You need a dip that combines health benefits with intense flavor and satisfying taste. This Hummus Recipe with Roasted Red Peppers offers a dreamy combination of chickpeas and tahini and lemon juice and smoky roasted red peppers. The strong desire to create another batch of this dip emerged after I finished the last portion with a carrot stick during my afternoon snack
This Hummus Recipe with Roasted Red Peppers delivers more than a dip experience because it creates a Mediterranean flavor journey that will transport your senses. The roasted red peppers add sweetness to the earthy chickpeas and tangy lemon juice which results in a delicious and nutritious hummus recipe.
The roasting peppers in my kitchen create a comforting scent which indicates that an incredible culinary experience is approaching. The roasted red pepper hummus I prepare has become my most popular dip because people love it after every batch I make.
The dip serves as an excellent party appetizer while providing healthy snacking options for busy days and adding flavor to your lunchbox. The search for the best hummus recipe ends here because this recipe delivers exceptional.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of roasted red peppers with chickpeas and tahini creates an unbeatable taste experience.
- Healthy and Nutritious: The hummus provides a healthy treat because it contains protein and fiber and vitamins which make it a guilt-free snack.
- Easy to Make: The preparation process for this delicious dip requires only brief steps which result in quick homemade batches.
- Versatile: You can use this dip to enjoy with pita bread or vegetables or crackers or as a sandwich spread.
- Perfect for Sharing: The hummus recipe makes an excellent party food because it always brings positive reactions from guests.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Red Bell Peppers (approx. 400g): Roasting these beauties really brings out their natural sweetness and adds that smoky flavor that makes this hummus so special. Whether you pop them in the oven, grill them over an open flame, or broil them, roasting unlocks a depth of flavor that raw peppers just can’t match.
- Chickpeas (425g canned, drained and rinsed): The heart of any great hummus! Giving them a good rinse helps wash away excess starch, resulting in a smoother texture. I always make sure to drain and rinse my canned chickpeas thoroughly to achieve that creamy, dreamy hummus.
- Tahini (80g): This delicious sesame seed paste brings a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture to the mix. Make sure to choose a high-quality tahini that’s smooth and not overly bitter. Give it a good stir before using, as the oil tends to separate.
- Lemon Juice (60ml, freshly squeezed): This adds a lovely brightness and acidity that balances out the richness of the tahini. Freshly squeezed is definitely the way to go!
- Garlic (approx. 6g, minced): This ingredient packs a punch and complements the other flavors beautifully. Always opt for fresh garlic for the best taste, and be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic can taste quite acrid.
- Olive Oil (30ml, plus more for drizzling): This adds richness and helps create that smooth, creamy texture we all love. Go for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Ground Cumin: This spice brings a warm, earthy note that pairs perfectly with the roasted red peppers.
- Smoked Paprika: This enhances the smoky flavor of the roasted red peppers even more..
- Salt and Pepper: Add these to taste; they’re essential for bringing out the other flavors.
- Water (2-3 tablespoons): Use this to adjust the consistency of your hummus to your liking. Add it gradually until you reach your desired texture.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Baking Sheet: For roasting the red bell peppers.
- Tongs: To turn the red peppers while roasting.
- Food Processor: To blend all the ingredients together. A high-powered blender can also work, but a food processor is ideal. I’ve been using my Cuisinart for years and it never fails me.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To slice the red peppers (optional, but speeds up roasting).
How to Make The Best Hummus (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Roast the Red Peppers: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). You want those skins to get nice and blackened! Lay the red bell peppers out on a baking sheet and roast them for about 30 to 45 minutes, turning them occasionally, until you see the skins blistering and turning dark.
- Steam the Peppers: Once they’re roasted, pop the peppers into a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap, or you can toss them in a brown paper bag. Let them steam for about 10 to 15 minutes. This little trick will make peeling off the skins a breeze.
- Peel and Seed the Peppers: After they’ve cooled down a bit, peel away the blackened skins and take out the seeds and stems. Just toss those skins, seeds, and stems aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Grab your food processor and throw in the peeled roasted red peppers, drained and rinsed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Process Until Smooth: Blend everything together until it’s completely smooth and creamy, and don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Adjust Consistency: If your hummus turns out a bit too thick, just add water one tablespoon at a time until you get the consistency you like. A little water goes a long way!
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give your hummus a taste and tweak the seasoning as needed. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or cumin to suit your palate.
- Serve: Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl, drizzle some olive oil on top, and sprinkle with paprika and chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. You can serve it right away or chill it for later!
