Why You’ll Love this Easy Middle Eastern Hummus
After trying countless hummus recipes over the years, I can confidently say this Middle Eastern version stands head and shoulders above the rest.
It’s creamy, authentic, and surprisingly simple to make from scratch. The dried chickpeas make all the difference, creating a texture that store-bought versions can’t match.
You’ll love how the garlic and lemon perfectly balance each other, while the cumin adds that distinctive Middle Eastern warmth.
The secret ingredient? Peanut butter instead of tahini. Trust me, it works beautifully.
Ready in about an hour (plus soaking time). Worth every minute.
What Ingredients are in Easy Middle Eastern Hummus?
This authentic Middle Eastern hummus relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that blend together to create that creamy, addictive dip we all know and love.
The foundation starts with dried garbanzo beans (chickpeas), which might take a bit more time than canned, but the flavor difference is absolutely worth it. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of earthy, tangy, and savory notes that make homemade hummus so special.
- 1 cup dried garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
- 3 lemons, juiced (or 90 ml white vinegar as an alternative)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter (our tahini substitute)
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon sugar
What’s fascinating about this recipe is the clever substitution of peanut butter for the traditional tahini.
Can’t find tahini at your local store? No problem. Peanut butter provides that same creamy richness without compromising the authentic taste.
The chickpea cooking liquid is also important to keep on hand—you’ll need about half a cup to achieve that perfect consistency.
Don’t worry if the hummus seems a bit thin at first; it will thicken slightly as it cools in the refrigerator.
How to Make this Easy Middle Eastern Hummus
Making authentic Middle Eastern hummus starts with a bit of planning, as your 1 cup of dried garbanzo beans needs to soak overnight. This initial step is essential for softening the beans and reducing cooking time. Just place them in a large bowl with plenty of water to cover them, and let them do their thing while you sleep.
The next day, drain and rinse the chickpeas before transferring them to a pot filled with fresh water. Simmer these little protein powerhouses for approximately 1 hour until they’re tender enough to easily squish between your fingers. Who knew such humble beginnings could lead to something so delicious?
Once your garbanzo beans are perfectly tender, drain them—but don’t throw away that precious cooking liquid! Set aside about a cup of this starchy stock, which will be the secret to achieving that silky smooth texture we’re after.
Now for the fun part: combine the cooked chickpeas with the juice of 3 lemons (or 90 ml white vinegar if you’re in a pinch), 3 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, 3 tablespoons of peanut butter (our clever tahini substitute), 2 teaspoons of aromatic cumin, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to round out the flavors.
Transfer everything to a food processor and puree until smooth, adding about half a cup of the reserved cooking liquid to reach that perfect, dippable consistency. The texture might seem a bit loose at first, but trust me, it will firm up nicely after chilling in the refrigerator.
And just like that, you’ve created a Middle Eastern delicacy right in your own kitchen—no passport required.
Easy Middle Eastern Hummus Substitutions and Variations
While our basic recipe creates an authentic-tasting hummus, the beauty of this Middle Eastern staple lies in its flexibility.
I love how easily you can customize this dish to suit your preferences or pantry limitations.
No tahini? The peanut butter works surprisingly well, but almond butter makes a great substitute too.
For a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne or some roasted red peppers.
Going oil-free? Simply increase the reserved cooking liquid.
You can even experiment with different beans.
White beans create a milder flavor, while black beans offer a dramatic color twist.
What creative variations might you discover in your kitchen?
What to Serve with Easy Middle Eastern Hummus
Once you’ve prepared your delicious homemade hummus, the question becomes what to serve alongside this creamy Middle Eastern dip.
I’m a firm believer that warm pita bread is the perfect companion—torn into pieces for scooping up that garlicky goodness. Fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips offer a crisp crunch.
For a more substantial spread, add some falafel, grilled chicken, or lamb.
Can’t decide? Create a mezze platter with olives, feta cheese, and dolmas. Trust me, your guests won’t be able to resist, and you’ll look like the culinary genius you truly are.
Final Thoughts
After spending time in your kitchen preparing this delightful Middle Eastern staple, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions again. The rich, creamy texture and perfect balance of garlic, lemon, and cumin create a hummus that’s truly worth the effort.
I believe the secret lies in those soaked chickpeas—they deliver a smoothness that no canned version can match. Can you imagine your guests’ reactions when you casually mention you made it from scratch?
Keep experimenting with this versatile dish. Add more garlic if you’re feeling bold, or sprinkle with paprika and olive oil before serving. Your hummus journey has just begun.
