Hummus Without Tahini: Easy No-Tahini Hummus Recipe
Love hummus but don't have tahini?
No problem.
You can make a creamy, flavorful homemade hummus without tahini using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. This easy no-tahini hummus recipe is bright, garlicky, creamy, and packed with chickpea goodness.
Tahini adds richness and a distinctive sesame flavor to traditional hummus, but it isn't absolutely necessary. With a good balance of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings, you can make a delicious hummus without it.
And honestly, this is one of those recipes worth keeping around for the nights when you open the pantry and discover you have everything except the one ingredient the recipe supposedly requires. 😂
Easy Hummus Without Tahini
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 to 4 tbsp cold water, as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional
For Serving
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Sprinkle of smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley
- Warm pita bread or pita chips
- Fresh vegetables
How to Make Hummus Without Tahini
1. Prepare the Chickpeas
Drain and rinse the chickpeas well.
For an extra-creamy hummus, warm the chickpeas for a few minutes in a small saucepan with water, then drain them before blending.
2. Start With the Flavor
Add the lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper to a food processor.
Process for about 20 seconds to blend the flavors together.
3. Add the Chickpeas
Add the chickpeas and process until the mixture begins to become smooth.
Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed.
4. Add Water Gradually
With the food processor running, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time.
Continue processing until the hummus becomes creamy and smooth.
You may need anywhere from 2 to 4 tablespoons depending on your chickpeas and how thick you like your hummus.
5. Taste and Adjust
This is the important part.
Taste your hummus before serving.
Want it brighter? Add more lemon juice.
Need more savory flavor? Add another pinch of salt.
Want more richness? Add another drizzle of olive oil.
Want a little smoky depth? Add another pinch of smoked paprika.
6. Serve
Spoon the hummus into a shallow bowl and use the back of a spoon to create a little swirl.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika and fresh parsley.
Serve with warm pita, crackers, cucumbers, carrots, celery, bell peppers, or your favorite vegetables.
Why Make Hummus Without Tahini?
Tahini is delicious, but there are plenty of reasons to skip it.
You Don't Have Tahini
Sometimes you simply want hummus right now.
If tahini isn't sitting in the refrigerator, this recipe lets you make hummus with basic pantry ingredients.
You Don't Like Sesame
Some people simply don't enjoy the flavor of tahini.
Without it, the chickpeas, lemon, garlic, and spices become the stars of the recipe.
You're Avoiding Sesame
A tahini-free recipe can be useful for people who need to avoid sesame. However, if you're cooking for someone with a sesame allergy, check all packaged ingredients and prevent cross-contact.
You Don't Want Another Specialty Ingredient
Tahini is incredibly useful, but if you don't regularly use it, buying a jar for one recipe can feel unnecessary.
This version keeps things simple.
How to Make No-Tahini Hummus Extra Creamy
Tahini normally contributes fat and creaminess, so you'll want to give your chickpeas a little extra attention.
Warm the chickpeas.
Warm chickpeas blend more easily and can produce a smoother texture.
Blend thoroughly.
Don't stop the food processor too early. Give the chickpeas time to break down.
Add water slowly.
Water helps create a creamy texture without making the hummus greasy.
Use good olive oil.
A flavorful extra-virgin olive oil adds richness that replaces some of the depth tahini normally provides.
Don't forget the lemon.
The acidity keeps the hummus from tasting heavy and brings all the flavors together.
Easy No-Tahini Hummus Variations
Once you have the basic recipe, you can take it in all sorts of directions.
Roasted Garlic Hummus
Replace the raw garlic with 3 to 4 cloves of roasted garlic.
Roasted garlic gives the hummus a softer, sweeter, richer flavor.
Spicy Hummus
Add:
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- A few dashes of hot sauce
Adjust the heat to your liking.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Add one roasted red bell pepper to the food processor.
You can also add an extra pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky roasted flavor.
Fresh Herb Hummus
Blend in:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro
Add an extra squeeze of lemon to keep the flavors bright.
Everything Bagel Hummus
Make the basic hummus and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top.
Serve with cucumber slices, carrots, celery, or toasted pita.
Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus
Add 1/4 cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of dried basil.
This version is fantastic spread inside a vegetable wrap.
What to Serve With No-Tahini Hummus
There are plenty of ways to use this hummus beyond dipping carrots into it.
Try it with:
- Warm pita bread
- Pita chips
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Celery
- Bell peppers
- Crackers
- Toast
- Roasted vegetables
- Grain bowls
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Baked potatoes
You can also thin it with a little water and lemon juice to make a simple creamy dressing.
Can You Make Hummus Without Tahini and Olive Oil?
Absolutely.
If you're looking for an oil-free hummus, simply leave out the olive oil and use additional cold water to reach the desired consistency.
The flavor will be lighter and the texture slightly different, but the chickpeas, lemon, garlic, and seasonings still make a delicious dip.
How to Store Homemade Hummus
Transfer the finished hummus to a clean, covered container and refrigerate promptly.
For the best quality, use homemade hummus within several days.
Keep it cold and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods, especially during warm weather.
If you notice mold, an unusual odor, discoloration, or other signs of spoilage, discard the hummus.
The Crunchy Moon Kitchen Takeaway
You don't need tahini to make delicious hummus.
Chickpeas provide the creamy base, olive oil adds richness, lemon brings brightness, and garlic and spices give the whole thing some personality.
So the next time you have a can of chickpeas in the pantry and realize you're out of tahini, don't abandon the hummus mission.
Just grab the food processor.
Tahini-free hummus is officially happening. 🌙🌿
Technical Note
The exact amount of water needed can vary depending on the chickpeas and the desired consistency. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more gradually while blending. If the hummus becomes too thin, add additional chickpeas and process until creamy.
Food Safety Note
Keep homemade hummus refrigerated and use clean utensils and containers. Because hummus is a perishable food, avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods and follow current tested food-safety recommendations for storage and handling.
