If you love the creamy richness of traditional hummus but crave a vibrant twist, this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe is a total game changer. It brings together the velvety texture of chickpeas with the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, bright lemony notes, and the earthiness of tahini for a dip that’s bursting with flavor and color. Whether you’re dipping pita chips for a snack or spreading it on your favorite sandwich, this hummus will quickly become your new go-to for a delicious, wholesome treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of flavor and texture starts with simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the creamy chickpeas to the bold roasted red peppers that give this dish its signature taste and beautiful color.
- Chickpeas: Use canned for convenience, drained and rinsed to ensure a smooth consistency and mild flavor base.
- Roasted red peppers: Jarred works great to add smoky sweetness; homemade gives a fresher taste and more control.
- Tahini: This sesame seed paste brings the classic nutty depth and creamy texture every good hummus needs.
- Lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that balances the richness and lifts the flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves deliver that aromatic punch that is unmistakable in hummus.
- Olive oil: Slowly drizzled in to create a luxurious, silky finish and enhance flavor.
- Ground cumin: A warming spice that rounds out the taste profile without overpowering.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the ingredients to life.
- Water (optional): Helps adjust thickness for the perfect creamy dip.
- Paprika or chili flakes (optional): For garnishing with a little extra color and subtle heat.
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
Start by draining and rinsing your canned chickpeas thoroughly. If you want ultra-smooth hummus, take a few extra minutes to peel each chickpea. It’s a bit of a labor of love but totally worth it for that silky texture.
Step 2: Blend the Core Ingredients
Pop the chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and ground cumin into your food processor. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth, with just a little texture left to keep things interesting.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This gradual addition helps create that creamy, luscious consistency that makes this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Now is the moment to shine your personal touch. Taste the hummus and tweak the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, lemon juice, or garlic to suit your preference. If you find it too thick, blend in a splash of water until your desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your hummus to a bowl, using the back of a spoon to create swoops and swirls. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top, and sprinkle with paprika or chili flakes for a pop of color and mild spice. Your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe
Garnishes
Simple touches like a drizzle of good quality olive oil, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or fresh chopped parsley not only make the hummus look stunning but also add layers of flavor and texture that elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
This hummus pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers, or as a flavorful spread layered inside wraps and sandwiches. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled meats or as part of a Mediterranean mezze board.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe in small individual bowls topped with whole chickpeas, roasted pepper strips, or toasted pine nuts. You can also swirl it on a platter with dollops of yogurt and a sprinkle of za’atar for a colorful, festive appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to a week. Give it a quick stir before serving as the olive oil might settle on top.
Freezing
You can freeze your Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well to restore the creamy texture before enjoying.
Reheating
Hummus is typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer a warmer dip, gently bring it to room temperature and give it a good stir, but avoid heating it in the microwave as that can alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh roasted red peppers instead of jarred?
Absolutely! Fresh roasted red peppers will give your hummus a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Just roast them until the skins are charred, peel them, and add them in place of the jarred variety for a fresher twist.
Is it necessary to peel the chickpeas?
Peeling chickpeas is optional but highly recommended if you want an extra smooth and creamy hummus. It takes a bit of time but can really elevate the texture to the next level.
How can I make the hummus spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeño to the food processor. You can also sprinkle chili flakes on top for a spicy garnish that complements the smoky red peppers.
Can this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe be made vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This hummus is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect snack for a variety of dietary needs without any special substitutions.
What can I substitute if I don’t have tahini?
If you don’t have tahini on hand, you can substitute with a small amount of peanut butter or almond butter for creaminess. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious and rich.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe is a delicious, colorful way to brighten up any snack or meal. The balance of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors makes it incredibly addictive and easy to prepare. I encourage you to try it out and watch how quickly it disappears from your table. Trust me, once you taste this hummus, it will become one of your favorite recipes to make again and again.
Print
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Dip
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is a creamy and flavorful twist on the classic hummus recipe, combining the sweetness of roasted red peppers with the earthiness of chickpeas and tahini. Perfect as a healthy dip or spread, this quick and easy recipe can be ready in just 10 minutes using a food processor.
Ingredients
Hummus Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, to thin)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika or chili flakes (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. For an extra smooth texture, optionally peel each chickpea by gently squeezing them out of their skins.
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, add the chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tahini, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and ground cumin. Blend until the mixture becomes mostly smooth.
- Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to help emulsify the hummus and achieve a creamy consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the hummus and adjust the salt, lemon juice, or garlic according to your preference. If the hummus is too thick, blend in a tablespoon of water to thin it out as desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Use a spoon to create swoops on the surface, drizzle with additional olive oil, and garnish with paprika, chili flakes, or fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Peeling chickpeas is optional but results in a smoother hummus.
- Use jarred or homemade roasted red peppers depending on availability.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your taste preference.
- Add water gradually to avoid making the hummus too runny.
- This hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
