So you want to make your own hummus, but you've tried several recipes and they're just not what you're after? I can relate. For some time, I've been frustrated with homemade hummus. Not smooth enough, not quite the flavor I was after, not tasty enough for my family to go for it over store-bought. I tried all the tricks, but with the quantity my family enjoys, I wanted quick and easy, not extra steps. So I kept buying ready-made hummus at the grocery store, which my family loves but it's expensive (I mean, you really should see how much hummus these guys put away) and not at all oil-free.

No More Store-bought

Well, finally I've got a recipe that my family prefers; in fact, they aren't at all interested in store-bought anymore. That was a surprise! And it's oil-free. And it's quick to make and really smooth and creamy without having to boil in baking soda or peel each little chickpea. It's been a long journey, but after much trial and tweaking, I've finally got it. I've been making it in double batches each week because my family just can't get enough!

A Lighter, More Delicious Hummus

The thing is, this recipe is super simple. The ingredients are easily accessible and really all you need to do is toss them all together. What makes it the best is the flavor profile and its smooth consistency. Tahini is used sparingly so that it doesn't take over in flavor; it also makes it a lighter hummus, with less fat per serving. Kids tend to not be crazy about raw garlic and it has a tendency to dominate the flavor profile, so this recipe uses garlic powder instead.

The Key to Quick Yet Smooth Hummus

But what is the best tool to combine the ingredients? Well, that's the key to getting a smoother hummus: using a high-speed blender instead of a food processor. The kind with a tamper (though you can add more liquid if you only have a standard blender and that will likely work pretty well). I had always made hummus in a food processor, yielding hummus with, well, too much texture. But when I tried blending it - wow, what a difference! So smooth and creamy, a total game changer.

Toppings

This hummus is absolutely delicious all by itself; toppings just make it that much more fun, tasty, and nutritious. Let your imagine take you to some of your favorite flavors and textures when adding toppings. Seeds are always a good choice, and toasting them brings out more flavor. Spices are pretty and add all sorts of different flavors. Our favorite topping lately is an aged balsamic vinegar of Modena - the thick stuff! - bringing richness and depth. We don't miss olive oil this way, but if you like topping with it, you do you! Fresh herbs are so wonderful as a topping, and we love chopped red onion and olives, too.