Garlic Hummus Recipe Without Tahini

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.

Moroccan Beef Kebabs

Golden Rice Pilaf

Quinoa Tabbouleh

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