Low-Calorie Hummus - Best Hummus Recipe Ever (2024)

Published by: Adina · Last modified: July 27, 2022 30 Comments

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Low-calorie hummus with garlic and tahini! Despite its being low-fat, it is the best hummus recipe I've ever tasted.

This low-calorie or light hummus is the best hummus recipe ever!

I am normally careful with things like best ever, ultimate, and so on, but in this case, I cannot help it. There was never a better hummus for me, and trust me, I made and ate lots and lots of them, endless variations of it, with chickpeas or beans or lentils, with red peppers or turmeric, with sesame paste or peanut butter, I even put feta or cream cheese in it.

Not to mention the constant changing of the spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, even garam masala, or another curry powder.

Low-Calorie Hummus - Best Hummus Recipe Ever (1)

I really love all of them, but this low-calorie hummus cannot be topped, in my opinion. It could be the garlic in it or the nigella seeds that add a little bit of something else, its creaminess …. I don't know, probably the combination of them all.

And not to forget that it is a low-fat or low-calorie hummus, made with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon tahini, and it has only about 60 calories per serving. Not many hummus recipes can keep up with that; most of them contain loads of oil and tahini. Still extremely delicious but not so light on the hips.

I always make quite a huge batch of low-calorie hummus, as it keeps in the fridge for about a week. We have it on bread and with bread chips, as a dip for veggie sticks, as a side dish for köfte (Turkish meatballs) and turkey skewers. It is amazing every time!

And if you would like to try a healthy dessert made with pulses, how about these Low-Calorie Brownies?

Low-Calorie Hummus - Best Hummus Recipe Ever (2)

How to cook chickpeas?

  • You can make the low-fat hummus with dried chickpeas, which you can cook yourself, or with canned chickpeas.
  • Cooking chickpeas is not a big deal; it just requires a bit of organization and time.
  • Remember to soak the chickpeas the day before; they should soak for at least 12, preferably longer, and up to 24 hours.
  • Drain and rinse, place in a pot and cover them with plenty of water. Add 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda.
  • Cook until they are really, really, really soft; cooking time always depends on the size and age of the chickpeas.
  • On the packages I buy it is usually written that 30 to 45 minutes would be enough: that is a lie! 🙂 My chickpeas always need at least one and a half hours, if not longer.
  • I always cook a big batch of chickpeas, normally a whole 500 g package. I use what I need immediately and freeze the rest; they keep perfectly for a long time.
  • To make this light hummus, you will need some cooking water as well, so don't throw it all away immediately.
  • To have 250 g/ 8.8 oz cooked chickpeas, you will have to cook about 125 g/ 4.4 oz dry chickpeas, but I totally recommend cooking more and freezing the rest.
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Tips for making low-fat hummus?

  • Use good quality tahini paste. It is not very cheap, but a jar goes a long way, and it keeps a really long time in the fridge. (Amazon affiliate link).
  • Fresh garlic is mandatory, I used two very large cloves, and they were not too much, in my opinion, but I do adore garlic. Don't even consider using garlic powder or something like that, or you will ruin the hummus. Start with one garlic clove and add more according to your taste.
  • If you blend the spread with a handheld mixer, do grate the garlic cloves before adding them to the chickpeas to make sure you will not have any larger pieces of it in your mouth later on.
  • Use the spices generously; there is nothing worse than a bland dip, and don't forget the nigella seeds on top; they really add a little bit of extra something. (Amazon affiliate link).
  • I make the low-calorie hummus in the Thermomix, and I do recommend using a good and powerful kitchen machine to get a really nice creamy consistency.
  • Don't forget to scrape the walls of your kitchen machine several times in between and continue processing the chickpeas, adding a bit of cooking water from time to time, until you reach the perfect consistency.

More low-calorie dips and spreads?

  • Ajvar Recipe
  • Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • The Best Camembert Spread - Simple Obatzda Recipe
  • Fava Bean Dip
  • Polish Cottage Cheese Spread

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Low-Calorie Hummus - Best Hummus Recipe Ever (4)

Low-Calorie Hummus - Best Hummus Recipe Ever (5)

Low-Calorie Hummus - Best Hummus Recipe Ever

Low-calorie hummus with garlic and tahini! Despite its being low-fat, it is the best hummus recipe I've ever tasted.

