Can You Make Hummus in a Blender? Discover the Easiest Homemade Hummus Recipe!
Can You Make Hummus in a Blender?
Yes, you can make hummus in a blender.
Simply add the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and any additional ingredients of your choice to the blender and blend for about 5 minutes.
A high-speed blender is recommended, but a regular blender will also work.
If using an immersion blender, the process may need to be done gradually and require more liquid.
Homemade hummus can last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or up to 6 months in the freezer.
Key Points:
- Hummus can be made in a blender
- Ingredients needed are chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and optional ingredients
- A high-speed blender is recommended, but a regular blender will work
- When using an immersion blender, the process may require more liquid and be done gradually
- Homemade hummus can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Did You Know?
1. Not all blenders are suitable for making hummus. High-powered blenders with at least 1000 watts of power are recommended for achieving a smooth and creamy consistency.
2. Hummus is a versatile spread that can be traced back to ancient Egypt, but its current form, recognizable as the hummus we enjoy today, originated in the Levant region (modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine) around the 13th century.
3. Chickpeas, the primary ingredient in hummus, are actually a type of legume and are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making hummus a nutritious and filling snack option.
4. The word “hummus” itself translates to “chickpeas” in Arabic, emphasizing the main ingredient in this delicious spread.
5. In Israel, hummus holds a special place in the culinary culture. There is even an ongoing friendly yet spirited competition between hummus joints to see who can create the creamiest and most flavorful hummus in the country.
The Basics Of Making Hummus In A Blender
Hummus, a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern dip, has gained global popularity. Traditionally, hummus is made using a food processor. However, did you know that you can also make hummus in a blender? Yes, it’s true! Making hummus in a blender is not only easy but can also be done without a food processor.
The Ingredients You Need For Blender Hummus
To make hummus in a blender, you will need a few basic ingredients. The star ingredients of hummus are chickpeas and tahini. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are the main component of hummus and provide a creamy texture. Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, adds a distinctive nutty flavor to the hummus.
Apart from chickpeas and tahini, traditional hummus usually includes:
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
However, there are endless variations of hummus that you can experiment with. You can add ingredients like:
- Red pepper
- Pine nuts
- Cumin
- Roasted garlic
These additional ingredients can give your hummus a unique twist.
“Hummus is a delicious and versatile dip or spread that can be easily made in a blender. With the star ingredients being chickpeas and tahini, you can create a creamy texture and a distinctive nutty flavor. Don’t limit yourself to the traditional recipe; try adding ingredients like red pepper, pine nuts, cumin, or roasted garlic to explore new flavor profiles.”
Making Blender Hummus: Step-By-Step Instructions
Making Hummus in a Blender
Making hummus in a blender is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make delicious blender hummus:
Step 1: Soak dried chickpeas overnight and cook them in a pressure cooker for 20 minutes. If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, canned chickpeas can also be used.
Step 2: Add 2 cups (400g) of cooked chickpeas to the blender. For a smoother result, you can choose to remove the outer skins of the chickpeas, but this step is optional.
Step 3: To the blender, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 4 tablespoons of tahini, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 4 tablespoons of water, and 1 teaspoon of cumin.
Step 4: Blend all the ingredients together for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If you’re using a high-speed blender like a Vitamix, this process will be quick and effortless. However, if you’re using an immersion blender, it may take a bit longer, and you may need to blend gradually and add more liquid.
Step 5: Season the hummus with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the flavors according to your preference. Feel free to experiment with additional spices and herbs if desired.
Tips And Recommendations For Blending Hummus
While making hummus in a blender is relatively easy, there are some tips and recommendations to ensure the best results:
-
It is recommended to use a high-speed blender like a Vitamix for making hummus. A high-speed blender will ensure a smoother and creamier consistency. However, if you only have a regular blender or an immersion blender, they will still work perfectly fine.
-
When using an immersion blender, you may need to blend the ingredients slowly and add more liquid to achieve the desired consistency. Be patient and keep blending until the hummus becomes smooth and velvety.
-
If you want an even creamier hummus, you can peel the skins off the cooked chickpeas before blending. However, this step is not necessary when using a high-speed blender as it will pulverize the skins.
-
If you prefer a less oily hummus or want to cut down on calories, you can make hummus without using olive oil. The combination of tahini and extra liquid will provide enough creaminess and richness to the hummus.
Storage And Nutritional Information For Blender Hummus
Once you’ve made your delicious homemade hummus in a blender, you may be wondering how to store it and what its nutritional values are.
Storing Hummus: Hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, depending on the freshness of the ingredients used. If you have made a large batch, you can freeze hummus for up to 6 months. Freezing hummus may cause a slight change in texture, but it will still be delicious and enjoyable.
Nutritional Values: Homemade blender hummus is a nutritious addition to your meals. It is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Per serving (approximately 1/4 cup), the nutritional values may vary slightly but are generally around 307 calories, 36g carbohydrates, 14g protein, 14g fat, and 9g fiber.
Recipe:
- 2 cups (400g) cooked chickpeas
- Optional: Remove outer skins of chickpeas for a smoother result
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons tahini
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Blend cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, and cumin in a blender for about 5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve in a bowl, sprinkle with paprika, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil (optional).
4. Enjoy with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or use it in various dishes and recipes.
Experiment with different variations and enjoy this versatile dip in various ways, from pasta sauces to vegan mayo substitutes. So, go ahead and give it a try – you’ll never go back to store-bought hummus again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor for hummus?
Yes, a blender can be used as an alternative to a food processor for making hummus. By adding all the ingredients at once and blending them together, you can achieve a creamy texture in a matter of minutes. However, it is important to note that when using a blender, you may need to add additional water compared to using a food processor. Nonetheless, with this method, you can still enjoy a delicious homemade hummus with minimal effort.
What is the best tool to make hummus?
While a food processor is widely regarded as the best tool for creating smooth textured hummus, another great option is a high-speed blender. Appliances like a NutriBullet can also get the job done effectively. By blitzing your hummus for around 8-10 minutes, you can achieve a remarkably creamy texture that will make your taste buds sing.
Why won t my hummus blend?
If your hummus won’t blend despite everything, try a different approach. Start by adding 1 tablespoon of water at a time and use a spatula to encourage it to reach the bottom. Without properly directing the water, it tends to sit on top, causing the motor to spin without effectively blending the mixture. So be sure to guide the water to the bottom by moving the hummus aside with a spatula before attempting to blend again.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a blender can indeed be used as a substitute for a food processor in certain situations. Both appliances share a close relationship in the kitchen, and they can be interchangeable for tasks such as emulsifying and pureeing. However, the blender tends to excel in breaking down foods into an ultra-smooth consistency, making it a great alternative when a more thorough breakdown is desired.