2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oill plus extra to top with
½teaspoonground cumin
¾teaspoonsalt
4medium cloves garliccrushed, not chopped
juice of 1 lemon
1/2cuppesto
Instructions
Make the Hummus:
In a food processor, combine tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and crushed garlic. Pulse until smooth.
Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the food processor. Pulse until smooth and well combined. If the hummus clumps, stop the processor and use a silicone spatula to mix, then continue to pulse until smooth.
With the motor running, slowly pour in the cold water. You'll notice that the hummus becomes even more smooth and creamy!
Incorporate Pesto:
Add 1/2 cup of homemade pesto to the hummus mixture. Pulse gently in the food processor until the pesto is evenly distributed but not fully blended, leaving swirls of pesto throughout the hummus.
Taste and Adjust:
Before transferring to a serving bowl or an airtight container (if storing for later), taste the pesto hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add extra salt or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Serve:
Transfer the pesto hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and garnish with a few extra dollops of pesto if desired. Serve immediately with pita bread and veggies, or use them as a spread.
Notes
Blend Gradually - When blending your hummus, especially after adding chickpeas or pesto, start on a low speed and gradually increase. This helps achieve a smooth texture without overworking the food processor.Taste and Adjust - Hummus is all about balance. Taste your hummus before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lemon juice for acidity, salt for seasoning, or pesto for a stronger herbaceous flavor.Consistency Control - Adjust the consistency of your hummus by adding more water, olive oil, or even a bit of reserved chickpea liquid (aquafaba). This ensures your hummus is creamy and spreadable.Chill for Flavor - For the best flavor, allow your hummus to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.