Gluten free hummus is the perfect dip for veggies and makes a delicious spread on crackers. It’s super simple to make, and packed full of nutritious ingredients. Oh, and it’s also naturally gluten free!
It’s the go-to snack in our household and after making this super simple recipe - it might be yours, too!
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What is hummus?
Hummus is a Middle Eastern dish that’s used as a dip or spread and is usually made with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It’s a delicious food in its simplicity, but adding spices or vegetables can change up the flavour profile and texture.
Why you'll love homemade hummus
Let’s face it, grabbing a container of hummus off the grocery store shelf requires minimal thought and effort. It’s incredibly easy. But I’m going to convince you that making your own gluten free hummus is JUST as easy!
This recipe has minimal ingredients (only 7) and literally comes together in minutes (5, if anyone is counting). But don’t count this recipe out as being bland and boring just because it’s simple…
Homemade hummus is also incredibly versatile - check out the variation section. This hummus recipe is the perfect blank canvas to create a culinary work of art! (But it’s also really delicious just the way it is!)
Ingredients
This recipe promises minimal ingredients, so there they are in all of their glory….
- Chickpeas (also go by the alias of garbanzo beans): a legume that’s the start of the hummus show! Always check your labels to ensure they don’t have the dreaded “may contain wheat” statement.
- Tahini: this is a delicious sesame seed paste that really brings out the earthy flavour in hummus.
- Olive oil: a couple of tablespoons to help blend everything together and bring in some creaminess.
- Lemon juice: adds tartness to balance out the earthy flavours.
- Garlic: just 2 cloves will add a nice kick to your hummus.
- Salt
- Water
Kitchen tools and equipment needed
To make gluten free hummus, you only need a few kitchen items to get the job done:
- Food processor: all of the ingredients are added together and blended into a thick paste. The food processor has the power to get the job done, especially with thick tahini, but a high-speed blender could also be used.
- Silicone spatula: this kitchen utensil is my all-time-favourite. When blending all of the ingredients together, some of the hummus may gum up at the bottom (under the blades) or travel up the sides. Use a silicone spatula to scrape everything back to where it needs to be.
How to make this recipe
Homemade gluten free hummus could not be any easier to make.
Combine all of the listed ingredients into a food processor (or high speed blender) and mix them until it forms a thick paste. Add water as needed to get a runnier hummus, if that’s your thing.
It only takes 5 minutes to make and I guarantee you’ll be reaching for the crackers and vegetables to dip into it before you’re even finished.
Tips for making the best gluten free hummus
Making homemade hummus is easy-peasy, but here are a few tips to make the recipe even easier (and the most delicious!)
- Use canned chickpeas. This makes the recipe come together really quickly. Rinse and drain the chickpeas right from the can and add into the food processor. If you want to use dried chickpeas, you certainly can - just make sure you cook them first.
- Taste as you go. After blending all of the ingredients, be sure to give your hummus a little taste. If you decide you want a little more garlic, more salt, or to make it a bit runnier - you can taste as you go and add what is needed. This is especially important if you’re adding in extra spices.
- Use tahini with a runnier consistency. Using a thick tahini can make your hummus way too thick. Instead, try using a brand that you know is a bit runnier. If your tahini has been stored in the fridge (which all nuts and seeds should after opening), let the amount you intend to use come to room temperature prior to using.
What to eat with hummus
So you’ve made your homemade gluten free hummus and you’re ready to eat it. But what with?! Here are a few suggestions:
- Pita bread - which is what hummus is typically served with. Just make sure it’s a gluten free version!
- Vegetables
- Gluten free crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Gluten free bread - as part of a sandwich, or served as a dip
- Fruit - apples taste amazing with hummus!
If you’ve got some leftover homemade hummus in the fridge, use it in these creative ways:
- Add it into soups, pasta sauces, and stews to thicken the texture and add more flavour
If you’ve fallen in love with the flavour of hummus, try making this Vegan Egg Salad with Chickpeas. It’s got chickpeas (obviously), but also uses tahini in the dressing so it’s got a major hummus vibe.
Gluten free hummus variations
This hummus recipe is versatile. Mix it up in the following ways:
- Make it thick: add more chickpeas or less tahini for a thicker, heartier hummus.
- Make it spicy: add in paprika, cayenne or cumin for an extra kick.
- Make it oil free: skip the oil and use just water instead to thin out the hummus.
- Make it smoother: replace the water with aquefaba (which is the liquid in the can of chickpeas) to make an even smoother hummus.
- Make it garlicky: use more than 2 cloves of garlic. Use as many as you want!
- Make it veggie-licious: replace some of the chickpeas with cooked carrots, beets or roasted red peppers to make a colourful, delicious hummus!
How to store gluten free hummus
Homemade gluten free hummus can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It will separate when stored in the fridge, so give it a good old mix before eating.
If you want to save some for later, it will freeze well. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before you want to enjoy it.
Recipe
Gluten Free Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- ⅓ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice from ½ lemon
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into a food processor and blend.
Notes
- Storage: store in the fridge for up to 4 days and mix prior to eating (hummus will separate). Gluten free hummus can also be stored in the freezer - thaw in the fridge overnight prior to eating.
- Make it thick: add more chickpeas or less tahini.
- Make it thinner: add more water or use a runnier tahini.
- Make it spicy: add in paprika, cayenne or cumin.
- Make it oil free: skip the oil and use just water instead to thin out the hummus.
- Make it smoother: replace the water with aquefaba (the liquid in the can of chickpeas)
- Make it garlicky: use more than 2 cloves of garlic.
- Make it veggie-licious: replace some of the chickpeas with cooked carrots, beets or roasted red peppers.
monika says
when was hummus not gluten-free?
that's like saying - water is gluten-free...
Ashley says
You're right, Monika, hummus is naturally gluten free. Some individuals may not realize that, so my intent for the post was to point out that the ingredients are safe for a gluten free diet as is - in case anyone needs that information and support. Thanks for pointing it out! 🙂