This authentic hummus recipe comes from my Egyptian born aunt and has become a popular request at parties.
My Aunt Mimi was born and raised in Egypt. She is my father's first cousin, but I call her Aunt because she is married to my mother's brother.
Extremely loving and sweet, this lady may be best known as a great cook. I was fortunate enough to get her authentic hummus recipe. It's a traditional hummus found in many restaurants and markets all over the world.
Many of my friends love this recipe, and though I think it's pretty good, somehow it just doesn't hold up to the same level as the original made by Aunt Mimi.
Authentic Hummus Recipe
What You'll Need
- 2 cans 15 oz chickpeas aka garbanzo beans
- 1 or more large fresh garlic cloves finely diced, pressed, or grated
- 2 tablespoons Tahini (roasted sesame seed paste)
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ground sumac or paprika for garnish
- flat parsley for garnish (optional)
The ingredients are simple, but I think that's what makes it so good. However, Aunt Mimi does have a few secret tips that make this hummus a winner.
Tips for the Best Taste and Flavor
For one thing, you must use fresh lemon. Reconstituted lemon juice that comes from a plastic lemon will not work.
The garlic must also be fresh. And, if it has a green stem growing inside the clove, don't use it.
- Serve it with fresh pita bread, but make sure to warm the bread in the oven first.
Fresh ingredients and a little extra love make this heirloom family recipe so special, and one I will cherish and make for a long time.
Now, I need to learn how to make her stuffed grape leaves.
More Lebanese Recipes
- Baba Ganoush - Eggplant Dip
- Fattoush - Middle Eastern Bread Salad
- Kousa: - Stuffed Zucchini
- Lebanese Chicken Moghrabieh
Authentic Hummus
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 2 cans 15 oz chick peas aka garbanzo beans
- 1 or more large clove s fresh garlic finely diced, pressed, or grated
- 2 tablespoons Tahini sesame paste
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac or paprika
Instructions
- Drain the canned chickpeas, saving the liquid.
- Place chickpeas and garlic in a food processor.
- Add Tahini, lemon juice and salt and blend well.
- Add chickpea liquid until the mixture is as thin as you like. It may even set up a bit so I normally make it on the thin side at this stage to make sure it has a creamy texture.
- Pour into a serving dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sumac or paprika and garnish with a bit of fresh parsley.
- Serve with warm pita wedges or pita chips.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon not reconstituted lemon juice.
- Use fresh garlic. And, if it has a green stem growing inside the clove, don't use it.
- Serve with fresh warm pita wedges.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although attempts have been made to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Lisa Weinstein
Hi, Patti. Happy New Year!! Do you have a good recipe for pita. I live in a small town in New Mexico (not much Middle Eastern food here) and it is hard to find pita.
Many thanks
Lisa
Patti Estep
Hi Lisa,
Happy New Year to you!
Unfortunately I do not have a recipe for pita bread. My grandmother used to make a "Syrian" bread but it was thicker than pita and I never got a chance to learn from her as she passed when I was young. My aunt does not make pita either but if I ever find a good one you can be sure I'll post about it.
Carole
Yum and I didn't even realize there were so few ingredients to this dish. I find that the best tasting recipes are the simple ones. I can hardly wait to try this, thanks for sharing...
Patti Estep
Hi Carole,
I haven't blogged about it because it's so common for us but when my friend asked me for the recipe again, and her daughters had a surprise bday party for her I thought why not take a few pics and share it on the blog. Hope you love it.
Denise Wright
I made this and it was awesome! That is some delicious hummus!
Patti Estep
Thanks Denise!