How to Make Hummus in a Blender

Hummus in a bowl with pita bread and vegetables surrounding it

Are you looking for a heart-healthy snack to make at home in about 2 minutes? Try making hummus in a blender! It’s easy and fast and can help you save money at the grocery store too.

Hummus is a great heart-healthy snack. It’s a good source of fiber (promotes a healthy gut) and protein (which will keep you fuller longer and help manage blood sugars), it’s plant-based, and it contains healthy fat (olive oil) which is good for your heart.

Hummus in a bowl with pita bread and vegetables surrounding it

What is hummus?

Hummus is a smooth paste made from chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), olive oil, garlic, tahini paste and lemon juice. It’s whirled together typically in a blender, or a food processor so that the beans completely pureed and have no chunks.

Hummus tastes like a creamy dip, with a little bit of nuttiness in the flavor. Because it is spreadable and creamy, you can also use it as a sandwich sauce.

What will you need to make hummus in a blender?

Chickpeans (Garbanzo Beans)

  • Chickpeas are also known as garbanzo beans. You can find them in the bean section at the grocery store.
  • You can also buy dried chickpeas, and then soak them overnight per package directions before using them in this recipe.
  • When buying canned beans, look for low or no-salt varieties. Or rinse regular canned chickpeas with water and drain, and it will remove 40% of the sodium content.

Olive Oil

  • Purchase olive oil in smaller bottles if you don’t use it that often, because it will go rancid over time.

Tahini Paste

  • Tahini paste tends to come in a larger jar, and you will not need all of it for this recipe. It will keep well in the refrigerator for future hummus recipes though. You will be able to make hummus several times.
  • You can find tahini paste often in one of two places in the grocery store – either in the ethnic section or in the nut butter section.

Fresh Garlic

  • Fresh garlic bulbs can be found in the produce section. A bulb has lots of cloves. You will only need 1-2 cloves for this recipe. Store fresh garlic at room temperature in the pantry, leave the skin on until ready for use.

Lemon Juice

  • You can use fresh lemon juice squeezed from a lemon if you have some on hand, or feel free to use bottled lemon juice as well.

Seasonings

  • You can get creative with seasonings you like, and how much spice you want the hummus to have. For a traditional flavor, use cumin and salt and pepper.

Video: How to Make Hummus in a Blender

In this short video, I teach you exactly how to make hummus in a blender in less than 2 minutes. Click the “Play” button to watch and learn.

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Kitchen tools to make hummus in a blender easy:

The blender I featured in the video is the one I have been using for years. It’s the blender from Pampered Chef, called the Deluxe Cooking Blender. The reason I like this blender is because while I can add the ingredients, at the end it actually will wash itself with hot soapy water. I have not found a similar blender with that feature. Shop for it on my kitchen store here

Recipe Variations and Tips:

To add more spice to the recipe:

  • Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper in amounts you see as appropriate.

You can also make hummus with:

  • Great Northern Beans (instead of chickpeas)
  • Navy Beans

Other flavors of hummus to try:

  • Pumpkin hummus made with white beans and sweeter spices
  • Edamame hummus (will be green) – the only swap is the edamame for the chickpeas
  • Cauliflower hummus
  • Beet hummus
  • Dessert hummus

FAQ: 

Why is my homemade hummus tasteless?

Have you added enough seasoning? I recommend a dash of salt and pepper if you are using unsalted beans, and some cumin to spice things up.

Is it cheaper to make homemade hummus or buy it?

It is cheaper to make hummus yourself at home, than to purchase it ready-made. However, that doesn’t mean in a pinch, you couldn’t purchase hummus. But it is easy to make, will last for a week in your refrigerator and you can also add your own flavors to make it to your liking.

Why lemon juice in hummus?

Lemon juice adds acid to the hummus which means it adds a good flavor balance. I highly recommend leaving it in the recipe.

How to make hummus without tahini?

Tahini paste is ground up sesame seeds that are pureed into a “butter” of sorts, just like almond butter or peanut butter. If you do not have access to tahini paste, you can also use the equivalent amount of sesame seeds (your blender will whirl them up if it is powerful enough), or you can try almond butter or cashew butter.

Is hummus a protein or carbohydrate?

It’s actually both. Because hummus is made primarily from chickpeas (garbanzo beans), it will naturally have a good amount of protein and fiber and carbohydrate.

Can you use a blender instead of a food processor for hummus?

Yes, you can. Use the “Grind” setting on your blender for the best results. 

Why is my hummus not blending?

You likely do not have enough liquid in the blender. The best way to blend hummus is to first add the liquid and then the solid ingredients. If you are finding that it isn’t blending, then add a little more olive oil or aqua-faba (the starchy juice from a can of chickpeas).

Can you make hummus without boiling chickpeas?

If you use canned chickpeas (otherwise known as garbanzo beans), then there is no need to pre-cook the beans. However, if you are using dry chickpeas, you will need to soak them ahead of time, overnight, and then boil after you have drained them so they are ready for blending.

Can a blender act like a food processor?

A blender can act like a food processor for some things, particularly making nut butters, hummus and even smoothies. I would not recommend using a blender for chopping vegetables though. 

How do you grind chickpeas without a food processor?

You don’t need a food processor to make hummus. A blender will work very well if you follow the recipe below. 

What blender is best for hummus?

The best blender I love for hummus is the Pampered Chef Deluxe Cooking Blender. It will make hummus in 2 minutes, and many other things like nut butters, alternative milks, smoothies, and it will cook for you too. It can make homemade jams, homemade pureed style soups, sauces and vegetable purees. It will also clean itself. I have been using this blender for many years and it has worked well every time. I find it easy to use, and very versatile in what it can do. Plus did I mention it cleans itself with 140 degree soapy water? You can check it out here: 

Do you have to use olive oil in hummus? 

You don’t have to have olive oil in hummus. You can use canola oil instead. Or if you really want to reduce the fat and calories, use the aquafaba (starchy juice from the bean can) to liquify. 

Make ahead/storage:

Homemade hummus will keep up to 7 days in the refrigerator in a tightly covered, air tight container.

Servings suggestions with hummus:

  • A plate of crudités (otherwise known as fresh vegetables to eat with your hands). Carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, celery, snap peas, broccoli and cauliflower are all good options.
  • Whole grain crackers or pita chips are a tasty option too.
  • Hummus also goes great on a wrap or sandwich, and can be thinned out to be used as a dressing on a salad.
  • Hummus can also become a pizza sauce on top of flatbread, and then add your favorite Mediterranean ingredients like olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. Serve without baking.

That’s how to make hummus in a blender. Be sure to tell me how your recipe turns out! 

Other blogs you will love:

Nourishing Food in Your Kitchen: Beans

Hummus in a bowl with pita bread and vegetables surrounding it

How to Make Hummus in a Blender

This is an easy way to make a simple vegetable-based dip.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Dinner, Side Dish, Snack

Equipment

  • 1 blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas low or no sodium
  • 2 tablespoons tahini paste
  • 2 garlic cloves pressed
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients into a blender. Set to "GRIND" setting for 2 minutes. If mixture is not blending, add a small amount (teaspoon by teaspoon) of olive oil until desired consistency reached.
Keyword beans, hummus

1 Comment

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