Introduction
I started making this garlic scape hummus every summer the moment garlic scapes show up at the farmers market because it’s honestly the best hummus I’ve ever had. Garlic scapes give it a mellow, slightly sweet garlic flavor that blends into the creamiest, most addictive hummus without the sharp bite you can get from raw garlic cloves. It comes together in a food processor in about 10 minutes and tastes so much better than anything from a store container. This is perfect for a quick appetizer, a party dip, or just something to snack on with pita and vegetables throughout the week.
How to Make Garlic Scape Hummus (Quick Overview)
To make this garlic scape hummus, blend chickpeas, garlic scapes, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and a little ice water in a food processor until incredibly smooth and creamy. Season with salt and cumin, then taste and adjust. The whole batch is ready in about 10 minutes with zero cooking required.
About the Ingredients
Garlic Scapes
Garlic scapes are the star ingredient that sets this garlic scape hummus apart from regular hummus. Their mild, sweet garlic flavor blends beautifully with the chickpeas and gives the hummus a uniquely fresh, seasonal taste. Look for firm, bright green scapes with tightly curled tops at farmers markets in late spring and early summer.
Chickpeas
Canned chickpeas are the base of this easy garlic scape hummus recipe and give it that classic, creamy texture. For the smoothest possible hummus, peel the skins off the chickpeas before blending — it takes a few extra minutes but makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.
Tahini
Good quality tahini adds a rich, nutty depth to this creamy homemade garlic scape hummus that makes it taste far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. Use a runny, well-stirred tahini for the smoothest blend — thick or old tahini can make the hummus grainy.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens the whole flavor of this garlic scape hummus and balances the richness of the tahini and olive oil. Always use fresh juice — bottled lemon juice doesn’t give the same clean brightness in this easy garlic scape hummus recipe.
Ice Water
Adding ice water while blending is the secret to getting this creamy homemade garlic scape hummus incredibly smooth and fluffy. The cold water lightens the texture and helps the food processor blend everything into a silky, airy consistency.
Tips and Tricks
Add the ice water a tablespoon at a time while the food processor is running and keep blending for at least 3-4 minutes. Most people don’t blend their hummus long enough — the extra time is what makes this garlic scape hummus impossibly smooth and creamy.
Reserve a little of the canned chickpea liquid (aquafaba) to add instead of ice water if you want an even creamier, more stable texture in this easy garlic scape hummus recipe.
Taste the hummus before adding extra salt — canned chickpeas already have salt and tahini can be salty too, so season gradually for this creamy homemade garlic scape hummus.
Pro Tips
For the smoothest possible garlic scape hummus, blend the tahini and lemon juice together first for a full minute before adding any other ingredients. This emulsifies the tahini and creates a fluffy base that makes the final hummus much lighter.
Blanch the garlic scapes in boiling water for 30-45 seconds before blending if you want a milder, sweeter flavor. Raw scapes give a more pronounced garlic punch in this easy garlic scape hummus recipe.
Drizzle the finished creamy homemade garlic scape hummus with good quality extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and a few whole chickpeas on top right before serving for a restaurant-quality presentation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas. For the smoothest hummus, peel off the skins by rubbing them gently between your hands.
- Trim the garlic scapes and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- Add the tahini and lemon juice to the food processor and blend for 1 full minute until pale and fluffy.
- Add the garlic scape pieces and blend for another 30 seconds until finely chopped into the tahini mixture.
- Add the chickpeas, cumin, and salt and blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture starts to come together.
- With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil, then add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the hummus reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Blend for a full 3-4 minutes total for the silkiest texture.
- Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, or garlic scape flavor as needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and create a shallow well in the center with the back of a spoon.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and top with a few whole chickpeas before serving.
Variations
For a roasted garlic scape version of this garlic scape hummus, roast the scapes in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes before blending for a deeper, slightly caramelized flavor.
If you want a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne or a small piece of roasted jalapeño to the food processor along with the other ingredients.
For a beet garlic scape hummus, blend in half a small roasted beet for a stunning deep pink color and slightly earthy sweetness.
Swap the chickpeas for white beans in this easy garlic scape hummus recipe for a lighter, milder flavor with a similarly creamy texture.
Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the food processor for a green herb garlic scape hummus with an even fresher flavor.
How to Store
Store this garlic scape hummus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep a thin layer of olive oil on the surface to prevent it from drying out.
Give it a stir before serving since the olive oil may separate slightly after sitting in the fridge.
This hummus can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving — it may need a splash of water and a quick re-blend to restore its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are garlic scapes and where do I find them?
Garlic scapes are the curly green shoots from hardneck garlic plants, available at farmers markets and specialty grocery stores in late spring and early summer. The season for this garlic scape hummus is short so grab them when you see them.
Can I use regular garlic instead of garlic scapes?
Yes, substitute 2-3 garlic cloves for the scapes if you can’t find them. The flavor will be sharper and more pungent than this creamy homemade garlic scape hummus made with scapes.
Why is my hummus grainy instead of smooth?
It wasn’t blended long enough or the tahini was too thick. Blend for at least 3-4 minutes total and add more ice water one tablespoon at a time to smooth it out in this easy garlic scape hummus recipe.
Does peeling the chickpeas really make a difference?
Yes, peeled chickpeas create noticeably smoother garlic scape hummus. It takes a few extra minutes but the texture difference is worth it.
Can I make this hummus ahead of time?
Yes, this creamy homemade garlic scape hummus actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld together.
Is this hummus vegan?
Yes, this garlic scape hummus is completely vegan and made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
What do I serve with garlic scape hummus?
Pita bread, pita chips, raw vegetables like carrots and cucumbers, crackers, or spread onto sandwiches — this easy garlic scape hummus recipe works great with all of them.
Creamy Garlic Scape Hummus
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas. For the smoothest hummus, peel off the skins by rubbing them gently between your hands.
- Trim the garlic scapes and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- Add the tahini and lemon juice to the food processor and blend for 1 full minute until pale and fluffy.
- Add the garlic scape pieces and blend for another 30 seconds until finely chopped into the tahini mixture.
- Add the chickpeas, cumin, and salt and blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture starts to come together.
- With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil, then add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the hummus reaches a smooth creamy consistency.
- Blend for a full 3-4 minutes total for the silkiest texture.
- Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, or garlic scape flavor as needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and create a shallow well in the center with the back of a spoon.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and top with a few whole chickpeas before serving.