Hummus, a beloved Middle Eastern dip, is often made with a food processor for its convenience. But what if you don’t have one? Don’t worry! You can still enjoy creamy, flavorful hummus. This guide will show you How To Make Hummus Without A Food Processor, using simple techniques and readily available ingredients.
Ingredients for No-Food-Processor Hummus
This is a foundational hummus recipe, incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices and vegetables.
- 1 (16-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup reserved chickpea liquid (aquafaba)
- 3-5 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
- 1 ½ tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving
Alternative Methods for Making Hummus
While a food processor provides a smooth texture, these methods offer delicious alternatives.
1. Using a Blender
A blender is the next best option. Add all ingredients, starting with the denser ones like chickpeas and tahini, to prevent the blender from struggling.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/blender-hummus-56a8c95a5f9b58b7d0f56721.jpg “Chickpeas, tahini, and other ingredients being blended for hummus.”)
Blend until smooth, adding more chickpea liquid or olive oil as needed to reach your desired consistency. High-powered blenders will produce a smoother result, but even a standard blender can create delicious hummus. Don’t over blend as the mixture can become warm.
2. Mortar and Pestle: The Traditional Way
For a truly authentic experience, use a mortar and pestle. This requires more effort, but the results are rewarding. The mortar and pestle is a traditional tool comprised of a bowl (mortar) and a club-shaped tool (pestle). It is used to grind and pulverize foods.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-use-a-mortar-and-pestle-4174660-hero-v1-af1c2897040b46349a40cb06779b6d8f.jpg “A mortar and pestle being used to grind ingredients for making homemade hummus.”)
Grind the garlic and salt first, then add the chickpeas gradually, mashing them into a paste. Incorporate the tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil, continuing to grind until you achieve a somewhat smooth consistency. This method creates a more rustic, textured hummus.
3. Fork Mashing with Microwave Assistance
Microwaving the chickpeas before mashing them with a fork significantly softens them, making the process easier. Place the chickpeas in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 30 seconds.
Chickpeas in a microwave safe bowl
Drain the chickpeas, reserving the liquid. Mash the softened chickpeas thoroughly with a fork. Add the tahini, garlic, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. If the mixture is too thick, add reserved chickpea liquid, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. This is a simple method for those without specialized equipment.
Serving Your Homemade Hummus
Once you’ve made your hummus, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers. Experiment with different toppings like chopped parsley, sumac, or toasted sesame seeds.
Other Alternatives
If all else fails, you can buy basic hummus at the grocery store and add the spices and vegetables you want. Popular hummus recipes include garlic, jalapeno peppers, and sundried tomatoes. But first, try making your own because you’ll definitely taste the freshness.
Enjoy Homemade Hummus, No Processor Needed!
Making hummus without a food processor is entirely possible and can be a rewarding culinary experience. Whether you use a blender, mortar and pestle, or simply a fork, you can create a delicious and healthy dip to enjoy with your favorite snacks.
