Cheese.
  • Recipe serves 6. Nutrition facts are for one serving.

Nutrition Facts

Oil-Free Hummus

Amount per Serving

Calories

120

% Daily Value*

Fat

6.6

g

10

%

Carbohydrates

8.6

g

3

%

Fiber

3.6

g

14

%

Sugar

2

g

2

%

Protein

4.7

g

9

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically

Equipment

Food processor*

Best Oil-Free Hummus | Easy Homemade Recipe - Elavegan (11) Simple and Delicious Vegan Cookbook by ElaVeganCLICK HERE to order!

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Best Oil-Free Hummus | Easy Homemade Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

FAQs

Should hummus have oil? ›

Hummus is a spread made from chickpeas, tahini (ground sesame seeds), lemon juice, garlic, and, traditionally, oil. But, you can skip that and use water or liquid from your can of chickpeas (also known as aquafaba) instead.

Why is homemade hummus not creamy? ›

You might need more tahini, garlic, lemon and/or salt and very likely more chickpea water. Add a bit of each as you need, the recipe explains. "Blitz the hummus until very smooth, a few minutes at least. Don't worry about the hummus being too loose; it will thicken as it sits."

Why is my homemade hummus tasteless? ›

As I'm sure you're aware, chickpeas don't have a lot of flavour to them, so they need some pretty punchy ingredients to make it what it is. Yes, adding things like cumin or paprika will make it more interesting, but at the end of the day, if there isn't enough salt and lemon (acid), it will taste bland and insipid.

Why do you put baking soda in hummus? ›

Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are always superior to garlic powder, and it's especially true in homemade hummus! Baking soda: Adding baking soda to the chickpeas helps make the legume easier to digest, softer, and makes them easy to peel. Don't skip this ingredient!

What oils to avoid in hummus? ›

Most hummus you buy in a supermarket is made with either soybean oil or sunflower oil. Both of these are highly processed and can be inflammatory. Look at the label and find hummus made with extra-virgin olive oil for the most health benefits (not to mention flavor – good olive oil is like a fine wine).

What to avoid in hummus? ›

When you're shopping for hummus in the store, watch out for artificial preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. Artificial preservatives are unnecessary, and we believe there are better ways to ensure that food stays fresh and safe.

Why is restaurant hummus so creamy? ›

Tahini is sesame butter, and to make creamy hummus, the secret is to first turn that into sesame cream! To do that, you need to emulsify the tahini in a water based liquid first. This will not happen if you just put everything into a food processor all at once!'

Is hummus fattening or good for you? ›

Hummus: A Fantastic Snack or Meal Option

Because of the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat that it contains, it works to lower bad cholesterol levels, raise good ones, keep your brain healthy, and fuel your body to live your life to its fullest!

Why put ice cubes in hummus? ›

Two elements you need for food that's meant to be fluffy and creamy are air and moisture. Ice cubes do both jobs by whipping air into the mixture while adding a touch more moisture to ensure ultra-creamy hummus.

How to jazz up homemade hummus? ›

Add Some Nice Spice

Spices like paprika, cayenne pepper and sumac all lend a marvelous layer of nuance to a classic hummus dip. Seasoning your hummus with spices is perfect when you want to supercharge your hummus dishes with flavor. This trick also works with making canned soup taste better.

What can I add to hummus to make it tastier? ›

Next, enhance the blank slate of flavor with a few squeezes of lemon juice, a sprinkling of garlic salt, a turn of freshly cracked pepper, a heavy-handed sprinkle of paprika, and a generous drizzle of your nicest olive oil. Bonus points if you have an herby olive oil on hand with a little color to it.

Why does Sabra hummus taste bad? ›

It tastes bad - the amount of lemon and tahini is off. It has preservatives and it has ingredients that are unnecessary (like salt), it uses soy bean oil, and other stuff like locust bean gum that I'm guessing is added for a smoother texture.

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.

How long does homemade hummus last? ›

How long does homemade hummus last? It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 1 week in the fridge (but it's best within 4 days). You can prevent it from drying out by storing it in an airtight container with a light layer of extra virgin olive oil on top.

Why do you have to remove chickpea skins from hummus? ›

Chickpeas - or garbanzo beans, they're the same thing - have a very thin skin on the outside. You can eat chickpeas with the skin on, but they're better without. When making hummus, removing the skins will make your hummus much creamier and rich.

Why is oil added to hummus? ›

Olive oil is a crucial ingredient in our hummus. Not only is high-quality oil important for flavor, but it's also important for nutrition. There are so many olive oil benefits – we capitalize on this by using organic, high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Does all hummus have olive oil? ›

No, not really. But, you don't really need olive oil in hummus especially if you are using tahini. The tahini has all of the oil that you need to make a smooth hummus. And remember that olives are brined before they are edible and so will bring other tastes that are not present in olive oil.

Does Sabra hummus have oil? ›

Sabra hummus is made using chickpeas and tahini with soyabean oil, a bit of garlic and salt, citric acid, and potassium sorbate to maintain freshness.

When should you not eat hummus? ›

While opened and homemade hummus can last up to seven days, it does not mean it will. You will definitely notice that the hummus is spoiled when you see mold growing on it. The less obvious may be that the hummus offers an unpleasant, off-odor and sour smell. This hummus may also taste sour if you decide to try it.

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