# Classic Hummus Recipe
Canonical URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/recipes/hummus
Publication state: published
Updated: 2026-08-02
Primary keyword: classic hummus recipe
A practical, source-aware recipe for classic hummus, with the history kept close to the method.
## Timing and Yield
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 2 cups
## Ingredients
- 1 15.5-oz. can chickpeas
- 1 large lemon
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ cup tahini, well mixed
- ¾ tsp. (or more) kosher salt
- 10 cranks freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp. ground cumin
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Za’atar and/or sesame seeds (for serving)
## Method
1. Step 1: Start by prepping all of your ingredients: Drain 15.5 oz. chickpeas in a strainer or colander and rinse thoroughly. Let drain again while you do the other prep.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/hummus-step-1.webp
   Image description: Step 1: Step 1 for Classic Hummus.
2. Step 2: Cut 1 lemon in half, remove any visible seeds, and squeeze juice into a small bowl. You should have 3–4 Tbsp.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/hummus-step-2.webp
   Image description: Step 2: Step 2 for Classic Hummus.
3. Step 3: Smash 1 garlic clove with the flat side of your knife on a cutting board and remove peel. Continue to mash with side of knife until a paste forms. (You can also grate garlic on a microplane if you have one—you're just looking for a fine paste.)
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/hummus-step-3.webp
   Image description: Step 3: Step 3 for Classic Hummus.
4. Step 4: Combine drained chickpeas, 3 Tbsp. lemon juice, garlic, ½ cup tahini, ¾ tsp. salt, 10 cracks pepper, ¼ tsp. cumin, and 2 Tbsp. water in a food processor.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/hummus-step-4.webp
   Image description: Step 4: Step 4 for Classic Hummus.
5. Step 5: Process until smooth, about 1 minute.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/hummus-step-5.webp
   Image description: Step 5: Step 5 for Classic Hummus.
6. Step 6: With the motor running, stream in 3 Tbsp. oil, then continue to process until hummus is very light and creamy, about 1 minute longer. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/hummus-step-6.webp
   Image description: Step 6: Step 6 for Classic Hummus.
7. Step 7: Transfer hummus to a shallow bowl, top with za’atar and/or sesame seeds, and drizzle with more oil. → Mastered this base recipe? Here are 4 ways to mix it up. Do ahead: Hummus can be made 4 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/hummus-step-7.webp
   Image description: Step 7: Step 7 for Classic Hummus.
## Storage
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat only when the texture benefits from it.
## History Context
This appetizer builds on the history of the ancient legume behind hummus, falafel, chana masala, and the modern plant-protein pantry, linking the dish to chickpea’s longer story in food culture.
## Primary Image
- URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/variants/hummus/hummus-og.webp
- Description: Classic Hummus. Photo: Silar / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Status: editorial-placeholder
## Sources
1. Original Classic Hummus recipe. Bon Appétit. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/hummus