Instructions for Preparing Ithaca Hummus – A Fresh and Flavorful Recipe
Ithaca Hummus is a highly regarded brand of pre-packaged hummus, recognized for its exceptionally fresh, tangy, and creamy consistency. Ithaca Hummus, in contrast to conventional hummus, features a pronounced lemon flavor and a velvety texture, rendering it ideal for dipping, spreading, or incorporation into bowls. However, are you aware that you may create a homemade variant that is equally delectable and fresh?
This blog will provide a detailed recipe to replicate Ithaca Hummus in your kitchen.
What Distinguishes Ithaca Hummus? Ithaca Hummus is notable for its:
✔ Vibrant, acidic taste – Attributed to additional lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.
✔ Silky and velvety consistency – Whipped to excellence without preservatives. ✔ Absence of synthetic components – Composed of uncomplicated, premium ingredients. ✔ Cold-processing technique – Preserving flavors’ freshness and vibrancy.
Ithaca Hummus – Recipe Card
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Mediterranean |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 10 minutes |
| Servings | 4-6 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas (canned, drained, rinsed) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Fresh lemon juice | ¼ cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | ¼ cup |
| Cold water | 3 tbsp |
| Tahini | 2 tbsp |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Sea salt | ¾ tsp |
| Ground cumin (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Ice cubes | 1-2 pieces |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a food processor, blend lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and salt for 30 seconds. |
| 2 | Add tahini and olive oil, then blend for another 30 seconds until creamy. |
| 3 | Add half of the chickpeas and blend for 30 seconds. Then, add the rest of the chickpeas, ice cubes, and cold water, blending until smooth. |
| 4 | Adjust consistency by adding 1-2 tbsp more water if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning. |
| 5 | Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with paprika or sesame seeds. |
| 6 | Serve with pita chips, fresh veggies, or use as a spread. Enjoy! |
Serving Suggestions
✔ Serve as a dip with pita and veggies.
✔ Spread on toast, sandwiches, or wraps.
✔ Drizzle over grain bowls and salads.
✔ Pair with falafel or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy your homemade Ithaca-style hummus! 🥙✨
Ithaca Hummus Recipe from Scratch
Required Ingredients
To attain the distinctive fresh and tangy flavor, we will utilize these essential ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons cold water (to achieve a smooth consistency)
- 2 tablespoons tahini (for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a zesty flavor)
- 1 clove of garlic, chopped – ¾ teaspoon sea salt – ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for enhanced flavor)
- Ice cubes (1-2 pieces) (to facilitate an exceptionally creamy texture)
Sequential Instructions
1. Combine the Lemon,
Garlic, and Vinegar – In a food processor or blender, amalgamate lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and salt.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds to facilitate the breakdown of the garlic and the amalgamation of flavors.
2. Incorporate the Tahini and Olive Oil
- Add tahini and olive oil, then blend for an additional 30 seconds until smooth. The amalgamation will begin to congeal and attain a creamy consistency.
3. Integrate the Chickpeas –
Introduce fifty percent of the chickpeas and blend for thirty seconds.
- Incorporate the remaining chickpeas, along with ice cubes and cold water, and mix until smooth.
- If the hummus is very thick, include 1-2 tablespoons of more water for a smoother consistency.
4. Modify Seasoning and Consistency
- Adjust the seasoning by incorporating additional salt or lemon juice as necessary.
- Blend one more for 10-15 seconds to achieve a flawlessly smooth hummus.
5. Serve and Relish! –
Transfer the hummus to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with a pinch of paprika or sesame seeds for enhanced taste.
- Accompany with pita chips, fresh vegetables, or apply it to sandwiches and wraps.
Guidelines for Optimal Ithaca-Style Hummus
✅ Utilize premium olive oil – It elevates the overall taste. ✅ Blend until exceptionally smooth – Process for a minimum of 2 minutes to achieve the ideal consistency. ✅ Chilled ingredients are beneficial – Refrigerating the lemon juice and water prior to blending results in a fresh, whipped texture. ✅ To achieve a more pronounced lemon flavor in hummus, incorporate an additional ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon zest. ✅ To enhance spiciness? Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper* or a splash of hot sauce.
Recommendations for Serving
Relish your handmade Ithaca hummus in innovative manners:
✔ As a dip – Accompany with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or crackers.
✔ As a spread — Utilize in sandwiches, wraps, or on toast.
✔ In grain bowls – Apply to quinoa, roasted vegetables, or salads.
✔ Accompanied by falafel – An ideal complement for a Middle Eastern-themed repast.
Concluding Reflections
This homemade Ithaca Hummus recipe embodies the fresh, tangy, and smooth flavor of the original, utilizing uncomplicated ingredients and devoid of preservatives. It is simple to prepare, healthful, and suitable for any event.
5 FAQs About Ithaca Hummus
1. What makes Ithaca Hummus different from traditional hummus?
Ithaca Hummus is known for its extra fresh, tangy flavor due to the addition of more lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. It also has a smoother texture and is made without preservatives, using cold-crafted methods to maintain freshness.
2. Can I make Ithaca-style hummus without tahini?
Yes! While tahini adds creaminess, you can substitute it with:
- Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
- Sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative
- Extra olive oil for a richer taste
3. How do I make my hummus ultra-smooth?
- Blend for at least 2-3 minutes in a high-powered blender.
- Use ice cubes while blending to whip the hummus.
- Peel the chickpeas by rubbing them with a towel before blending.
4. How long does homemade Ithaca hummus last?
Store homemade hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For the best freshness, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before storing.
5. Can I customize the flavors of Ithaca-style hummus?
Absolutely! Try these variations:
- Spicy Hummus – Add ½ tsp cayenne or sriracha
- Garlic Lover’s Hummus – Add 2-3 cloves roasted garlic
- Herb Infused – Blend in fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley
- Roasted Red Pepper – Mix in ½ cup roasted red peppers
