Hummus bi Tahini
Silky smooth chickpea and tahini dip with lemon and garlic — the cornerstone of the Lebanese mezze table.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 250 g Dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 100 g High-quality tahini
- 3 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 3-4 tbsp Ice water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Drain the soaked chickpeas and cook in fresh water for 1-1.5 hours until very tender. Reserve the cooking liquid.
- Set aside a small handful of whole chickpeas for garnish.
- In a food processor, blend the garlic with lemon juice and salt until the garlic is finely minced.
- Add the tahini and blend until the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy.
- Add the warm cooked chickpeas (reserving a few for garnish) and blend.
- With the processor running, add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the hummus is very smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning — it should be bright with lemon and nutty from the tahini.
- Spread onto a plate, creating a well in the center with the back of a spoon.
- Fill the well with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika, and garnish with the reserved whole chickpeas and parsley.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hummus bi Tahini?
Silky smooth chickpea and tahini dip with lemon and garlic — the cornerstone of the Lebanese mezze table.
Where is Hummus bi Tahini from?
Hummus bi Tahini comes from Lebanese Coastal. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Hummus bi Tahini vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Hummus bi Tahini uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of paprika in Hummus bi Tahini?
The paprika called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Hummus bi Tahini its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Hummus bi Tahini?
In a Lebanese appetizers spread, Hummus bi Tahini is served as part of a mezze table — alongside warm pita or markook bread, other small dishes, and fresh vegetables. It also works as a starter before a larger meal.
Can I make Hummus bi Tahini ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.