Basic Hummus Without Tahini

This hummus without tahini is silky smooth, full of flavor, and ready in just 10 minutes. I use aquafaba as my secret weapon for creamy, dreamy tahini free hummus that rivals any recipe with tahini. It's vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and made with pantry staples you probably already have!

I make this easy hummus recipe without tahini all the time. It comes together in minutes, tastes incredible, and no one ever guesses the tahini is missing. Whether you ran out of tahini, have a sesame allergy, or just want a simpler approach, this homemade hummus without tahini delivers.

Why Make Tahini Free Hummus

Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, and it's a staple in traditional hummus recipes. But here's the thing: tahini can be expensive, hard to find, and some people have sesame allergies. Plus, once you open a jar, you might not use it all before it goes bad.

This basic hummus recipe without tahini solves all of those problems. You get the same creamy texture and satisfying flavor using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

The Secret to Creamy Hummus Without Tahini

My secret weapon? Aquafaba!

Aquafaba is simply the liquid from a can of chickpeas. If you want to learn more about this magical ingredient, check out my complete guide on how to use aquafaba.

It works wonders in baked goods like my gluten-free brownies and my vegan chocolate chip cookies. In this hummus, it creates that smooth, creamy texture while allowing me to use less oil overall.

Another tip for silky smooth hummus: remove the skins from your chickpeas. Yes, it's a bit tedious, but trust me, it makes a noticeable difference. Simply rub each chickpea gently between your fingers and the skin slips right off.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 5 minutes with a food processor
• Uses simple pantry staples
• Tastes better than store-bought hummus
• Vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free
• Easy to scale up for parties or potlucks
• Great for meal prep

Ingredients for Hummus Without Tahini

• Canned chickpeas (no salt added preferred)
• Garlic cloves for flavor
• Ground cumin for warmth
• Paprika for color and subtle smokiness
• Kosher salt to taste
• Fresh lemon juice for brightness
• Extra-virgin olive oil for richness
• Aquafaba for creaminess

Using Canned Chickpeas

This canned chickpea hummus without tahini is all about convenience. I recommend using no-salt-added chickpeas so you can control the seasoning yourself. Don't drain and rinse the beans like you normally would. You'll need that aquafaba!

Drain the chickpeas over a bowl to catch the liquid, then measure out what you need for the recipe.

How to make tahini-free hummus

If you are going to be removing the skins from your chickpeas, do that first. To do so, simply rub each chickpea one at a time gently between your fingers and the skin will fall right off.

Next, add the chickpeas, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt and lemon juice to your food processor.

Process on high speed, slowly adding the olive oil followed by the aquafaba.

You will have to stop here and there to scrape the sides. Continue to process on high speed until smooth and creamy.

Transfer this creamy chickpea dip to a serving bowl if desired.

Garnish your flavorful dip with additional paprika, fresh parsley, or however you desire.

Tahini Substitutes for Hummus

If you want to experiment beyond aquafaba, here are other tahini substitutes that work well:

• Peanut butter or almond butter adds creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor (not nut-free)
• Sunflower seed butter for a nut-free, sesame-free option
• Greek yogurt (not vegan) creates a tangy, creamy texture
• Extra olive oil with more aquafaba for a lighter version

Oil-Free Hummus Without Tahini

One of my readers shared a brilliant tip for making this completely oil-free. Roast your chickpeas first, then add a little extra water when blending. This creates a tahini-free, oil-free hummus that's perfect if you're watching your fat intake.

Storing Homemade Hummus

Store this hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For detailed storage tips and signs your hummus has gone bad, check out my guide on how long hummus lasts.

Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. Don't leave it out too long or the texture may become slightly watery. Give it a good stir before serving if it's been sitting in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This post originally appeared on Watch Learn Eat on April 16, 2015. It has been republished to reflect both recipe and photo revisions. Changes to the story were also made.

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