Garlic Hummus Recipe Without Tahini
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This garlic hummus recipe without tahini is incredibly easy to make, and it tastes so much better than store bought!

While traditional hummus recipes call for tahini, there are a variety of reasons for making hummus without it! If you’re allergic to sesame seeds, have difficulty finding tahini in your local grocery store or just ran out, you can made this easy hummus recipe at home without it. (This post was originally published on July 25th 2011)
Homemade hummus is so easy to make that I always have a can of garbanzo beans in the pantry. It’s perfect for last minute company or when I need a quick dip. Serve it with pita bread or veggies for a healthy snack. While it’s best made with tahini paste, which you can find in most grocery stores, I’ve also substituted sesame oil in a pinch.
What is hummus?
Hummus is a popular condiment in Middle Eastern cuisines from Egypt to Syria. The word “hummus” means chickpea, or as they are often called in the US, garbanzo beans. Cooked or canned chickpeas are mashed or pureed into a smooth creamy texture and mixed with tahini, or in this recipe, garlic. Hummus is served with pita bread, pita chips, or as a flavorful dip for raw vegetables.
What is tahini?
Tahini is another Middle Eastern condiment made from ground sesame seeds. It is essentially a sesame paste and has a nutty flavor, and creamy texture. If you can’t find it in the stores or run out and are looking for a tahini substitute, Asian sesame oil will work in a pinch.
Ingredients for garlic hummus without tahini
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained, reserve chickpea liquid
- Fresh lemon juice to taste, about 1 medium lemon
- 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed (use roasted garlic for a less pungent flavor)
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh parsley, pine nuts to garnish
Garlic hummus without tahini recipe
You can make a garlic-free hummus, but simply omitting the garlic.
- In the bowl of a food processor, puree the beans with 1 clove of garlic and juice of half of the lemon
- Add reserved bean juice 1-2 Tablespoons at a time and process until hummus is smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper if necessary.
- It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator fo 5 days.
- Just before serving, top the hummus with a drizzle of olive oil,
What to serve with hummus
The classic accompaniment to hummus is warm pita bread. It can be also served with fresh vegetables, pita chips, or flatbread. It can also be served as part of a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean meal. Serve it as a tasty dip with raw carrots, sliced red peppers, sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.
Serve it on the side with this Lebanese Kibbeh.
Or with Middle Eastern Lettuce Wraps.
Homemade Hummus
Ingredients
- 15 can garbanzo beans drained, reserve juices
- 1 small lemon juiced
- 2-3 cloves garlic crushed
- Kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for drizzling on top
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped for garnish (opti
Instructions
- In a food processor, puree the beans with 1 clove of garlic, juice of half of the lemon, and tahini.
- Add reserved bean juice 1-2 Tablespoons at a time and process until hummus is smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper if necessary.
Nutrition
My cheating is worse than yours!
I buy it ready made at Costco.
My grandsons eat it like others eat peanut butter.
The second oldest boy has decided he likes hummus and jam sandwiches.
I have been toying with making it myself.
I just might start it with your recipe :~D
Really like your recipes
Haha Charlie! I’ve been know to cheat with Costco too!
We make a good pair, then.
😉
They look so delicious!
Never thought I could make hummus, but you proved me wrong! I’m never buying it again as this is so much tastier and cheaper as well. THNAK YOU SO MUCH!!
Thanks Jenni! This works for people can’t eat tahini too.
I made your hummus recipe & it is delicious! So easy & way cheaper than store bought & better for you too ! Takes no time to make! No need to buy hummus anymore! Instructions do say to add tahini though.
Nancy Allard
PURSE
Oops! I’ll amend that. I changed it because some people are allergic…I’ll change to optional. Entered. Thank you!
Perfect recipe for when I don’t have tahini on hand, hummus is one of our go to foods for hot days. We do sometimes add a lil chili flakes for a little change
Pasta bowls could be used for hummus and chips, please enter me
Yes! Sometimes tahini is hard to find.