Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is more than just a dip; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors, combining the creamy goodness of traditional hummus with the smoky-sweet intensity of roasted red peppers. This homemade version is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, offering a freshness and depth of taste that store-bought varieties simply can’t match. Elevate your snacking, appetizer spread, or meal prep with this irresistibly flavorful and healthy treat!
The Irresistible Allure of Homemade Hummus
There’s something truly special about homemade hummus. While store shelves are stocked with countless options, crafting your own ensures unparalleled freshness, allows for complete control over ingredients, and delivers a flavor profile customized to your palate. Forget artificial preservatives and excessive sodium; with a few simple, wholesome ingredients, you can create a dip that’s not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Hummus, at its core, is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a perfect addition to any diet. This Roasted Red Pepper Hummus recipe takes that homemade goodness to the next level, infusing it with a sweet and smoky complexity that will have everyone asking for your secret.
Why Roasted Red Peppers Are a Game-Changer for Hummus
The addition of roasted red peppers transforms classic hummus into a gourmet experience. Roasting red peppers brings out their natural sweetness and imbues them with a distinctive smoky char that adds incredible depth to the dip. This process also softens the peppers, making them easier to blend into a silky-smooth consistency. Whether you roast them yourself at home – a simple process that yields superior results – or opt for jarred roasted red peppers for convenience, their rich color and vibrant flavor are essential to this recipe. I regularly roast red peppers for various dishes, from pasta to salads, and discovered that incorporating them into hummus was a revelation. The result is a beautifully colored, intensely flavorful dip that stands out from the crowd.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Red Pepper Hummus
Making a truly exceptional hummus right in your kitchen is remarkably straightforward. The magic happens when a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients come together. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that creamy texture and balanced flavor. Let’s explore what you’ll need:
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): The foundation of any good hummus. Canned chickpeas are incredibly convenient, but for the creamiest texture, many chefs recommend removing their skins after rinsing. Look for organic varieties if possible, and ensure they are thoroughly drained and rinsed before use.
- Roasted Red Peppers: As discussed, these are the star of this variation. You can either use store-bought jarred peppers (drained well) or easily roast your own at home. Roasting them yourself often yields a fresher, more intense flavor.
- Tahini (Optional but Recommended): This sesame paste is what gives hummus its signature rich, slightly nutty flavor and incredibly smooth texture. While the recipe notes it as optional, a good quality tahini truly elevates the hummus to another level. If omitting, you might need a little extra oil or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Fresh Garlic: A single clove of garlic is usually enough to provide a pungent kick without overpowering the other flavors. Adjust to your preference – some prefer more, some less.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Critical for brightness and balancing the richness of the tahini and chickpeas. Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice often falls short.
- High-Quality Olive Oil or Grapeseed Oil: Olive oil adds a fruity, peppery note and contributes to the silky texture. Grapeseed oil is a good neutral alternative if you prefer a less pronounced olive oil flavor. A drizzle on top before serving also enhances the presentation and taste.
Crafting Your Delicious Red Pepper Hummus: A Simple Guide
Preparing this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus couldn’t be easier. With a powerful blender or food processor, you’re just minutes away from a delightful dip. Here’s a detailed step-by-step process:
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Begin by thoroughly draining and rinsing your canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans). This removes excess sodium and any canning liquid that might affect the flavor. For an ultra-smooth hummus, gently rub the rinsed chickpeas between your hands or on a clean towel to remove their skins. This step is optional but highly recommended for the silkiest texture.
- Combine All Ingredients: Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas, your roasted red pepper (or peppers, depending on desired intensity), fresh garlic clove, lemon juice, olive oil (or grapeseed oil), and tahini (if using) into the bowl of your blender or food processor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid and blend the mixture. Start on a low setting and gradually increase the speed. Continue blending, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the hummus is incredibly smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes. If the mixture seems too thick or isn’t blending easily, add a tablespoon or two of extra olive oil or cold water, one at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings – you might want to add a pinch of salt or a grind of black pepper, though I often find it perfect as is.
