Hummus has long been a go-to dip and spread for everything from pita chips to veggie platters. But if you’re craving a more robust flavor, why not give it a gourmet twist with black garlic? The result is a smooth, creamy dip that boasts layers of savory sweetness—perfect for both casual snacking and entertaining guests. Here’s how to whip up a batch of irresistible black garlic hummus.

Why Black Garlic?

Black garlic transforms regular garlic cloves into something extraordinary through a weeks-long aging process under warm, humid conditions. This process develops a dark color, jammy texture, and sweet flavor reminiscent of molasses or balsamic vinegar. By incorporating black garlic into hummus, you’ll get a deeper, more complex flavor profile than standard raw garlic can provide.

Recipe Overview

Yield

  • About 2 cups of hummus (serving 4–6 people)

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed

  • 3–4 cloves of black garlic, peeled and mashed

  • 1–2 cloves of raw garlic, minced (optional, for extra bite)

  • 3 tablespoons of tahini

  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for garnish)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

  • A few tablespoons of water or chickpea liquid (reserved from the can), as needed to thin the hummus

  • (Optional garnishes: a drizzle of olive oil, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, toasted pine nuts)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Chickpeas

    • Drain the can of chickpeas, reserving some of the liquid (aquafaba). Rinse thoroughly under cold water.

    • If you have time and want an extra-creamy texture, pinch off the skins of the chickpeas. This step is optional but yields smoother hummus.

  2. Combine Main Ingredients

    • In a food processor or high-speed blender, add the chickpeas, mashed black garlic, optional raw garlic, tahini, and lemon juice.

    • Pulse a few times to begin breaking down the chickpeas and incorporating the garlic.

  3. Add Oil and Seasonings

    • Drizzle in the olive oil, followed by the salt and pepper. Blend again until the mixture starts to form a thick paste.

  4. Adjust Consistency

    • While blending, gradually add a tablespoon or two of water or the reserved chickpea liquid to achieve your desired creaminess.

    • Stop to scrape down the sides of the processor as needed, then blend again.

  5. Taste and Adjust

    • Sample your hummus, adding more salt, lemon juice, or raw garlic for extra zing, if desired.

  6. Garnish and Serve

    • Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, then top with optional garnishes like chopped herbs, smoked paprika, or toasted pine nuts.

    • Enjoy immediately with pita bread, crackers, or sliced veggies. Or store in the fridge for up to five days.

Tips and Variations

  1. Roasted Garlic Combo: For an even sweeter, more complex flavor, try adding a few cloves of roasted garlic to the mix.

  2. Herb Infusions: Add a handful of fresh basil or cilantro for a refreshing herbal twist.

  3. Spice It Up: Mix in a dash of cayenne or chili flakes for subtle heat.

  4. Cheesy Hint: Stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) to complement the black garlic’s sweetness.

  5. Make It Vegan: The recipe is already vegan-friendly unless you add non-vegan extras like cheese.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pita and Veggies: Serve with warm pita bread, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.

  • Sandwich Spread: Use it as a flavorful base for wraps or sandwiches in place of mayo.

  • Bowl Boost: Dollop some onto your grain bowls for a tangy, protein-rich topping.

  • Charcuterie Companion: Place a small bowl of this hummus on a cheese board or charcuterie spread for an unexpected savory-sweet twist.

Final Thoughts

By swapping traditional raw garlic for black garlic (or using a combination of both), you can create a hummus that feels a bit more sophisticated—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special. The subtle sweetness of black garlic, combined with classic hummus ingredients, strikes a unique balance that keeps you coming back for more.

Try pairing this hummus with crispy pita chips, fresh veggies, or even spread it on a sandwich. Once you experience the flavor-packed punch of black garlic in a creamy dip, you may never want to go back to plain old hummus again.