Name: Creamy Oil-free Hummus
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 3 cup Chickpeas (canned); 2 cup Aquafaba (water from the canned chickpea) (or water); ¼ cup Tahini (-> list of tahini substitutes); 4 Tbsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) (it is actually 1 lemon); 2 cloves Garlic; 1 tsp Salt

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This oil-free hummus is the smoothest, creamiest hummus you will ever come and is made without using any oil. Instead, we use aquafaba for the perfect consistency and texture. The best part is that you can make it from scratch in just 5 minutes.

Black plate on grey tablecloth with oil-free hummus spread in the middle sprinkled with cooked chickpeas, fresh parsley, sweet paprika and sesame seeds. Flatbread triangles scattered around.

Having a collection of vegan dips and side dishes is an absolute must. If you love hummus, you can also experiment with other hummus recipes like sunflower seed hummus (without tahini) or roasted beet hummus.

❤️ Why you’ll love it

I adore how this hummus recipe is incredibly creamy and fluffy, all thanks to the secret ingredient – aquafaba. This is the liquid from canned chickpeas, which is usually discarded, but in this recipe, it is the star, making the hummus unbelievably light and smooth.

It is a simple yet game-changing twist to the traditional hummus recipe, making it oil-free and even healthier.

But what truly sets it apart from other recipes is that it is entirely oil-free. The use of aquafaba instead of oil does not compromise the taste or texture, making it a favorite in my household.

? Key ingredients

Making this oil-free hummus is a breeze with ingredients that are readily available in your local grocery store. These simple ingredients might already be in your pantry, making this recipe even more convenient.

All ingredients of gluten-free hummus measured in bowls.

Chickpeas are the star of this recipe, providing a creamy base for our hummus. They are rich in protein and fiber, making this hummus not only delicious but also nutritious.

Aquafaba, or the water from the canned chickpeas, is a magical ingredient that helps achieve the perfect creamy texture in our hummus. It is a great vegan substitute for eggs in many recipes.

Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds that adds a rich, nutty flavor to it. It also contributes to the creamy texture of the dish. If you need tahini substitutes, here is a list.

Lemon juice adds a refreshing tanginess, balancing out the richness of the chickpeas and tahini. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for this recipe.

Garlic gives our hummus a savory depth of flavor. It is a key ingredient in traditional recipes and adds a wonderful aroma to the dip.

? You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

? Equipment

To make this oil-free hummus recipe, a high-powered blender like Vitamix is the most important piece of equipment. It transforms the ingredients into a silky, smooth, and fluffy texture that is better than store-bought hummus.

?‍? Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Begin by measuring the required amount of canned chickpeas and tahini. Also, measure the aquafaba, which is the liquid from the canned chickpeas.

STEP 2
Next, peel the garlic cloves. After peeling, squeeze the juice out of one lemon.

Making the oil-free hummus

STEP 1
Start the process by adding the liquid ingredients to the Vitamix. Next, add the dry ingredients.

Blender from above with chickpeas, garlic clove and liquid.

STEP 2
Turn on the Vitamix and slowly increase the speed to the maximum. Allow the ingredients to blend until they form a smooth paste. Sprinkle the hummus with your choice of garnish. You can use chives, parsley, or sweet paprika powder. Enjoy your homemade, oil-free hummus!

Blender with a smooth light brown hummus

? Expert tip

To achieve the smoothest texture for your oil-free hummus, always add the liquid ingredients first, then the dry ones. This order allows the blender to work more efficiently, resulting in a creamier hummus.

? Variations

Try a tahini-free version with sunflower seeds. If you are not a fan of tahini or simply do not have it on hand, you can substitute it with sunflower seeds. This will give it a creamy and nutty flavor, making it a delicious hummus without tahini.

Add a unique twist with flavored hummus. If you are looking to experiment with different flavors, consider adding smoked sweet paprika powder, curry powder, or cumin to it. Just a few teaspoons will give your hummus a distinct and exciting flavor, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Try a Mediterranean fusion with tapenade. If you are a fan of olives, consider adding some olive tapenade to it. This combination brings together the flavors of Provence and the Middle East, creating a unique and delicious variation.

? Serving ideas

Oil-free hummus is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. It pairs beautifully with raw vegetables. Try serving it with your favorite veggies such as carrots, celery, or red bell pepper for a healthy, crunchy snack.

In addition, it makes a wonderful spread for falafel sandwiches and wraps. Consider pairing it with a whole grain bread or tortilla, and add fresh vegetables for a wholesome, balanced meal.

You can also enjoy it as a dip with crackers, tortilla chips, or pita bread. It is a great option for a quick snack or a party appetizer.

I have also collected 16 quick ideas to eat with hummus and 25 delicious recipes with hummus, including salads, pasta, soup, and more, like my hummus pizza and hummus quesadilla.

❄️ Storing tips

Storing and reheating oil-free hummus is not only convenient but also helps to maintain its freshness and flavor. It tends to retain its creamy texture and rich taste even after a few days in the fridge.

To store, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to a week without any noticeable change in its quality or taste.

If you have made a large batch and wish to keep some for later, freezing is a viable option. I recommend freezing it in smaller portions for easy thawing as per your needs. However, remember to consume the thawed hummus within a day or two to enjoy its best flavor.

When it is time to reheat, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you have frozen it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. It is best served cold, so you can skip the reheating and only thaw it if frozen.

? FAQs

What can I use instead of olive oil in hummus?

In this oil-free hummus recipe, you can use aquafaba, which is the liquid from the canned chickpeas. If you do not have aquafaba, you can simply use water to make hummus without any oil. Alternatively, you can use simply water if you want to make hummus without any oil.

Is hummus supposed to be grainy?

No, it is not supposed to be grainy. If your hummus is grainy, it could be because you did not blend it long enough, your blender is not high-powered enough, or you did not peel the cooked chickpeas.

What is a good substitute for tahini in hummus?

There are many substitutes for tahini that you can use. Some of these include sunflower seed butter, sesame oil, or other seed butter. For a full list, you can check out my article on tahini substitutes.

What can I use to garnish my hummus?

You can garnish your hummus with chives, parsley, or sweet paprika powder. These not only add color to your dish but also enhance the flavor of your hummus.

What is the best way to blend the ingredients for hummus?

The best way to blend the ingredients is to add the liquid ingredients first, followed by the dry ingredients. Then, turn on your blender and slowly increase the speed to the maximum.

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