If you're looking for a hummus recipe without garlic, then this one is for you! This creamy, homemade hummus comes together in a couple of minutes and is super versatile!
This easy homemade hummus recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free and lower in fat. It consists of a couple of simple ingredients and can easily be modified to fit your taste. It can be enjoyed as a simple dip or as part of this Vegetarian Charcuterie Board or my Falafel Platter.
For more dip recipes check out Guacamole without Onion, this Tahini-Free Baba Ganoush or Cucumber Pico de Gallo.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's a low-fat alternative to store-bought hummus.
- It tastes great as a tasty dip, on some warm pita bread or as a healthy snack.
- It only requires a couple of simple ingredients and is ready within minutes.
Ingredients & Substitution Notes
- Chickpeas: Traditional hummus consists mostly of cooked chickpeas. We always use canned chickpeas because it's so much easier but you can cook your chickpeas from scratch if you like, using a pressure cooker or instant pot. Check out this post for instructions on how to cook dry chickpeas.
- Tahini (sesame paste): Is basically a thick sesame puree made of sesame seeds. It adds some distinct flavor and rich texture. I would recommend buying tahini which consists of 100% sesame seeds without any added oils. Tahini should be available in most bigger grocery stores or health food stores.
- Olive Oil: While a lot of store-bought hummus often contains refined sunflower oil or rapeseed oil, this recipe includes some olive oil instead. The hummus recipe below only contains 4 tablespoon of olive oil and some water. For an extra creamy texture, you could replace the water with more olive oil. Choose extra virgin olive oil if you can.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a nice fresh taste.
- Onion Powder (optional): Helps to achieve a more flavorful hummus, could be omitted if you don't like the taste of onion (even though it will be very subtle).
How to Make Hummus without Garlic
This delicious hummus comes together in no time. Equipment-wise you'll need a food processor or an immersion blender. If you're using a food processor, make sure to use a bowl that's not too big or you won't end up with a smooth hummus.
STEP 1: Blend. Put all of the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor. If using a stick blender, put all of the ingredients into a high container that's made for using it with an immersion blender. Blend until you end up with a smooth and fluffy hummus. Scrape down the sides as needed.
STEP 2: Adjust. Taste and adjust salt. Add any additional ingredients of your choice (see suggestions below) and blend again. If you prefer a runnier consistency, gradually add a couple of tablespoons of water or oil.
STEP 3: Serve. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with some fresh herbs, more olive oil or 2 tablespoons of whole chickpeas.
Add-In Ideas
The recipe below will leave you with some plain hummus that can easily be adjusted to personal taste by adding more ingredients. Find some suggestions below.
- Chili Flakes: If you prefer a spicy hummus, add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- Cumin Powder: A popular ingredient in many recipes from the Middle East. It also tastes amazing in hummus! Start by adding a ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin and work your way up.
- Paprika: Add a pinch of sweet paprika powder or even smoked paprika powder for some smoky flavors.
- Olives: Another great addition to hummus. If you prefer a smooth texture, add a handful of fresh, black olives at the beginning of the blending process. For a chunkier version, add them at the end and only pulse a couple of times.
- Fresh Herbs: Such as cilantro or parsley add some great additional flavors!
- Dried Tomatoes: Add 1-2 at the beginning of the blending process.
- Organic Lemon Zest: For some extra tangy flavors.
- Roasted Lentils: Top this hummus with some Crispy Roasted Lentils!
Serving Suggestions
- Sandwich Spread: Slather some hummus onto some warm pita bread, sourdough bread or this Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread for a delicious healthy breakfast or snack. It tastes just as amazing on regular bread and makes the perfect sandwich spread. You could also try it alongside this Naan recipe (without yogurt!).
- Raw Veggies: Serve this hummus with some veggie sticks such as celery or carrot sticks, to turn this hummus into a healthy snack.
- Roasted Veggies: It tastes amazing as a dip alongside some roasted veggies.
- Dressing: Top your favorite salad or bowl with a generous dollop of hummus for some extra flavors and plant-based protein.
Top Tips
- Taste: This garlic-free hummus is highly customizable! Check out the add-in ideas above for even more delicious flavors.
- Consistency: If you prefer a runnier hummus, gradually add more water/ oil. If you prefer a creamier hummus, skip the water and replace it with oil instead.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQs
Absolutely- this will result in a creamier texture and more depth in flavors but also in a higher calorie hummus.
It really depends on your personal taste. Hummus can easily be modified by adding other different spices and herbs- it doesn't necessarily need to be garlic!
Onion powder, ground cumin, paprika powder, chili flakes, fresh herbs such as parsley and cilantro, dried tomatoes, whole olives or lemon zest for example.
This will depend on the hummus recipes. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans are a great plant-based protein source because they contain all nine essential amino acids. They are also high in vitamin A, C and E as well as fiber.
If you tried this or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! SIGN UP for the WSK newsletter and get the newest recipes delivered right to your inbox!
📖 Recipe
Creamy Hummus Without Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 can (13 oz) chickpeas *pre-cooked
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (~½ lemon)
- 1 tablespoon heaped tahini
- pinch of salt & black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder *optional
- 4+ tablespoon water *or more olive oil
Instructions
- Drain and thoroughly rinse the chickpeas.
- Put all of the ingredients into a food processor (make sure that the bowl is not too big) and start blending. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- You could also use an immersion blender with a suitable jar.
- Taste and adjust salt and spices.
- Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh herbs, more olive oil or some chili flakes and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Add-In Ideas: chili flakes (for a spicy hummus), cumin powder (start with ¼ tsp), paprika (sweet, smoked or hot), handful of fresh olives, fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro), dried tomatoes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container with a lid for up to 3 days.
- Consistency: If you prefer a runnier hummus, gradually add more water/ oil. If you prefer a creamier hummus, skip the water and replace it with oil instead.
Emma says
Made this as a dinner for my Husband after a look search for a nice Mediterranean meal. Safe to say this has become a firm favourite now
Katie says
Very happy to hear that Emma, thanks for the feedback! 😊