Harissa Hummus Recipe
This easy homemade harissa hummus recipe is creamy, spicy, smoky, and perfect with pita, veggies, or your favorite mezze platter.
Servings: 6
Calories: 199kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Cooked chickpeas canned or homemade
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice fresh
- ½ cup Tahini paste
- ¼ cup Harissa paste homemade or store-bought (*see notes)
- 1 Garlic clove minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
- ⅓ cup Chickpea cooking water or ice-cold water, plus more as needed
- 2 Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse well. For extra smooth hummus, simmer them for 10–15 minutes until very soft, then drain.
- Blend the hummus: Add the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, harissa paste, garlic (if using), salt, water, and ice cubes to a food processor.
- Process until smooth: Blend for 3–5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the hummus is creamy and fluffy. Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
- Taste and adjust: Add more salt, lemon juice, or harissa depending on your taste.
- Serve: Spread the hummus onto a plate, drizzle with olive oil, and top with extra harissa and your favorite toppings.
Video
Notes
- Harissa: You can use homemade harissa (highly recommended for the best flavor) or your favorite store-bought version. Every harissa is different: some are mild and smoky, while others are very spicy. Start with the amount listed, then add more or less depending on how strong you want the harissa flavor and how spicy your paste is.
- How to Make Super Smooth Hummus: For the creamiest texture, use very soft chickpeas. If your chickpeas are firm, cook them a little longer before blending. Soft chickpeas = smoother hummus.
- Why Add Ice Cubes? Adding ice cubes while blending helps create a lighter, creamier hummus and prevents the mixture from getting too warm in the food processor.
- Adjust the Texture: Hummus thickens after resting. If it becomes too thick, mix in a little cold water until creamy again.
- Topping Ideas: Top your harissa hummus with extra harissa, good-quality olive oil, roasted chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs, chopped roasted peppers, paprika, chili flakes, or a sprinkle of cumin.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Before serving, mix well and add a splash of water if needed to bring back the creamy texture.
- Using Homemade Chickpeas: If cooking chickpeas from scratch, save some of the cooking liquid. It adds flavor and helps create a silky hummus texture.
- Check Out My Guides: For the best results, I highly recommend reading my guides on how to make the perfect homemade hummus and best harissa. Both include lots of useful tips, step-by-step information, and everything you need to get the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 551mg | Potassium: 263mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 102IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 2mg