Pro Tips for Success
- Roast the Peppers Just Right: Don’t shy away from charring the skins of those red peppers! That’s what brings out that amazing smoky flavor we all love.
- Opt for Quality Tahini: The tahini you choose can really make or break your hummus. Go for a brand that’s smooth and not overly bitter.
- Tweak the Lemon Juice: Start with the suggested amount of lemon juice, then adjust to your liking. Some folks enjoy a zesty hummus, while others lean towards a more subtle taste.
- Avoid Over-Processing: If you process the hummus too much, it can turn gummy. Blend it until it’s nice and creamy, but don’t go overboard.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the hummus chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend and develop even more.
Variations & Dietary Swaps
- Spicy Hummus: For a little extra heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of sriracha.
- Smoked Paprika Hummus: Want a bolder flavor? Just double the smoked paprika for an even smokier taste.
- Roasted Garlic Hummus: To elevate your hummus, roast a whole head of garlic alongside the red peppers. This adds a deeper, more complex flavor. To roast the garlic, simply slice off the top of the head, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and pop it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes, or until it’s nice and soft.
- Oil-Free Hummus: Skip the olive oil and just add more water until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Gluten-Free: This hummus recipe is naturally gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to check the labels on your ingredients to be sure.
Looking for some tasty ways to enjoy hummus?
- With Pita Bread: Pair it with warm pita bread for a delightful dipping experience.
- With Vegetables: Enjoy it alongside a colorful mix of raw veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
- As a Spread: Slather it on sandwiches, wraps, or toast for a creamy twist.
- With Crackers: Grab your favorite crackers and make a quick, satisfying snack.
- As a Topping: Add a generous scoop of hummus on top of grilled chicken, fish, or veggies to enhance the flavor and creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should stay fresh for up to 5 days. You might notice the flavor getting even better as it sits! If it thickens up too much in the refrigerator, just mix in a tablespoon of water and give it a good stir to bring back that creamy texture. There’s no need to reheat this hummus; it’s delicious served cold or at room temperature!
Troubleshooting / FAQ
The Story of This Recipe / Why This Works
Let me take you on a little journey about this hummus recipe and why it works so well. My love affair with hummus began years ago while I was backpacking through the Middle East. The vibrant and simple flavors completely captivated me, and I just had to learn how to whip it up myself. After countless experiments, I finally nailed down this Hummus with Roasted Red Peppers recipe.
What makes this recipe shine is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Roasting the red peppers really brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the earthy chickpeas and zesty lemon juice. The tahini contributes a rich creaminess, while the garlic and spices add layers of complexity and warmth. The secret is to use top-notch ingredients and tweak the seasoning to suit your taste. Those roasted peppers are the real stars here, taking this Hummus with Roasted Red Peppers to the next level.
I also like to steam the peppers after roasting them; it helps loosen the skins, making them a breeze to peel. This step is key for achieving that smooth, creamy texture we all love. I’ve noticed that different roasting methods can bring out unique flavors – oven roasting gives you even heat, while broiling delivers a quicker, more intense char. So, don’t hesitate to experiment and find the method that you love best!
Final Thoughts
This Hummus Recipe with Roasted Red Peppers is a burst of flavor in every single bite! It makes for an amazing appetizer, a tasty snack, or a delightful addition to any meal. Seriously, once you give this recipe a shot, you’ll find it hard to go back to the store-bought stuff.
Now it’s your turn! Try out this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to snap some photos for social media and tag me @culinarycravingcom! I’m so excited to see what you whip up! If you’re on the hunt for another scrumptious dip, you’ll definitely want to check out my Creamy Spinach Dip.
Best Hummus Recipe with Roasted Red Peppers
Ingredients
- 2 large red bell peppers approx. 400g
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (425g)
- â…“ cup tahini 80g
- ¼ cup lemon juice 60ml, freshly squeezed
- 2 cloves garlic minced (approx. 6g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 30ml, plus more for drizzling
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons water or as needed for desired consistency
- Optional garnish: paprika olive oil, chopped parsley
Instructions
- Roast the Red Peppers: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-45 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are blackened and blistered.
- Steam the Peppers: Transfer the roasted peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or place them in a brown paper bag. Let them steam for 10-15 minutes.
- Peel and Seed the Peppers: Once cooled slightly, peel off the blackened skins and remove the seeds and stems from the peppers. Discard the skins, seeds, and stems.
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the peeled roasted red peppers, drained and rinsed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Process Until Smooth: Process the ingredients until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Adjust Consistency: If the hummus is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or cumin to your liking.
- Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika and chopped parsley (optional). Serve immediately or chill for later.