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HUMMUS, the creamy and delicious dip from the Middle East, has found its way into the plates of food lovers worldwide, including in India. The best part? It is healthy, even with the olive oil in it. Whether you're a fan of the classic version or prefer a spicy twist, we've got you covered with these easy hummus recipes.
But first, we need to sort out a key ingredient for hummus recipes: tahini. Tahini can also be made at home using simple ingredients. Here's how —
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Spread the sesame seeds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Make sure to stir them occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Alternatively, you can dry roast them in a non-stick pan until they are lightly toasted and emit a nutty aroma. Roasting for too long will burn it; make sure to stop before they turn brown.
4. Allow the toasted sesame seeds to cool for a few minutes.
5. Transfer the sesame seeds to a food processor and blend until they form a crumbly paste.
6. Gradually add olive oil, starting with 2 tablespoons, and continue blending until the mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
7. If the tahini seems too thick, add 1 more tablespoon of olive oil and blend again until desired consistency is achieved.
8. Transfer the tahini to a jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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Classic Hummus Recipe
Now that we have the tahini, let’s start with the basics. The classic hummus recipe is a simple blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Here's how you can make it at home —
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned chickpeas
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup well-stirred tahini
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water
- Dash of ground paprika, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine tahini and lemon juice and process for 1 minute.
2. Add additional ingredients including olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Process until smooth.
3. Add chickpeas and continue to process until you achieve a creamy blend.
4. If your hummus is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Serve the hummus with a dash of paprika and a drizzle of olive oil.
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Spicy Red Pepper Hummus
Infused with the fiery flavours of roasted red peppers and a touch of red pepper flakes, this variation adds a fiery twist to the traditional hummus recipe.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the classic hummus recipe
- 1 roasted red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. Follow the same steps as the classic hummus recipe.
2. Add the roasted red pepper and red pepper flakes in the food processor along with the chickpeas.
3. Process until smooth and serve with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top.
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Beetroot Hummus
By incorporating roasted beetroot into the classic hummus base, this recipe transforms the dip into a visually stunning pink delight that offers a subtly earthy and naturally sweet taste.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the classic hummus recipe
- 1 small roasted beetroot
Instructions:
1. Follow the same steps as the classic hummus recipe.
2. Add the roasted beetroot in the food processor along with the chickpeas.
3. Process until smooth. The result is a beautiful pink, earthy, and sweet hummus.
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Roasted Garlic Hummus
The rich and mellow notes of roasted garlic elevate the classic hummus recipe, lending it a smooth and smoky essence that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the classic hummus recipe
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Cut off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
3. Place the garlic bulb on a sheet of foil, drizzle it with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Wrap the garlic bulb in the foil and roast it in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the cloves become soft and golden.
5. Allow the roasted garlic to cool for a few minutes, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins.
6. Follow the same steps as the classic hummus recipe, adding the roasted garlic cloves to the food processor along with the chickpeas.
7. Process until smooth and creamy.
8. Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve.
Hummus is a healthy, versatile dip that can be paired with a variety of dishes. Whether you're spreading it on a sandwich, using it as a dip for your veggies, or simply scooping it up with a piece of warm pita bread, these easy hummus recipes are sure to impress. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up some delicious hummus at home.