4.84 from 48 votes

Print Pin Grow Rate

Course: Dips, Sauces and Dressings

Cuisine: Middle East

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 10

Calories: 65kcal

Author: Adina

Ingredients

  • 9 oz cooked chickpeas the same amount of canned chickpeas (See note)
  • some chickpea cooking water or water from the can
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 heaped tablespoon tahini
  • ½ - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon hot paprika
  • nigella seeds to sprinkle on top

Instructions

  • Drain the chickpeas, but keep about 1 cup of cooking water or the water from the can.

  • Blend: Place the drained chickpeas in the food processor. Add the grated garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, salt, cumin, coriander, and paprika and process until really smooth, scraping the walls of the food processor a few times in between.

  • Add some cooking water (or water from the chickpea can) little by little to obtain the desired consistency. You don't have to add it all; stop when you think the texture is correct, it should have more or less the consistency of mashed potatoes.

  • Adjust the taste with more lemon juice or salt. Transfer to a bowl, and sprinkle with nigella seeds.

Notes

To cook dry chickpeas, soak them in plenty of water for 12-24 hours. Then, drain, cover with plenty of water again, add 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, bring to a boil, and cook, covered, until the chickpeas are soft; it will take more than one hour, depending on the size and age of the chickpeas.

To obtain 250 g/ 8.8 oz cooked chickpeas, you will have to cook about 125 g/ 4.4 oz dry chickpeas, but I recommend cooking more and freezing the rest.

The recipe makes 350 g/ 12.4 oz hummus, so one portion would be 35 g/ 1.2 oz. That is one slightly heaped tablespoon of hummus.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/10 of the dish | Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 215mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @adinabeck or tag #WhereIsMySpoon!

More Versatile Dip, Sauce and Dressing Recipes

  • 5-Minute Whipped Ricotta
  • Oil and Vinegar Cucumber Salad
  • Whipped Cottage Cheese Recipe
  • The Best Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Low-Calorie Hummus - Best Hummus Recipe Ever (10)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Crystal says

    Just to clarify - if we use canned chickpeas, they don’t need to be cooked? We go straight to the recipe and use some of the canned water in the can?

    Reply

    • Adina says

      Yes. Canned chickpeas are already cooked.

      Reply

  2. Lynn says

    Low-Calorie Hummus - Best Hummus Recipe Ever (11)
    This hummus was fantastic! Using it with celery. I found in other comments that a serving was slight heaped tablespoon. Oops! Overshot that but I'll be better next snack! 🤔

    Reply

  3. susan says

    Low-Calorie Hummus - Best Hummus Recipe Ever (12)
    This recipe indeed made the best hummus I ever had. I ate it all myself in 2 days. I could have finished it all the first day. I made it as written but without the paprikas, coriander and nigella seeds (increasing the cumin) using canned chickpeas which I drained, rinsed and boiled in water with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for 20 minutes. Last week I made hummus using 1/2 c. Tahini and way more olive oil. This was way better. You sacrifice nothing in taste and texture using this recipe. Thank you so much.

    Reply

    • Adina says

      Hi Susan. Thank you for the feedback and the rating. That's why I love this hummus recipe so much myself, a lot less fat but actually better than the full fat version.

      Reply

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Low-Calorie Hummus - Best Hummus Recipe Ever (2024)

FAQs

Is hummus good for a low calorie diet? ›

Hummus adds great nutritional value and benefits to your weight loss plan. But although healthy in general, hummus is high in carbohydrates and fat and can add up easily if you don't consider your serving sizes. So, to lose weight, like any food, it is important to balance your serving sizes when eating hummus.

What to dip in hummus low calorie? ›

Another way to save yourself a few calories while enjoying some hummus is to dip with fresh, raw veggies instead of pita bread. You'll save calories, and boost your vitamin and mineral intake by adding servings of vegetables to your diet.

What is the healthiest way to eat hummus? ›

“Get creative with different veggies—sliced peppers, jicama, radish slices, celery, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, cucumbers, cauliflower, and broccoli florets are all great ways to change up what you dip into hummus,” Michalczyk says. You'll get a great crunch and tons of nutrition.

