Hummus will be 'smoother and tastier than ever' if you add this one extra step

It's creamy, versatile, and a staple in kitchens across the world. From a quick energy boost straight from the spoon to a show-stopping snack at a dinner party, hummus has earned its place in our hearts - and refrigerators. But according to the latest recipe tips fromEveryday Healthy! Everyday Delicious!, a simple extra step can elevate your hummus from good to truly irresistible.

If you've ever made hummus and found it just a touch grainy, or not quite as silky as you hoped, the culprit might be the skin of the chickpeas. While canned chickpeas are convenient, their skins can make hummus slightly coarse. By removing even a portion of these skins, you're giving your hummus a smoother, lighter texture. "For the smoothest hummus, remove the skin from at least a quarter of the chickpeas," says the recipe. "For even smoother results, peel more when you have the time and patience."

It's a small, hands-on step that requires a little extra care, but the payoff is significant. Every bite will feel silkier and more indulgent, bringing out the natural creaminess of the chickpeas.

Start by using organic canned chickpeas with only three ingredients: chickpeas, water, and salt. Pour them into a saucepan with their liquid and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the chickpeas are tender and beginning to fall apart. This gentle cooking releases the skins, making them easier to remove.

Once cooked, drain the chickpeas, reserving the liquid, and start peeling. Lightly rub the chickpeas between your fingers to slip the skins off.

Once your chickpeas are ready, it's time to bring everything together. The recipe calls for a mix of lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, Aleppo pepper flakes, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, olive oil, tahini, and a handful of fresh cilantro.

Combine everything in a food processor, process for several minutes, and scrape down the sides to ensure an even, creamy texture. A splash of the reserved chickpea liquid or a little cold water can be added at the end to soften the hummus to your desired consistency.

Finally, spoon your hummus into a shallow bowl or plate. Create a wide well in the center with the back of a spoon and drizzle generously with good olive oil.

For extra flair, sprinkle with toppings like sumac, smoked paprika, za'atar, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, or roasted chickpeas.