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Hummus Tehina

This authentic hummus tehina is a staple vegan dish that celebrates the rich, nutty flavours of sesame and chickpeas. Unlike shop-bought versions, this homemade dip achieves an incredibly smooth, velvety texture by overcooking the pulses until they are perfectly tender. Infused with earthy cumin and a hint of bicarbonate of soda to soften the skins, it offers a professional-quality finish that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Ideal as a healthy snack or a centrepiece for a Mediterranean mezze board, this recipe is naturally high in protein and fibre. Serving it warm adds a luxurious touch, especially when finished with a vibrant garnish of paprika, fresh parsley, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Pair it with toasted pitta or crunchy seasonal vegetables for a delicious, plant-based treat.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Hummus Tehina

  • 240ml dried chickpeas

  • 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda

  • 350ml Basic Tehina Sauce, plus a bit more for topping

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin

  • Paprika

  • Chopped fresh parsley

  • Olive oil, for drizzling

How to make Hummus Tehina

Place the chickpeas in a large bowl with 1 teaspoon of the bicarbonate of soda and cover with water. (The chickpeas will double in volume, so use more water than you think you need.) Soak the chickpeas overnight at room temperature. The next day, drain the chickpeas and rinse under cold water.

Place the chickpeas in a large pot with the remaining 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda and add cold water to cover by at least 4 inches. Bring the chickpeas to a boil over high heat, skimming off any scum that rises to the surface. Lower the heat to medium, cover the pot, and continue to simmer for about 1 hour, until the chickpeas are completely tender. Then simmer them a little more. (The secret to creamy hummus is overcooked chickpeas; don’t worry if they are mushy and falling apart a little.) Drain.

Combine the chickpeas, tehina sauce, salt, and cumin in a food processor. Purée the hummus for several minutes, until it is smooth and uber-creamy. Then purée it some more!

To serve, spread the hummus in a shallow bowl, dust with paprika, top with parsley and more tehina sauce if you like, and drizzle generously with olive oil.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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