Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Elevate your snack game with this incredibly flavorful Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet, it’s a vibrant dip perfect for any occasion. This recipe is quick to prepare and boasts a depth of flavor that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
Servings
Approximately 4-6 servings (about 400 grams / 14 ounces)
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Packed with a vibrant, sweet, and smoky flavor from the roasted red peppers.
- Remarkably quick to prepare, ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish.
- Offers a creamy, smooth texture that is perfect for dipping.
- A versatile and healthy plant-based appetizer or snack.
- Easily customizable with your favorite seasonings and garnishes.
Ingredients
- 1 can (425 g / 15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed thoroughly
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) roasted red peppers (from a jar, drained, or freshly roasted and peeled)
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) tahini
- Juice of 1 large lemon (approximately 30 ml / 2 tablespoons), freshly squeezed
- 1 clove garlic, minced finely (approximately 5 g)
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 ml) cold water, as needed for consistency
- Fine sea salt, to taste (start with 2 g / 1/2 teaspoon)
- Smoked paprika, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly drain and rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water until no foam remains. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth texture and reducing any canned flavor. If using jarred roasted red peppers, ensure they are also well-drained.
- In the bowl of a high-speed food processor, combine the prepared chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and the initial 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of extra virgin olive oil. Ensure all ingredients are added before blending.
- Process the mixture on high speed until it begins to smooth out. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) at a time, through the feed tube while the processor is running, until the hummus reaches your desired creamy, airy consistency. This usually takes 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even blending.
- Once smooth, taste the hummus and season generously with fine sea salt. Start with 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) and add more in small increments until the flavor is perfectly balanced. The salt enhances all the other flavors in the dip.
- Transfer the finished hummus to a serving bowl. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, create a swirl on top with the back of a spoon, drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle lightly with smoked paprika before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite pita bread, fresh vegetable sticks, or crispy crackers.
- For optimal flavor, allow the hummus to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
Tools You’ll Need
- Food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Lemon juicer (optional)
- Rubber spatula
- Serving bowl
Essential Success Tips
- Always rinse chickpeas thoroughly: This removes excess sodium and helps achieve a smoother, less 'beany' flavored hummus.
- Use good quality tahini: A high-quality tahini (made from hulled sesame seeds) makes a significant difference in the smoothness and flavor of your hummus.
- Adjust water gradually: Add cold water slowly, one tablespoon at a time, to control the consistency and prevent your hummus from becoming too thin.
- Fresh lemon juice is key: Avoid bottled lemon juice; fresh juice provides a brighter, more authentic flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Hummus needs a good amount of salt to shine. Always taste and adjust salt (and lemon juice) at the end.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality hummus, gently peel the skins off the chickpeas after rinsing. While time-consuming, it yields an incredibly velvety texture.
- If your hummus is not as creamy as desired, try adding a small ice cube or a splash of ice-cold water during the final blending phase. The cold helps emulsify the ingredients and achieve a lighter, airier consistency.
- To enhance the roasted pepper flavor even further, lightly char fresh bell peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until skin is blackened, then peel and deseed. This adds a deeper, smoky dimension than jarred peppers.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. A thin layer of olive oil on top can help prevent it from drying out.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with other spices like a pinch of cumin, coriander, or a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. You can also add a small amount of sun-dried tomatoes for another flavor profile.
- Serving suggestions: Beyond traditional pita, this hummus is excellent with cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, celery, pretzels, or as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this hummus without a food processor?
While a food processor is highly recommended for the creamiest result, you can make hummus with an immersion blender or a powerful regular blender, though it might require more scraping down and addition of water to achieve the desired smoothness. A mortar and pestle can work but will result in a much chunkier texture.
Why is my hummus bitter?
Bitterness in hummus is often due to low-quality tahini, or sometimes too much raw garlic. Ensure you're using a good brand of tahini and consider roasting the garlic clove before adding it to mellow its intensity if you're sensitive to raw garlic flavor.
Can I freeze homemade hummus?
Yes, homemade hummus freezes well! Transfer it to an airtight container, leaving a small amount of headspace. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before freezing to help preserve its texture and prevent discoloration. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving, adding a splash of water or lemon juice if needed to restore consistency.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 160-200 per serving, Protein: 6-8g, Fat: 10-14g, Carbs: 12-16g, Fiber: 4-5g (estimates per serving based on 6 servings).
Allergy Information
Contains sesame (from tahini). This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Always check labels of jarred ingredients to ensure no hidden allergens or cross-contamination.
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