If you have ever wanted to create the perfect creamy, flavorful dip from scratch with minimal fuss, this Instant Pot Hummus Recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender garbanzo beans cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot with tahini, garlic, lemon, and spices, this recipe delivers a smooth and rich hummus that feels fresh and wholesome. It’s quick enough for casual snacking and impressive enough to serve to guests, making it the ideal go-to for any hummus craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Instant Pot Hummus Recipe plays a crucial role, turning simple pantry staples into a luxurious dip. Fresh garlic adds a delicious bite, tahini gives that authentic nutty undertone, and fresh lemon juice brightens the whole mixture. These essentials work together to create a hummus that’s irresistibly smooth and packed with flavor.
- 1 1/2 cup dry garbanzo beans: The heart of the hummus, providing that creamy texture and rich, earthy flavor once cooked.
- 6 cups water: The cooking liquid that allows the beans to soften perfectly in the Instant Pot.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic: Split between peeling and mincing, garlic adds both depth and a lovely aromatic punch.
- 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice: This brightens and elevates the entire dish with just the right acidity.
- 1/2 cup tahini paste: Essential for that luscious, slightly nutty flavor classic to authentic hummus.
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and richness, and is also great for drizzling on top before serving.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite pop.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertones that give the hummus character and a subtle spice.
How to Make Instant Pot Hummus Recipe
Step 1: Pressure Cook the Garbanzo Beans
Start by pouring dry garbanzo beans, water, and two peeled garlic cloves into the Instant Pot. Lock the lid in place and set the vent to sealing. Choose high pressure and set the timer for 40 minutes. This step is where the magic begins as the Instant Pot steams the beans until they’re tender and ready to blend into creamy hummus.
Step 2: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time completes, do not rush to open the Instant Pot. Let the pressure release naturally over 30 minutes. This slower release method lets the beans finish cooking gently, ensuring a soft texture without splitting or breaking down too much.
Step 3: Drain and Reserve Cooking Liquid
When it’s safe to open, lift the lid carefully. Reserve a cup of the cooking liquid; it is packed with flavor and will help you achieve the perfect hummus consistency. Then, remove the garbanzo beans and garlic cloves from the pot and strain off any excess water.
Step 4: Blend Tahini, Garlic, and Lemon Juice
In your blender or food processor, add the tahini paste, the two minced garlic cloves, and fresh lemon juice. Puree these ingredients together until smooth and creamy, forming the flavorful base of your hummus before the beans join the mix.
Step 5: Add Half of the Beans and Olive Oil
Next, add half of the cooked garbanzo beans along with 1 tablespoon of the reserved cooking liquid and about half of the olive oil to the blender. Blend thoroughly until smooth. This creates a silky, dense texture that’s the hallmark of good hummus.
Step 6: Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients
Time to bring it all together! Add salt, cumin, the remaining beans, and the rest of the olive oil. Blend again until the hummus is evenly combined and has a perfectly smooth texture that is ready for tasting and tweaking.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Consistency
Give your hummus a taste. If it feels too dense or thick, add a bit more of the reserved cooking liquid until it reaches your favorite consistency. Don’t be shy about adjusting salt, lemon, or cumin to suit your preference—it’s your personal masterpiece after all!
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. If you like, sprinkle smoked paprika or chopped herbs on top for a splash of color and a subtle smoky twist that elevates this homemade delight.
How to Serve Instant Pot Hummus Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing hummus adds visual appeal and flavor boosts. Popular choices include olive oil drizzles, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, chopped fresh parsley, or even toasted pine nuts. These touches create a beautiful presentation and add different textures.
Side Dishes
This hummus shines alongside warm pita bread, crunchy fresh vegetable sticks like cucumbers or carrots, and as a creamy complement to grilled meats or falafel. Its versatility makes it perfect for both casual munching and more elevated spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends? Serve hummus in a shallow dish topped with artfully arranged toppings such as roasted red peppers, olives, or za’atar spice. You can also use it as a spread in sandwiches or wraps, turning simple meals into a flavor-packed affair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps nicely for up to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy your Instant Pot Hummus Recipe any time hunger strikes without the need to cook again.
Freezing
If you want to keep hummus longer, it freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Hummus is best served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, gently heat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use canned garbanzo beans instead of dry beans?
While canned beans are convenient, cooking dry beans in the Instant Pot allows you to control texture and flavor, making this Instant Pot Hummus Recipe taste fresher and creamier. However, you can make a quicker version using canned beans if pressed for time.
Do I need to soak the beans before pressure cooking?
No soaking is required when using the Instant Pot for this recipe, which is one of its biggest conveniences. The pressure cooking process softens the beans thoroughly within the timed cooking session.
What does tahini do in hummus?
Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds that gives hummus its signature nutty flavor and creamy texture. It also contributes to the rich, smooth mouthfeel that makes hummus so addictive.
My hummus is grainy, how can I fix it?
Graininess can come from undercooked beans or insufficient blending. Be sure to cook the beans fully and blend well, adding reserved cooking liquid or olive oil gradually to create a smooth, silky consistency.
Is this Instant Pot Hummus Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! The recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for a wide variety of diets and preferences.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about creating creamy, flavorful hummus at home, especially with the ease of this Instant Pot Hummus Recipe. Whether you’re prepping it for a snack, a party, or a healthy meal addition, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and watch how your kitchen fills with the mouthwatering aroma of fresh, homemade hummus!
Print
Instant Pot Hummus Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dip
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Instant Pot Hummus recipe offers a creamy, flavorful homemade twist on the classic Middle Eastern dip. By cooking dry garbanzo beans under high pressure, the hummus achieves a smooth texture and rich taste without the need for canned beans. Enhanced with fresh garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and a blend of spices, this hummus is perfect as a healthy appetizer, snack, or accompaniment to various dishes.
Ingredients
Beans and Cooking Liquid
- 1 1/2 cups dry garbanzo beans
- 6 cups water
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (2 peeled, 2 peeled and minced)
Hummus Ingredients
- 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup tahini paste
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Pressure Cook Beans: Pour the dry garbanzo beans, 6 cups of water, and two peeled garlic cloves into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, set the vent to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 40 minutes to soften the beans thoroughly.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once cooking is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 30 minutes, allowing the beans to finish cooking gently and achieve the perfect tenderness.
- Prepare Beans and Reserve Cooking Liquid: Open the Instant Pot, remove the cooked beans and garlic, and strain off excess water. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid to add later to the hummus for desired consistency.
- Blend Tahini Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine tahini paste, minced garlic cloves, and fresh lemon juice. Puree these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Beans and Olive Oil in Stages: Add half of the cooked beans, 1 tablespoon of the reserved cooking liquid, and half of the olive oil to the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add salt, ground cumin, the remaining cooked beans, and the rest of the olive oil. Continue blending until all ingredients form a silky smooth hummus consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning and Consistency: Taste the hummus and adjust salt or cumin if needed. If the hummus is too thick, gradually add more reserved cooking liquid until your preferred creaminess is achieved.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and optionally drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle smoked paprika for garnish. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or use as a spread.
Notes
- Soaking the garbanzo beans overnight is optional but can reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- You can substitute fresh garlic with roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice and garlic amounts to taste for preferred tanginess and pungency.
- Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To make the hummus thinner, add reserved cooking liquid incrementally while blending.
