Easy Hummus Recipe: Quick, Healthy, Delicious

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Unlock the Secrets to Quick, Nutritious, and Flavor-Packed Hummus

Written by Julie on February 6, 2022

Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dish?

For me, that’s hummus. I first fell in love with it years back at a friend’s get-together. One taste, and I was hooked. The flavors and texture were a perfect match for the pita chips and veggies she served alongside it. 

Since then, it’s been my dependable go-to, solving mealtime dilemmas from breakfast to dinner. Whether I need something fast yet satisfying or I’m preparing food for a gathering, this recipe never disappoints.

It’s perfect for pleasing a crowd, get-togethers, and busy weekdays when time is tight.

And the best part? It’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly nutritious. Chickpeas, the star ingredient in hummus, are packed with nutrients.

The Health Benefits of Chickpeas

• Quick Protein Source: Chickpeas are an easy way to get plant-based protein into your diet.

• High Fiber: A diet high in fiber can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight.

• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vital nutrients like iron, magnesium, and folate.

• Heart Healthy: With zero cholesterol and beneficial amounts of fat, chickpeas can contribute to a heart-healthy diet.

Variations: Spice It Up or Keep It Simple

Want to add some flair to your hummus? Try these variations:

• Spicy Hummus: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.

• Herb-Infused: Blend in some fresh basil, cilantro, or parsley for a herby twist.

• Avocado Hummus: Add half an avocado to make your hummus even creamier.

• Poblano Hummus: For an earthy, mildly spicy twist, add a roasted and peeled poblano pepper.

• Caramelized Onion Hummus: Stir in a half cup of caramelized onions for a sweet and savory touch. *See notes section

• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Add one roasted red pepper for a smoky, sweet variation. *See notes section

• Roasted Garlic: Incorporate roasted garlic cloves for a deeper, richer flavor. * See notes section

Pro Tips

• For Creamier Hummus: Remove the skins from the chickpeas before blending.

• Richer Taste: For a more complex flavor, substitute half the water with ice-cold aquafaba (the liquid from the canned chickpeas) in your hummus.

• Make It Zesty: Add some lemon zest along with lemon juice for extra tanginess.

• Smooth Blend: Add ice-cold water gradually while blending to achieve an ultra-smooth texture.

• Meal Prep: If you make hummus regularly, cook chickpeas in bulk and freeze them in an airtight container for the recipe portions. Thaw as needed. 

• Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Serving Your Quick & Healthy Hummus

Freshly made hummus is incredibly versatile. Here’s how we love to pair it:

• Veggies: Snack healthy by pairing it with sliced carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers.

• Bread: From pita chips to crusty bread, hummus pairs well with almost all breads.

• As a Spread: Use it as a quick, delicious spread in wraps and sandwiches.

• Salad Companion: Elevate your salads by adding a dollop of creamy hummus.

Notes: Variations

For those who want to dive deeper into hummus customization, here are some additional instructions.

Roasted Poblano:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your grill to high heat.

2. Place the poblano pepper on a baking sheet and roast or grill until the skin is charred, turning occasionally for even charring.

3. Place the charred poblano in a sealed plastic bag for 10-15 minutes to steam.

4. Remove the skin, seeds, and stem, then blend into your hummus or chop and stir in for texture.

Roasted Garlic:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Slice off the top of a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in aluminum foil.

3. Roast for 35-40 minutes or until cloves are soft and golden.

4. Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and blend them into your hummus.

Caramelized Onion:

1. Thinly slice one medium onion.

2. Sauté the onion slices in a tablespoon of olive oil over low heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Cook for 20-30 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.

4. Blend or stir into your hummus.

Roasted Red Pepper:

1. Place a red pepper under a broiler or directly over an open flame until the skin is charred and blistered on all sides.

2. Put the charred pepper in a sealed plastic bag for 10 minutes to steam.

3. Remove the skin, seeds, and stem, then blend into your hummus or chop and stir in for texture.

Optional: Cooking Chickpeas from Scratch

If you’re like me and prefer using freshly cooked chickpeas rather than canned, here's how you can prepare them for this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas

• 6-8 cups water

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp baking soda (optional, but helps soften the chickpeas)

Instructions:

1. Soaking: Soak the dried chickpeas in plenty of cold water overnight or for at least 6 hours. This step is important for even cooking.

2. Rinse: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.

3. Boiling: In a large pot, add 6-8 cups of water, the chickpeas, and salt. Optionally, add baking soda to help soften the chickpeas.

4. Simmer: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 40-50 minutes or until chickpeas are tender. Check occasionally and skim off any foam that forms on top.

5. Taste Test: Taste a chickpea to make sure they’re cooked to your liking. They should be tender but not mushy.

6. Drain: Once cooked, drain the chickpeas and let them cool before using in your hummus recipe.

Note: This makes approximately 3 cups of cooked chickpeas. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them.

Optional: Chickpeas in an Instant Pot

Chickpeas also work really well in an Instant Pot without compromising taste or texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas

• 4 cups water

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp baking soda (optional, but helps soften the chickpeas)

Instructions:

1. Rinse and Sort: Quickly rinse dried chickpeas and remove any stones or debris.

2. Add to Instant Pot: Place the rinsed chickpeas in the Instant Pot and add water and optional baking soda.

3. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to "Sealing." Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting and adjust the time to 40 minutes on high pressure.

4. Natural Release: Once the cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release the remaining pressure.

5. Taste Test: Check one chickpea to ensure they are tender but not mushy. If they're not cooked to your liking, you can cook them on high pressure for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Add salt.

7. Drain and Rinse: Drain the chickpeas and let them cool before using them in your hummus recipe.

Note: This makes approximately 3 cups of cooked chickpeas, which is more than you need for this hummus recipe. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

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Your Easy and Delicious Hummus Recipe

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Easy Hummus Recipe: Quick, Healthy, Delicious

Yield: 5

Author: Julie Gaeta

Prep time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Hummus is not just a go-to for a simple lunch; it's also an ideal choice for a quick breakfast or dinner. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it's a delicious way to boost your nutrition.

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 1- 1/2 cups chickpeas or 1-15 oz canned (drain liquid if using canned)
• 1–2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup well-stirred tahini (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup lemon (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Paprika for garnish
• Parsley for garnish (fresh or dried)

Instructions

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender, except olive oil, salt, paprika, and parsley.
2. Blend until smooth, adding more water (1 tablespoon at a time) as needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with high-quality olive oil. Garnish with paprika and parsley if using.
4. Serve immediately or store an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Wrap-Up

And there you have it — a guide for a quick, healthy, and delicious hummus recipe you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re a hummus connoisseur or a newbie, this recipe offers plenty of room for customization. 

So go ahead, make it your own, and enjoy all the delicious health benefits.

I hope this hummus recipe brings you as much happiness as it does my family. If you decide to try it or put your own twist on it, I’d love to hear about it. Let me know in the comments below! :)