Originating from the Middle East, hummus holds a special place in many cultures due to its versatile and nutritious nature. While traditional hummus is typically made with chickpeas, this unique version using white beans offers a creamy and subtly different flavor profile.
Combining the smoothness of Great Northern beans with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, this white bean hummus can easily become a new favorite. Whether you’re smearing it on toast, using it as a dip, or adding a spicy twist, this recipe is vegan, healthy, and simply the best.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried great northern beans
- 1/2 onion
- 4 garlic cloves (2 whole, 2 minced)
- 1/4 cup tahini paste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 ice cubes
Preparation
- Soak the dried beans overnight in cold water.
- Drain the beans, then add them to a pot with about two quarts of water, the halved onion, and two whole garlic cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 90 minutes until the beans are tender, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface.
- Allow the beans to cool in the cooking liquid, then drain them, reserving some of the liquid.
- In a food processor, combine the beans, cooked onion and garlic, minced garlic, tahini paste, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- With the machine running, add the olive oil and ice cubes in three additions, ensuring each is fully emulsified before adding the next.
- Adjust the consistency with the reserved cooking liquid if necessary.
Did you know?
This hummus recipe can be easily altered to suit your preferences. If you prefer it without tahini, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. For a spicy kick, blend in some roasted red peppers or a touch of harissa paste. Hummus is not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with protein, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.
The technique of adding ice cubes while blending is a traditional secret to achieve extra fluffiness. This method helps to aerate the hummus, giving it a lighter texture that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from toast toppers to sandwich spreads.
Experiment with flavor variations such as blending in avocado for a creamy twist or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy punch. Whether you’re opting for a classic taste or a bold new combination, homemade white bean hummus is sure to impress!
