Hummus, a popular Middle Eastern dip, has taken the world by storm with its creamy texture and irresistible flavours. This versatile concoction, made primarily from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, making your own homemade hummus is a breeze. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 10 easy and mouthwatering hummus recipes that you can try at home. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with vibrant flavours, aromatic spices, and delightful combinations that will tantalize your taste buds. So, put on your apron and let’s dive into the wonderful world of hummus!
What is Hummus?
Hummus, pronounced as “hoo-muhs,” is a traditional Middle Eastern dip that originated in the Levantine region. It has gained immense popularity worldwide for its smooth and creamy texture, paired with a delightful blend of flavours. The primary ingredient in hummus is cooked and mashed chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. These are combined with tahini (sesame paste), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. The result is a delectable spread that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods, including pita bread, fresh vegetables, chips, or as a condiment in sandwiches and wraps.
What is the Nutritional Value of Hummus?
Hummus not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers numerous nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving (approximately 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: Hummus is relatively low in calories, with an average of around 70-80 calories per serving, making it an excellent option for those watching their calorie intake.
- Protein: Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, are a rich source of plant-based protein. A serving of hummus contains about 2-3 grams of protein, which contributes to feelings of satiety and helps in muscle repair and growth.
- Fiber: Hummus is high in dietary fibre, with approximately 2-3 grams per serving. Fibre aids in digestion promotes a healthy gut, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Healthy Fats: Tahini and olive oil used in hummus provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Hummus contains essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, iron, and magnesium, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
Now that we understand the basics of hummus let’s explore 10 easy and mouthwatering hummus recipes that you can recreate in your own kitchen:
1. Classic Chickpea Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Water (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
– In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and cumin (if using).
– Blend until smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
– If the hummus is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
– Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, chopped parsley, or sesame seeds, if desired.
– Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or your favourite dippers.
2. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large roasted red pepper (jarred or homemade)
- Water (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
– Combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and roasted red pepper in a food processor or blender.
– Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
– Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
– Serve with warm pita bread, crispy pita chips, or vegetable crudités.
3. Spicy Jalapeno Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
- Water (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
– Combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and jalapeno peppers in a food processor or blender.
– Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
– Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
– Garnish with a few slices of jalapeno or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro.
– Serve with tortilla chips, and vegetable sticks, or use as a zesty spread in wraps and sandwiches.
4. Tangy Mango Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- Water (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
– Combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and diced mango in a food processor or blender.
– Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
– Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with a few mango cubes or a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.
– Serve with crispy papadums, naan bread, or as a fruity dip for fresh fruit slices.
5. Cilantro Lime Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Zest of 1 lime
- Water (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
– Combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, cilantro leaves, and lime zest in a food processor or blender.
– Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
– Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of lime zest.
– Serve with grilled vegetables, crispy tortilla chips, or as a zesty spread in tacos and burritos.
6. Masala Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon chilli powder
- Water (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
– Combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, cumin, coriander, and chilli powder in a food processor or blender.
– Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
– Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cumin or a pinch of red chilli flakes.
– Serve with naan bread, crispy samosas, or as a flavourful dip for Indian snacks like pakoras and bhajis.
7. Beetroot Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium-sized beetroot, roasted and peeled
- Water (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
– Combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and roasted beetroot in a food processor or blender.
– Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
– Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few beetroot slices.
– Serve with whole-grain crackers, roasted vegetables, or as a spread on crusty bread.
8. Avocado Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled =1/4 cup tahini
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
– Combine chickpeas, avocado, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a food processor or blender.
– Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
– Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds or a few avocado slices.
– Serve with vegetable crudités, whole-grain toast, or as a creamy topping for salads.
9. Smoky Chipotle Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- Water (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
– Combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and chipotle peppers in a food processor or blender.
– Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
– Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few slices of pickled jalapenos.
– Serve with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or as a spicy dip for quesadillas.
10. Peanut Butter Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water (as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions:
– Combine chickpeas, peanut butter, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a food processor or blender.
– Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
– Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of honey.
– Serve with apple slices, pretzels, or as a unique twist on a peanut butter sandwich.
Congratulations! You’ve now explored 10 easy and delicious hummus recipes that will undoubtedly elevate your snacking experience. From the classic chickpea hummus to the exotic flavours of roasted red pepper, tangy mango, and spicy jalapeno, each recipe offers a unique twist on this beloved Middle Eastern dip. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a healthy snack, or simply craving a burst of flavour, homemade hummus is the answer. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the blender, and let your creativity flow. Get ready to impress your taste buds and share the joy of homemade hummus with your loved ones. Happy hummus-making!
Love,
Team LadyInRoseGold