Is homemade hummus high in calories? ›

Hummus – made from a blend of chickpeas, seasame paste, olive oil, lemon and cumin – is a healthy snack packed with protein, fibre, good fats and vitamins. However, the oil and the seasame send that calorie count rocketing sky high – a single cup of standard hummus is about 435 calories!

How to eat hummus to lose weight? ›

In answer to your question, “is hummus good for a diet?” the answer is a resounding, yes! Eat it for a snack with celery, carrots, or peppers, spread it over your whole wheat bread instead of mayo, or top your soups with a dollop. This tasty, healthy dip is good for losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle!

Is hummus good for losing belly fat? ›

Weight Loss and Our Favorite Dip. Many people worry, and ask “is hummus fattening” as they begin their diet. This is unfortunate, because humus can be a great snack to actually aid weight loss. That's because monounsaturated fats help you lose weight – specifically belly fat.

How many calories are in 2 tablespoons of homemade hummus? ›

Nutrition Facts

Hummus is a popular "health food" treat but you don't want to go overboard. Two tablespoons of plain hummus has about 50 calories and 3 grams fat.

What to eat with hummus no carbs? ›

Instead, celery, raw broccoli, and raw cauliflower are good dipping options. If you're concerned about going overboard with dip, try using hummus as a garnish. Add it to salad or soup for a flavorful, creamy twist, or use it as a low calorie swap for mayonnaise when making low carb sandwiches or wraps.

What is the healthiest hummus you can buy? ›

1. Hope Foods Organic Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus, $6. Costa's #1 pick for better-for-you hummus is Hope Foods, especially, their Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus. "This hummus stands out for its quality ingredients, fantastic flavor and lack of unnecessary additives," she explains.

Why do you have to eat hummus within 7 days? ›

Store-bought hummus may have a longer shelf life than homemade, depending on how it is prepared. But both varieties should last up to 7 days in the refrigerator (for prepared hummus this applies once the container is opened). Like any food, hummus is perishable and is prone to spoilage.

Is homemade hummus healthier than store bought? ›

A: Many packaged hummus brands are pretty healthy – the basic ingredients are chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, garlic and lemond juice. But making it at home allows you to control the sodium, calories and nutrients. It means you can also play with the taste.

Is it okay to eat hummus every day? ›

Hummus is a truly nutritious snack that is good to include in your daily diet in moderation and when combined with a diverse range of food. Hummus can be a part of the daily diet if consumed in moderation, and the rest of the diet contains a diverse range of foods.

Can you eat hummus on a calorie deficit? ›

It can be easy to over-indulge on hummus as it tastes so good, but if you're trying to lose weight it's important to keep a close eye on your portion size. A healthy portion size of hummus is around 2-4 tablespoons a day, but this must be considered alongside the rest of your diet.

Is hummus a bad carb? ›

In a tablespoon of hummus, there are commonly 2 to 3 grams of net carbs, so this could be a very appropriate snack on a low-carb veggie as a dip or on a lettuce wrap,” says Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist, Ginger Hultin, M.S., R.D.N., and author of Anti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Prep.

Is store bought hummus good for weight loss? ›

The next time you're craving a healthy snack, look no further than hummus. The creamy chickpea dip is packed with fiber and protein, making it a satisfying choice when you need something to tide you over between meals (a registered dietitian also named it the best snack for weight loss).

Is hummus OK to eat on a low carb diet? ›

It's possible to eat small amounts of hummus on a keto diet with careful planning. Still, keto-friendly dips and spreads may be more satisfying. You could opt for a keto hummus that replaces cauliflower or avocado for the chickpeas to keep the carbohydrates lower and pair it with non-starchy vegetables.

Is hummus less fattening than butter? ›

One Tbsp of regular butter with salt can have as much as 11g of fat; 7g sat., 100 cal., 30mg of cholest., and 85mg of sodium. Clearly, toast isn't as innocent as you thought. On the other slice, 1 Tbsp. of hummus has only 1g of fat; 0 sat., 23 cal., 0 cholest., and 53 mg of sodium.

Is hummus OK on weight Watchers? ›

Hummus is only a ZeroPoint food if it contains no ingredients with Points, such as oil, tahini or sugar.

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