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Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is a vibrant, smoky twist on the classic Middle Eastern dip, combining creamy chickpeas with roasted red peppers for a flavorful, nutritious, and visually stunning appetizer. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky sweetness, tangy brightness, and nutty richness, making it ideal as a dip, spread, or salad topper. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s a wholesome snack that elevates any meal or gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup roasted red peppers (freshly roasted or jarred)
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 24 tablespoons water or aquafaba (liquid from chickpeas), as needed for desired consistency

Optional Variations

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for spicy kick)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley (for herb infusion)
  • Toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds (for nutty crunch garnish)
  • 1 dollop vegan yogurt or 1/2 avocado (for extra creaminess)
  • Roasted garlic instead of raw garlic (for deeper flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly to reduce excess salt and improve freshness. For an ultra-smooth texture, gently rub the chickpeas between your fingers to remove the skins and discard them.
  2. Roast the Red Peppers: If using fresh peppers, roast them on a grill or under the broiler until the skins are charred and the peppers are softened. Allow to cool, then peel off the skins for a smoky, sweet flavor. Alternatively, use jarred roasted red peppers as a convenient shortcut.
  3. Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tahini, garlic cloves, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and a splash of olive oil. Pulse until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add water or aquafaba, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the hummus and adjust salt, lemon juice, or spices as desired. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra olive oil, and garnish with chopped herbs, paprika, or nuts if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use high-quality tahini for the best flavor and creaminess.
  • Removing chickpea skins creates a velvety, luxurious texture.
  • Roasting your own peppers intensifies flavor beyond jarred versions.
  • Add liquid gradually to control thickness without watering down flavor.
  • Allow hummus to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted red pepper hummus, healthy dip, vegan appetizer, Middle Eastern dip, smoky hummus, easy hummus recipe