How to Create Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: A Simple Recipe
Love hummus but want to try something new? Roasted red pepper hummus is a delicious twist on the classic dip. It’s creamy, flavorful, and full of healthy ingredients. The best part? It’s easy to make at home with just a handful of steps. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a snack, or looking for a healthy spread for sandwiches, this hummus is perfect.
Follow along as we break down how to make creamy roasted red pepper hummus in plain and simple steps!
What You’ll Need
First, let’s gather the ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples or easily found at the store. Here’s your shopping list:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas or garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2-3 tablespoons of tahini (sesame paste)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic (depending on how garlicky you like it)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- Optional: smoked paprika for garnish
- Optional: a splash of water if the hummus seems too thick
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Red Bell Pepper
Roasting the pepper is what gives this hummus its unique smoky and sweet flavor.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the pepper: Wash the red bell pepper, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Roast: Bake for about 25 minutes, turning the pepper halfway through so all sides get evenly cooked. The skin should become charred (blackened) in spots—this gives it a smoky flavor.
- Cool and peel: Remove the pepper from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Once it’s cool enough to handle, peel off the skin (it should come off easily). Remove the seeds and stem.
If you’re short on time, you can use jarred roasted red peppers instead.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
The key to creamy hummus is blending everything thoroughly. A food processor or high-powered blender works great here.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the following to your food processor:
- Chickpeas
- Roasted red pepper (cut into pieces)
- Tahini
- Garlic cloves
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Ground cumin
- Salt
- Blend: Start blending the ingredients until smooth. If the hummus looks thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Pro tip: For extra creamy hummus, you can peel the chickpeas beforehand. Though it’s an optional step, removing the skins creates a smoother texture.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Every person’s taste preferences are different, so it’s important to taste your hummus as you go.
- Too tangy? Add a touch more olive oil or tahini to mellow the flavor.
- Not flavorful enough? Sprinkle in additional cumin or a pinch of paprika.
- Too thick? Blend in a small splash of water.
Keep adjusting until the flavor feels just right!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Your roasted red pepper hummus is ready! Transfer it to a serving bowl and drizzle a small amount of olive oil on top. Sprinkle smoked paprika for extra color and flavor if you like.
Ideas for serving:
– Serve with pita bread, tortilla chips, or crackers.
– Use it as a dip for veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber, or celery.
– Spread it on wraps, sandwiches, or toast for tasty meals.
Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips for Perfect Hummus Every Time
- Quality matters: Use fresh lemons, a good brand of tahini, and high-quality olive oil. These ingredients make a big difference in flavor.
- Warm chickpeas: If you’re using canned chickpeas, try warming them up in the microwave or boiling them for a few minutes before blending. Warm chickpeas blend more easily, creating smoother hummus.
- Experiment: Customize your hummus with additional ingredients. Try adding a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick, or fresh parsley for an herby touch.
Why Make Homemade Hummus?
Making hummus at home is not only fun, but it’s also healthier than store-bought versions. You control the ingredients, so there are no unnecessary preservatives or extra salt. Plus, it’s more affordable than pre-packaged hummus—another win!
Final Thoughts
Roasted red pepper hummus is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With its beautiful vibrant color and rich taste, it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s versatile—you can use it as a dip, spread, or side dish.
Now that you know how to make it, why not give it a try today? With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you’ll have a creamy, homemade hummus that’s better than anything you can buy at the store. Happy cooking!