- Serve or Store: Once you’ve achieved the perfect consistency and flavor, your hummus is ready to be enjoyed! Transfer it to a serving bowl, perhaps with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or paprika for garnish. If not serving immediately, transfer it to an airtight container.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Hummus Consistency and Flavor
While the recipe is simple, a few tricks can elevate your hummus from good to extraordinary:
- Peeled Chickpeas: As mentioned, peeling the outer skins from canned chickpeas results in an exceptionally smooth texture. It takes a little extra time but is well worth the effort for a truly gourmet dip.
- Ice Cold Water: Some chefs swear by adding a few tablespoons of ice-cold water during blending. This helps create an incredibly light and fluffy hummus.
- Adjusting Acidity: Always taste before serving. If it needs more zing, add a little more lemon juice. If it’s too tart, a tiny pinch of sugar or a bit more olive oil can balance it out.
- Quality Tahini: The type of tahini makes a difference. Look for a smooth, pourable tahini made from hulled sesame seeds for the best flavor and texture.
- Resting Time: Allow the hummus to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a fantastic companion to a variety of foods:
- Classic Dipping: Serve it with an assortment of crisp veggie sticks like celery, carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, or radishes. Warm pita bread, pita chips, pretzels, and your favorite crackers are also perfect for scooping.
- Spreads and Sandwiches: Use it as a healthy and flavorful spread for sandwiches, wraps, or even as a base for veggie burgers. It adds moisture and a burst of flavor.
- Platters and Boards: Incorporate it into a mezze platter or charcuterie board alongside olives, feta cheese, cured meats, and fresh fruit for an impressive spread.
- Bowl Topper: Dollop it onto grain bowls, salads, or alongside grilled chicken or falafel for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
- Breakfast Boost: Spread it on toast or a bagel for a savory and satisfying breakfast option.
Storage and Freezing Made Easy
One of the many advantages of homemade hummus is its excellent keeping qualities. You can easily prepare a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, or even freeze it for longer storage.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store your freshly made hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. To keep it extra fresh and prevent a crust from forming on top, you can drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before sealing the container.
- Freezing for Later: Yes, hummus freezes beautifully! Transfer the prepared hummus into a freezer-safe container, leaving about half an inch of headspace as it may expand slightly. For best results, consider drizzling a layer of olive oil on top before freezing; this helps maintain moisture and flavor. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Stir well before serving, and you might want to add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or a touch more olive oil to restore its original creaminess and zest.
The Abundant Health Benefits of Hummus
Beyond its incredible taste, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is a powerhouse of nutrition, making it an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle. Its primary ingredients offer a myriad of benefits:
- Rich in Plant-Based Protein: Chickpeas are a fantastic source of plant protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety.
- High in Dietary Fiber: Both chickpeas and tahini contribute significant dietary fiber, aiding digestion, promoting gut health, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber also helps you feel fuller for longer, assisting with weight management.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and tahini provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health, reducing bad cholesterol levels, and providing sustained energy.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Hummus is rich in essential micronutrients, including folate, iron, phosphorus, B vitamins, and zinc from the chickpeas and sesame seeds. Roasted red peppers add a boost of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, powerful antioxidants.
- Antioxidant Properties: Garlic, lemon juice, and roasted red peppers are all known for their antioxidant compounds, which help protect cells from damage and support overall immune function.
- Versatile and Diet-Friendly: Naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, hummus is a fantastic addition to various dietary preferences and needs.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Ingredients
- 15.5 oz can chickpeas or garbanzo beans (organic is best)
- 1 roasted red pepper (see note for homemade)
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive or grapeseed oil
- 2 tablespoons tahini (optional)
Instructions
- Drain and rinse beans from can.
- Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add more oil for smoother texture, if needed.
- Serve with vegetable sticks or whole wheat crackers or use in vegetable wraps.
Notes
I do not add salt or black pepper to hummus but feel free to adjust to taste.
The calories amount is an estimate.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 16g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 9g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Sodium: 452mg |
Potassium: 181mg |
Fiber: 5g |
Vitamin A: 65IU |
Vitamin C: 7.4mg |
Calcium: 45mg |
Iron: 1.5mg
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More Healthy and Delicious Recipes to Explore:
- Bacon Guacamole
- Easy Hummus without Tahini
- Guacamole Chicken Salad
- Easy Tzatziki Sauce
If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀
This recipe was originally published on January 13th, 2018 and updated on September 15th, 2019.