Hummus is one of my favorite snacks, even if my husband threatens to leave me every time I make it because he thinks the garlic usage is excessive (I didn’t know there was such a thing as excessive garlic usage). We have an awesome Classic Hummus recipe, but I like mixing things up every now and then with this Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. It has all the classic hummus elements like chickpeas, tahini, garlic, cumin, and lemon, but it also has the sweetness of the roasted red peppers (which helps offset any bitterness from the tahini) and the brightness of a little chopped cilantro, which scared me at first. But you guys should know us better than to be too scared of cilantro; that’s just silly.
Ingredients Needed
This is just a preview of ingredients and method, keep scrolling for full printable recipe.
- Chickpeas – Also known as garbanzo beans. While you can cook these from dry, this recipe uses canned chickpeas.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are a must!
- Roasted red bell peppers – Find these in a jar near the pickles, olives, artichoke hearts, etc. They can be packed in oil, brine, or water. Any of those options will work, you will just need to drain them well before use in this recipe.
- Tahini – Tahini (sesame seed paste) is a must in hummus for me. I find it in the Mediterranean section of the grocery store, but you can also often find it with the kosher foods and sometimes by the peanut butter. It can be a little pricey so if you don’t want to buy tahini, don’t have room for it in your grocery budget, or are just plain not super crazy about the flavor (it’s kind of like slightly bitter nut butter), here’s a little secret: try getting an all natural peanut butter. Like the kind that you have to stir up when you use it and doesn’t have any added sugar or anything. It’s not exactly the same, but it’s surprisingly close and a good substitute in a pinch.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed!
- Spices
- cumin
- dried coriander
- ground red pepper or pepper flakes
- Extra virgin olive oil – This is the perfect place for good quality, flavorful olive oil. You can use light olive oil if you prefer a lighter flavor.
- Fresh cilantro
How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- You’ll start by tossing some chickpeas, garlic cloves, roasted red peppers, tahini, lemon juice, and spices into a food processor (a high powered blender would also work).
- With the food processor going, drizzle the oil in one steady stream and process until smooth.
- Then you’ll just add the cilantro and pulse a few times, until it’s evenly distributed.
- You’ll want to chill this hummus for about an hour to let the flavors develop if possible, then serve with pita chips and fresh veggies!
Storing and Other Tips
- Store finished hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within about 5 days for best results.
- It may separate in the fridge. Just give it a little stir before serving and you’re good to go!
- This hummus is great as a dip but it’s also delicious spread on a bagel, rolled up in a tortilla with turkey and veggies, or used as the hummus layer in this 7-Layer Greek Dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but you may need to reduce the lemon juice and adjust your other ingredients to taste. You’ll be missing a key flavor component in my opinion, though!
Yes! Chilling in the fridge helps the flavors develop, so this is a great recipe to make ahead.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 15- ounce can chickpeas also labeled garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cloves garlic smashed
- ½ cup drained and chopped roasted red bell peppers
- â…“ cup tahini
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon coriander
- ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper or 1/4 heaping teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except for the oil and cilantro in the work bowl of a food processor or in the jar of a heavy-duty blender. Process until smooth, then add the oil in a steady stream and process until desired consistency is reached.
- Add the cilantro and pulse a few times until the cilantro is evenly distributed.
- Chill for at least an hour if possible before serving. Serve with pita chips and fresh veggies. You can also spread it on a tortilla or bagel and top with your favorite sliced veggies and turkey for a protein-packed lunch. Makes about 2 cups of hummus.
Questions & Reviews
In a pinch ( like when you live 90 miles from any store that sells tahini) add a touch of sesame oil instead. I start with 1 tsp, because it has a strong flavor.
I gain a ton of weight when I am pregnant, too. But I don’t usually get sick at all, so I have no excuses!! This looks wonderfu – I made a similar version years ago, but feel like I need to revisit it now!
This sounds delicious. I cannot wait to try it!
Yay! After a month of overdosing on sugar I am so ready for healthy food. I love this post!!
How long is Tahini in the refrigerator good? I have half a jar that’s been in there for a couple of years? Would it be rancid by now?
Give it a sniff, but my guess is you’re about due for a new jar. 🙂
My boss has changed his eating habits to vegan and is health has improved dramatically. When we have office celebrations, I like to try different vegan recipes for him. He likes hummus; but he cannot eat garlic. Is there any substitution you would use to add flavor in place of garlic or just leave it out altogether. Finding a hummus recipe without garlic is nearly impossible.
I have the same issues with pregnancy! I usually gain around 60 lbs. But with my last pregnancy I did just what you are doing and I only gained 30! I love hummus and this looks really good! Good luck 🙂
I didn’t know there was a Mediterranean section of the grocery store. If I was shopping at say WinCo, or (gag) if I had to Walmart, where would I find tahini? What other stuff is it by?
We don’t have a Winco, but a great start is the foreign foods aisle. At our Kroger, the Mediterranean/Greek section is close to the Italian section and I usually find the tahini near the Greek olives and peppers and flavored rice and couscous mixes (there’s also a kosher section in the same aisle and they sell it there as well). At our Albertson’s, I’ve found tahini with the kosher foods, which is by NOTHING else in the entire store.
I’m almost positive the Walmart here doesn’t sell it, but we have an embarrassingly small ethnic food section. 🙂
You can also see if you have a Greek/Middle Eastern market in your town and I bet they sell it there.
Kroger, Farm Fresh and Harris Teeter carry Tahini but Walmart here (SE part of VA) does NOT.
At winco it’s by the peanut butter. I used to work there. You would be surprised how many people asked me where tahini is. Usually next they asked me what tahini is.
Our Winco here in Washington has it in the peanut butter area next to the almond butter, etc. The brand I use for my hummus is Marantha. (Personally, I don’t care for peanut butter as a substitute for tahini–ever. It is worth it to go to the trouble of finding tahini.)
Ohhhh, I didn’t know you were pregnant??? Congrats!!!
Well I guess I’m just silly then, because I am THAT scared of cilantro, but you already knew that about me.
I’m glad you are starting to feel just a little bit better.