Hummus Without Tahini

Here’s an easy way to make a hummus recipe without tahini: you’ll never believe the pantry ingredient stand-in! It comes out perfectly creamy.

All out of tahini? Or working around an allergy. No problem. You can still make hummus! There’s a secret ingredient that can pinch hit for tahini in a pinch. And it’s not what you might think. In fact: you probably already have in in your pantry. It’s…peanut butter! Turns out, it’s peanut butter that’s the key to a rich, creamy hummus recipe without tahini! Here’s why it works, and how to make the best hummus without this special ingredient.

First off: what’s tahini?

Tahini is a paste made of sesame seeds often used in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean dishes. It’s most famous for its use in hummus: but there are so many other uses! It’s great for making creamy sauces to drizzle salads and grain bowls, or desserts like tahini no bake cookies. Tahini has a slightly bitter flavor right out of the jar. In fact, it’s not sweet like most nut butters or seed butters.

Considering running to the store for some tahini? It’s absolutely worth buying and makes the best creamy hummus. Plus, you can use it in all these great tahini recipes. But if you’re working around an allergy or don’t have time to run to the store…you can use peanut butter!

A hummus recipe without tahini: here’s why it works

Peanut butter might not be the first thing you’d think of in hummus. In fact, it shouldn’t really be there. But here’s why it works: tahini is a seed butter that adds richness and a nutty flavor to hummus. What’s similar to seed butter? Yes, nut butter.

Peanut butter does the same thing as tahini in hummus: it adds richness and a slight nutty complexity. It’s perfect for a hummus recipe without tahini! In fact, we tried the recipe below without good old PB. It tasted good, but not nearly as full-flavored as with peanut butter.

Don’t want to use peanut butter? Here are more substitutes

Don’t want to use peanut butter in your hummus? Or got a nut allergy? No problem: here are some options!

• Use almond butter or cashew butter. Both of these nut butters pair well flavor-wise in a hummus. Cashew butter is a little sweeter, and almond butter is a little more neutral. Just make sure not to use flavored butters (like ones with cinnamon and vanilla). Even better, make your own Homemade Almond Butter and Homemade Cashew Butter.
• Leave it out altogether. If it weirds you out to put in the peanut butter, or you don’t have it: guess what? You can leave it out altogether. It still tastes good: just not as rich.

How to make hummus without tahini…a few tips

This hummus recipe without tahini is a breeze to whip up: once you know the magic tahini substitute! Here’s what to note about the method (or skip right to the recipe below):

• A food processor is required. You probably already knew that. Homemade hummus blends up best in a food processor: a blender has a hard time with it.
• Save the aquafaba! The aqua-what? Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. You’ll need to use it in this hummus: because it makes for the creamiest, best tasting puree. If you forget: that’s ok! You can use water.

Storage info

How long does homemade hummus last? Homemade hummus should last up to 1 week in the refrigerator. It does not freeze well, so you’ll want to eat it within the week timeframe.

Ways to serve this hummus without tahini

Serve up this hummus recipe without tahini in all the same ways you would with regular hummus! Here’s what we love most for dipping in hummus:

• Crunchy veggies: carrot sticks, celery, kohlrabi, endive
• Pita chips
• Flatbread or pita bread
• Crackers (try homemade or gluten free)
• Baguette slices
• Crostini

Variations on hummus without tahini: more flavors!

You can make lots of flavor variations on this hummus without tahini recipe! Here are some ideas for interesting options:

• Green hummus: Add ½ cup chopped cilantro, 2 green onions and 2 cups spinach leaves
• Beet hummus: Add 1 cooked beet.
• Red pepper hummus: Add 2 jarred roasted red peppers.

This hummus recipe without tahini is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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