How to Fix Bitter-Tasting Hummus

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Things You'll Need

  • Food processor

  • Lemons

  • Water

  • Tahini

  • Garlic

  • Garbanzo beans

  • Salt

  • Paprika

  • Olive oil

  • Sugar

Try altering the flavor before tossing out bitter hummus.
Image Credit: NatashaPhoto/iStock/Getty Images

Fixing the taste of bitter homemade hummus is as simple as finding the proper balance between flavors. Keep extra ingredients on hand when creating a batch and plan on using slightly less of the called-for ingredients -- tahini, garlic and lemon or olive oil. Tasting the hummus as you go will help you find a flavor profile that works well for you. Experiment with different brands of tahini until you find a favorite.

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Step 1

Assemble your food processor and add the prepared hummus.

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Step 2

Add 1/2 cup of cooked garbanzo beans and process on high until thoroughly blended.

Step 3

Taste the hummus. If it's still too bitter, add an additional 1/2 cup garbanzo beans, 1 teaspoon each of sugar and salt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons water. Process on high until blended.

Step 4

Adjust the ingredients until you find the flavor profile that fits your tastes.

Step 5

Transfer the hummus to a serving plate.

Step 6

Create a bowl in the center of the hummus and drizzle on first-press olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika. Chill or serve immediately.

Tip

Too much tahini, too much garlic, too much lemon juice or blending paprika directly into the hummus can impart bitter flavor. Also, when you blend tahini with olive oil, the oil can react to the heat of the spinning blades and take on a bitter flavor. Stir in olive oil just before serving.

Sugar may help counteract bitterness.

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