How To Thicken Hummus That’s Too Runny: BEST Fixes!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

We’ve all been there: you’re ready to dive into a delicious bowl of hummus, but instead of a thick and creamy dip, you’re met with a runny mess that’s more like soup than hummus.

Fear not, hummus lovers!

With a few simple tricks, you can transform your runny hummus into a thick and luscious dip that will have you licking the bowl clean.

So grab your favourite dipping veggies and let’s get to thickening that hummus!

How To Thicken Runny Hummus

Just need to grab the quick answer and run? 

No worries! 

You can thicken hummus that’s too runny by adding more chickpeas, adding more tahini, and incorporating nuts and beans. Toasted nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pistachios can make for a particularly delicious addition! 

You can also prevent runny hummus in the future by ensuring that you don’t over-blend, and being cautious when adding liquids such as water, oil, and lemon juice. Always add a tiny bit at a time, and increase as necessary. 

Keep reading to discover more guidance on these techniques, plus expert advice on achieving that perfect taste and texture. 

Understanding Runny Hummus

Runny hummus can be disappointing, especially when you’ve spent time and effort creating the perfect dip.

Don’t worry; we’ll dive into the causes and solutions to achieve the perfect hummus texture.

Causes of Runny Hummus

There are a few reasons your hummus might turn out runny, and understanding these causes can help you avoid future issues:

  • Over-processing: Over-blending your hummus in the food processor can cause it to become too thin, as the ingredients break down and release excess moisture.
  • Excessive liquid: Adding too much water, oil, or lemon juice during the blending process can lead to a runnier texture.
  • Ingredient temperature: If you’ve cooked your chickpeas beforehand, they might still be warm when you blend them, causing the dip to be thinner than expected.

Homemade vs Store-Bought

There are significant differences between homemade and store-bought hummus regarding consistency and texture.

Homemade hummus allows you to control the ingredients and processing, while store-bought varieties may contain additional oils or preservatives that affect the texture.

Homemade hummus gives you the opportunity to adjust the ingredients to achieve the perfect consistency, whereas runny store-bought hummus may be more challenging to fix.

Nonetheless, the addition of solids, such as chickpeas, can help thicken store-bought hummus that’s too runny.

Texture Issues

It’s crucial to consider the texture of your hummus when correcting the consistency.

Adding more solid ingredients such as tahini or chickpeas can help thicken a runny hummus. However, sometimes getting the desired texture might involve more steps than just adding solids.

Removing the chickpea skins before blending can contribute to a smoother hummus. The combination of adjusting the consistency and removing unwanted textures will make your hummus much more enjoyable for you and your guests.

Key Ingredients for Thickening Hummus

In this section, we’ll explore some key ingredients that can help thicken your hummus to your desired consistency.

Adding More Chickpeas

One of the simplest solutions for a runny hummus is to add more chickpeas to the recipe.

Since chickpeas are the main ingredient in hummus, adding more will not only thicken the consistency but also enhance its overall quality and nutritional value.

Make sure to blend them well to achieve the smooth texture you’re looking for.

Adjusting Tahini Quantity

Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is another crucial ingredient in hummus.

If your hummus is too runny, consider adding more tahini to adjust the texture.

Start by adding a tablespoon at a time and blend thoroughly until you achieve the desired thickness.

Incorporating Nuts and Beans

Introducing nuts and beans to your hummus can not only help thicken it but also add new flavours and textures.

Consider adding toasted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or even pistachios. This will give your hummus a richer, creamier consistency without compromising its flavour.

Additionally, you can experiment with different beans like black or white beans to increase the thickness.

Swapping the chickpeas for these beans can alter the taste and texture of your hummus, making it interesting and unique.

Improving Hummus Consistency

Fixing runny hummus and achieving the perfect consistency can make a world of difference when you’re making homemade hummus.

In this section, we’ll look at a few different ways to improve the texture of your hummus, from using a food processor or blender to perfecting the sauce and spices.

Using a Food Processor or Blender

One of the key steps in creating the ideal hummus texture is to use a food processor or blender.

These appliances help to blend chickpeas, the primary ingredient in hummus, to create a smooth and creamy consistency.

If your hummus is too watery, try adding more chickpeas, which will thicken the mixture and add nutritional value.

Adding Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

Another way to improve the consistency of your hummus is by adjusting the amounts of olive oil and lemon juice in the recipe.

While both ingredients add flavour, they can also contribute to a runny texture if used in excess.

Try reducing the amount of lemon juice or olive oil if your hummus is watery, and adjust to your taste preferences.

Perfecting Hummus Sauce and Spices

Getting the right balance of spices, seasonings, and sauces is also essential in creating delicious homemade hummus with the ideal consistency. After blending the base ingredients, consider adding the following seasonings:

  • Tahini
  • Roasted garlic
  • Cumin
  • Sriracha

When adding these ingredients, start with a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired taste and texture. Remember, the key to perfecting your hummus recipe is experimenting to find the right balance of flavours and ingredients that suit your palate! 

If you’re trying to master the art of the perfect hummus, be sure to also check out our guide to fixing hummus that’s too garlicky.