This Creamy Roasted Garlic and Basil Hummus is made with chickpeas, tahini, fresh basil and two whole heads of roasted garlic. It's an easy homemade dip perfect for snacking, sandwiches and mezze platters. Get the recipe below.
Traditionally made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic, hummus has become a popular dish around the world thanks to its versatility, nutritious ingredients and delicious flavour!
Over the years, countless variations of classic hummus have emerged, each bringing something unique to the table. Popular flavour combinations include roasted red pepper, caramelised onion, spicy chilli, sun-dried tomato and herb-infused versions. I first made my Beetroot Hummus a few years ago which I love for its earthy sweetness and bright pink colour, making it a striking addition to mezze platters and party spreads.
This roasted garlic and basil hummus offers another fresh twist on the traditional recipe. Roasting whole heads of garlic transforms their sharp flavour into something sweet and mellow, while fresh basil adds a fragrant note. Whether you're serving it as part of a mezze feast, spreading it into sandwiches or enjoying it as a healthy snack, this easy homemade hummus is guaranteed to become a favourite.
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Ingredients
There are just 7 ingredients needed to make this hummus recipe. They are:
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Tinned chickpeas
- Lemon
- Tahini
- Salt
- Fresh basil leaves
Step-by-step instructions
- Step 1: Cut the tops off the garlic heads, drizzle with olive oil, cover with foil and roast for 40-45 minutes until soft.
- Step 2: Once the garlic is cooled slightly, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins and add to the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, salt and basil in a food processor.
- Step 3: Blend, adding cold water as needed, until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Serve drizzled with olive oil and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Hint: Using ice-cold water while blending creates a lighter, creamier texture.
Substitutions
There are a couple of swaps you can make with this recipe whilst still keeping it's character. They are:
- Herbs: Replace basil with fresh parsley, coriander or mint for a different herb flavour.
- Citrus: Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a slightly sharper taste.
- Pulses: Use white beans instead of chickpeas for a milder, creamier dip.
Equipment
As well as your oven there are a few bits of kit you'll need for this recipe:
- Small baking dish
- Aluminium foil
- Sharp knife
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Storage
You can store the Roasted Garlic and Basil Hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For best freshness, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before storing.
This hummus can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.
Top tip
Peeling chickpeas before blending takes a little extra time but results in exceptionally silky, smooth hummus.
Frequently asked questions
Grainy hummus is usually caused by under-blending or not using enough liquid. Blend for longer and add cold water gradually until smooth.
Yes. The texture and flavour will be slightly different, but the hummus will still be delicious.
The recipe
Roasted Garlic and Basil Hummus
Equipment
- 1 Small baking dish
- Aluminium foil
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Food processor or high-speed blender
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 heads garlic
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tin chickpeas 400g tin with a drained weight of 235g, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 20 g fresh basil leaves
- 2-4 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C / 400F / gas mark 6.
- Cut the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves. Place them in a small ovenproof dish, drizzle with olive oil, cover with foil and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until soft and golden.
- Allow the garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze the softened cloves from their skins.
- Add the roasted garlic, chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, salt and fresh basil to a food processor.
- Blend until smooth, adding cold water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding extra salt, lemon juice or basil to suit your preference.
- Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and extra basil leaves.
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