Authentic Lebanese Hummus

Step 1

Rinse and drain the chickpeas.

Step 2

Place the chickpeas in a bowl of warm water, covering them by about 1 inch.

Step 3

Sprinkle in the baking soda and let soak for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4

Gently rub or pinch 5-7 chickpeas to remove the skins. The friction will cause the skins to fall off. You don't have to remove all the skins, but aim to remove about 80%. Rise the water as needed, including a final rinse, before moving on to step two.

Step 5

Add the chickpeas to a food processor and pulse for 3 minutes, until they form a rough paste.

Step 6

Add the lemon juice, tahini, garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt to the food processor. Pulse until smooth.

Step 7

Continue to blend the mixture in the food processor while slowly drizzling 1/4 cup of ice water. Blend for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Spoon the hummus onto a small plate.

Step 9

Using the back of a spoon, carve out 1-2 wells in the hummus.

Step 10

Drizzle each well with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 11

(Optional) Dust the hummus with paprika.