Today, we’re diving into the vibrant and flavor-packed world of Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. This Middle Eastern classic, with its rich, creamy texture and smoky-sweet undertones, is more than just a dip; it’s a journey for your taste buds.
Made with simple ingredients like chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and of course, roasted red peppers, this hummus is a feast of health and taste.
This delightfully colorful spread is not only a visual treat but also packed full of nutrients, making it the perfect addition to any meal or snack.
So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to explore the tantalizing world of homemade hummus.
Let’s get started, shall we?
What is good to eat with red pepper hummus?
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods.
Here are some delicious options:
- Vegetables: Crunchy veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes are perfect for dipping.
- Bread: Pita bread, naan, or any crusty bread can be used to scoop up this flavorful hummus.
- Crackers and Chips: Whole grain crackers, rice cakes, or pita chips offer a satisfying crunch.
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: Use the hummus as a topping for grilled meats or fish for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Wraps and Sandwiches: Spread it on your favorite wrap or sandwich for an extra layer of flavor.
- Salads: It can also be used as a dressing for salads.
Try these recipes:
What does roasted red pepper hummus taste like?
As a whole, the sweetness of the roasted red peppers pairs beautifully with the rich, nutty taste of the chickpeas and tahini. The smoky undertones from the roasting process add a depth of flavor that is both surprising and satisfying.
The garlic and lemon juice bring a zingy freshness, creating a balance of taste that is savory, yet subtly sweet and tangy. The texture is creamy and smooth, making it the perfect spread or dip.
Overall, roasted red pepper hummus offers a unique flavor profile that is hearty, refreshing, and utterly delicious.
Is hummus best eaten hot or cold?
Hummus is typically served at room temperature, which allows all its flavors to shine through. It’s not usually eaten hot, as heating can alter its texture and flavor. However, it can also be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, especially on a warm day, or as a refreshing snack. Regardless of the temperature, remember to stir it before serving to combine all the ingredients for the best taste experience.
What are the ingredients to make Roasted Red Pepper Hummus?
This recipe has a prep time of 15 minutes. The cooking time is 40 minutes if you roast the peppers yourself, or you can cook it in 10 minutes if you use jarred peppers.
Here are the ingredients you’re going to need for 4 to 6 servings.
- Red bell pepper – It contributes a sweet and smoky flavor to the hummus, enhancing its overall taste profile.
- Chickpeas – Provide a smooth and creamy texture when blended, making the hummus spreadable and perfect for dipping.
- Reserved chickpea liquid – It helps to thin out the hummus, creating a smoother and creamier texture.
- Tahini – Has a rich, nutty flavor that compliments the sweetness of the roasted red peppers and the earthiness of the chickpeas.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Adds a touch of richness and helps preserve its freshness.
- Fresh lemon juice – Helps to brighten the flavors in the dish, making them more pronounced and vibrant.
- Garlic cloves – Add a distinct, pungent taste that complements the other ingredients.
- Ground cumin – The slightly spicy undertone adds a hint of depth and complexity to the hummus.
- Sea salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Smoked paprika – It provides a visually appealing contrast and an extra burst of flavor upon tasting.
- Vegetable crudités and/or gluten-free (or regular) pita wedges – Pair your hummus with these to savor the dish more.
How to make Roasted Red Pepper Hummus?
It’s time to put this recipe together now that you’ve gathered all of your ingredients.
Before anything else, remember that to remove the blackened skin from the roasted peppers, do not place them in a plastic freezer bag because the bag may melt from the high temperatures. Instead, place the hot roasted peppers in a heat-resistant bowl, then cover tightly with foil or a large plate to seal in the steam. The skin will peel right off after several minutes.
And if you’re going to the effort of roasting the red peppers, prepare several at the same time. Cover the unused portion in oil and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.
Let’s begin!
- Place the top oven rack in the center position and preheat the oven to 450°F. Then line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat™ baking mat.
- Next, arrange the red pepper halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and place them in the pre-heated oven. Roast the peppers until the skin starts to turn black and blister for approximately 30 minutes.
- After that, remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully transfer the hot pepper halves to a heat-resistant bowl and cover tightly with foil or a plate then set them aside.
- Once they’re cool enough to handle, gently remove and discard the blackened skin from the pepper under running water then set aside.
- While the peppers are cooling, add the chickpeas and two tablespoons of the chickpeas’ liquid to a high-speed blender or a food processor and process for approximately one minute. If needed, add the remaining liquid.
- Then add the roasted red pepper and the remaining ingredients and process them for two to three minutes or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can add additional chickpea liquid to achieve a thinner consistency.
- Lastly, transfer the hummus to the red pepper shell and garnish with finely chopped red pepper and some smoked paprika. Serve the dish immediately with vegetable crudités and gluten-free (or regular) pita wedges. Enjoy!
Now that you know all you need to know about Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, it is time to print or save the recipe with the exact measurements.
Not ready to print? No problem! Save this pin in your Pinterest account by clicking the pin button located in the recipe card.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
This Middle Eastern classic, with its rich, creamy texture and smoky-sweet undertones, is more than just a dip; it's a journey for your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut in half and seeded
- 1 15.5-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained, liquid reserved
- 2-3 T. reserved chickpea liquid
- 1/3 c. tahini
- 5 T. extra virgin olive oil
- 3 T. fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 t. ground cumin
- Sea salt, to taste
- Optional: Finely chopped edible portion of the red pepper top for garnish
Instructions
- Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 450°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat™ baking mat.
- Arrange the red pepper halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet and place in the pre-heated oven. Roast until the skin starts to turn black and blister, approximately 30 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully transfer the hot pepper halves to a heat-resistant bowl and cover tightly with foil or a plate. Set aside.
- Once cool enough to handle, gently remove and discard the blackened skin from the pepper under running water. Set aside.
- While the peppers are cooling, add the chickpeas and two tablespoons of the liquid to a high-speed blender or a food processor and process for approximately 1 minute. Add the remaining liquid, if necessary.
- Add the roasted red pepper and the remaining ingredients and process for 2-3 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If desired, add additional chickpea liquid to achieve a thinner consistency.
- Transfer the hummus to the red pepper shell and garnish with finely chopped red pepper and some smoked paprika. Serve immediately with vegetable crudités and gluten-free (or regular) pita wedges. Enjoy!
Notes
To remove the blackened skin from the roasted peppers, do not place them in a plastic freezer bag because the bag may melt from the high temperatures. Instead, place the hot roasted peppers in a heat-resistant bowl, then cover tightly with foil or a large plate to seal in the steam. The skin will peel right off after several minutes.
Time-Saving Tip: Use ¾ cup jarred red bell peppers instead of roasting the peppers yourself.
If going to the effort of roasting the red peppers, prepare several at the same time. Cover the unused portion in oil and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 318Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 296mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 7gSugar: 5gProtein: 9g
These nutritional calculations might not be accurate. Please speak with a licensed nutritionist to assist you.