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Creamy Lebanese Hummus Recipe with Zaatar Oil and Chickpeas Easy and Perfect

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A silky smooth, creamy Lebanese hummus rich with lemon and tahini, topped with a vibrant drizzle of za’atar oil and whole chickpeas for a delightful texture. This traditional family recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (250g) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed (reserve a few whole for garnish)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) tahini
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) cold water (or more, for desired consistency)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil (plus more for serving)
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil (for za’atar oil)
  • 1 tablespoon (7g) za’atar spice blend
  • Reserved whole chickpeas (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika or sumac (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse 1 ½ cups (250g) canned chickpeas under cold water. Set aside a small handful of whole chickpeas for garnish. (5 minutes)
  2. In a food processor, combine rinsed chickpeas, ¼ cup (60ml) tahini, 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Pulse until mixture begins to come together. (3-4 minutes)
  3. While blending on low speed, slowly drizzle in 3 tablespoons (45ml) cold water and 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil. Add more water one tablespoon at a time if needed for desired consistency. (2 minutes)
  4. Stop the processor and taste the hummus. Adjust lemon juice, garlic, or salt as desired. (1-2 minutes)
  5. In a small bowl, gently warm 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil (about 20 seconds in microwave or over low heat). Stir in 1 tablespoon (7g) za’atar spice blend until fragrant. (3 minutes)
  6. Spread the creamy hummus on a shallow serving plate, creating a slight well in the center. Drizzle za’atar oil generously over the top. Scatter reserved whole chickpeas and sprinkle fresh parsley leaves and a pinch of smoked paprika or sumac if using. (3 minutes)
  7. Serve immediately with warm pita bread, fresh veggies, or as a sandwich spread. Can be chilled for up to 3 days.

Notes

Use cold water gradually while blending to keep tahini smooth. Peeling chickpeas before blending yields extra creaminess. Warm olive oil slightly before mixing with za’atar to release aroma. Avoid over-blending to prevent bitterness. If no food processor, mash by hand but expect chunkier texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: hummus, Lebanese hummus, zaatar oil, chickpeas, tahini, Middle Eastern dip, creamy hummus, vegan, gluten-free

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