Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

$- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 large roasted red pepper (jarred or freshly roasted) - 3 tablespoons tahini - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 garlic clove, finely minced - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt to taste - Water as needed to achieve desired consistency - Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish To make creamy roasted red pepper hummus, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role. Canned chickpeas are the base. They add creaminess and protein. Drain and rinse them well. Roasted red pepper gives the hummus its vibrant color and sweet taste. You can use jarred peppers for ease or roast fresh ones for a smoky flavor. Tahini is a sesame paste. It adds richness and depth. Use three tablespoons for the perfect balance. Extra virgin olive oil enhances the smooth texture. Just two tablespoons will do. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a bright zing. Two tablespoons keep the flavor fresh. Garlic adds a nice kick. One clove, finely minced, works well. Ground cumin brings warmth and earthiness. Half a teaspoon is enough to elevate the taste. Salt enhances all the flavors. Add it to your liking. Water helps achieve the right consistency. Add it slowly, one tablespoon at a time, if needed. Lastly, use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish. They add a lovely touch to the final dish. With these ingredients, you create a creamy, flavorful hummus that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you can roast fresh red peppers. Place them under a broiler. Turn the peppers every few minutes. This will let the skins blister and char. It should take about 15-20 minutes. When done, put them in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. This helps them steam for easier peeling. After 15 minutes, peel off the skins. Remove the seeds and stems. Set your roasted peppers aside. Next, grab your food processor. Add the drained chickpeas, roasted red pepper, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and ground cumin. Make sure to include everything! Turn on the processor and blend until smooth. Stop every so often to scrape down the sides. This ensures all the ingredients mix together well. If your hummus is too thick, add water a little at a time. Drizzle in one tablespoon and blend again. Keep doing this until you get the creaminess you like. After that, taste the hummus. Add salt as needed and blend briefly again. This will make sure the seasoning spreads evenly throughout. Enjoy your creamy roasted red pepper hummus! To make your hummus smooth, scraping down the sides of the food processor is key. This step helps mix all the ingredients well. Stop the processor every so often. Use a spatula to push the mixture down. Water is your friend, too. If your hummus is too thick, add water slowly. Start with one tablespoon at a time. Blend in between each addition. This way, you can control the texture. Aim for a creamy, dreamy consistency. Adding spices can boost the flavor of your hummus. Try ground paprika or smoked paprika for a new twist. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add depth and freshness, too. You can also play with the lemon juice and olive oil ratios. More lemon juice gives a tangy taste. More olive oil makes it richer. Find the balance that you enjoy most! For a great presentation, spoon the hummus into a nice bowl. Use the back of a spoon to make a swirl. Then, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. This makes it look fancy! When it comes to dippers, pita chips are classic. Fresh veggies like carrots and cucumbers work well, too. You can also use the hummus in wraps for a tasty spread. Enjoy! Pro Tips Roasting Tips: If you're roasting fresh peppers, using a broiler is the quickest method, but you can also roast them on a grill or in an oven for a more smoky flavor. Chickpea Choice: For an ultra-smooth hummus, consider using dried chickpeas that you soak and cook yourself, as they tend to have a creamier texture than canned ones. Flavor Enhancer: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to give your hummus a delightful kick and extra depth of flavor. Serving Suggestions: Pair this hummus with a variety of sides like crunchy vegetables, olives, or even spread it on sandwiches for a delicious twist. {{image_4}} You can make your hummus even more exciting. Here are some fun ways to change its taste. - Spicy Hummus Options: If you love heat, add some chili or jalapeño. Start with a small amount. Blend it in and taste. Add more if you want more spice. This gives your hummus a nice kick. - Herb-Infused Hummus: Want a fresh twist? Try adding herbs. Basil and dill are great choices. Just chop them finely and mix them in. They give a lovely flavor and aroma. Making your hummus fit your diet is easy. Here are simple tips. - Gluten-Free Serving Options: Hummus is naturally gluten-free. Serve it with gluten-free dippers like veggies or rice cakes. This way, everyone can enjoy it. - Vegan-Friendly Tips: This recipe is already vegan! Use it as a spread in wraps or sandwiches. It’s a great way to add flavor without any animal products. To keep your creamy roasted red pepper hummus fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers both work well. Make sure the lid seals tightly to keep air out. Store the hummus in the fridge immediately after serving. It will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. For best results, press plastic wrap directly onto the hummus before sealing the container. This step reduces exposure to air and helps maintain its creamy texture. Always grab a clean spoon when serving to avoid contamination. If you want to save hummus for later, freezing is a great option. First, spoon the hummus into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container tightly. To thaw, take the container out of the freezer and place it in the fridge overnight. If you need it faster, you can thaw it in a bowl of cold water. Once thawed, stir the hummus well. You may need to add a bit of water to get the smooth texture back. Enjoy your hummus as if it were fresh! Homemade hummus lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for you to enjoy. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it's best to toss it. Yes, you can make hummus without tahini. You can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter instead. These options give a nice flavor. You may want to add a little extra olive oil to keep the hummus creamy. Adjust the salt and lemon juice to your taste. You can serve hummus with many tasty options. Here are some ideas: - Pita chips for a crunchy dip. - Fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. - Use it as a spread in sandwiches or wraps. - Pair it with crackers or bread for a light meal. These options make your hummus experience fun and full of flavor! In this article, we explored how to make creamy roasted red pepper hummus from scratch. You learned about the key ingredients, the preparation steps, and tips for achieving the perfect texture. We also discussed variations and storage methods to keep your hummus fresh. Keep experimenting with flavors and serving ideas to make it your own. Making hummus is simple and fun, and it adds a tasty boost to your meals and snacks! Enjoy your culinary journey!$

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

A smooth and creamy hummus made with roasted red peppers, perfect as a dip or spread.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 large roasted red pepper
3 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
to taste salt
as needed water
for garnish fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)

Instructions

Roasting the Red Pepper: If using fresh red peppers, prepare them by placing them under a broiler. Turn the peppers occasionally until the skins blister and char, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for about 15 minutes to steam and make peeling easier. Once cooled, peel away the skins, remove the seeds and stems, and set aside.
Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas, roasted red pepper, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and ground cumin.
Process Until Smooth: Start the food processor and blend until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Be sure to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
Adjust Consistency: If the hummus appears too thick for your liking, slowly drizzle in water, one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition, until you achieve your preferred smooth and creamy consistency.
Season to Taste: Sample the hummus and add salt according to your preference. Blend again briefly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Plating: Spoon the hummus into a stylish serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create an artistic swirl in the center, and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top for added flavor and visual appeal.
Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped herbs on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your creamy roasted red pepper hummus with pita chips, an assortment of fresh, crunchy vegetables, or as a zesty spread in wraps and sandwiches.

Notes

Serve with pita chips or fresh vegetables for a delightful snack.

Keyword dip, hummus, vegetarian