Traditional Palestinian Hummus (with Measurements)

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dry Chickpeas (soaked overnight, then boiled until very soft)
• Enough to cover Water (for soaking chickpeas; also 0.5‑1 cup reserved cooking liquid)
• 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup Tahini (smooth, well‑stirred sesame paste)
• 3 lemons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed (about 6 tbsp))
• 3 Garlic Cloves (peeled)
• 1 cup Cold Water (ice‑cold, added gradually)
• 2 tbsp Extra‑Virgin Olive Oil (high‑quality Lebanese olive oil for drizzling)
• 1 tsp Paprika (for garnish)
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Soak Chickpeas

   Place 2 cups of dry chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with plenty of room‑temperature water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight until they have doubled in size.

   Time: PT8H

2. Drain and Rinse

   Drain the soaked chickpeas using a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water.

   Time: PT5M

3. Cook Chickpeas

   Transfer the rinsed chickpeas to a large pot, add fresh water to cover by 2 inches, add 1 tsp salt, bring to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer, cover with the lid and cook for 2 hours until the beans are extremely soft.

   Time: PT2H

   Temperature: low simmer

4. Reserve Cooking Liquid

   Before draining, scoop out ½ to 1 cup of the hot cooking liquid and set aside; this will be used to thin the hummus and add flavor.

   Time: PT10M

5. Cool Chickpeas

   Drain the remaining water and spread the cooked chickpeas on a tray or large bowl. Let them cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.

   Time: PT1H

6. Blend Base Ingredients

   In the blender, combine the cooled chickpeas, 1 cup tahini, juice of 3 lemons, 3 peeled garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and the reserved cooking liquid. Blend until a thick, chunky mixture forms.

   Time: PT10M

7. Add Cold Water for Creaminess

   With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in ice‑cold water, adding 1‑2 tbsp at a time, until the hummus reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Total added water should be about 1 cup.

   Time: PT5M

8. Plate and Garnish

   Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a shallow well in the center, swirl the surface, drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the top, and sprinkle paprika and cumin around the edge.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

120

Protein

4 g

Carbohydrates

10 g

Fat

7 g

Fiber

3 g