Hummus and Easy Flavour Variations

 Sun-dried Tomato & Basil Hummus

Hummus, can be used as a spread or a dip.  It's a dish we discovered at a local Pita place and I have made a few variations of my own when I decided to make it at home. I plan on making more in the coming weeks. Hummus is a wonderful vehicle for flavours. You can definitely play with the flavour profile and texture, it doesn't need to be difficult.

As a snack or part of a meal, it can be very filling and is delicious if you pay attention to the ingredients used. You can also serve up Hummus at parties or when entertaining and there are many different spices you can play with, depending on the event or holiday, that can be added to spruce up the spread as well as attractive for your guests.  Hummus is a delicious and healthier option for a spread or dip, serve it up with a Platter of Vegetables, Bread or even with fruit.

I have included a few ideas at the bottom of this page for your consideration.

Hummus is not something we ate a lot of previously, but after looking at a whole bunch of literature from a dietician recently, and since my husband does like it on occasion, it's something we will be eating a little more often. It's an excellent source of Fibre and a good source of Iron. I am using pre-prepared Chick Peas for these recipes. I do like to make most items from scratch, but again, I do find certain things are too time consuming, or there is no cost savings to making them. I have posted my thoughts on that here.

Good, Fast OR Cheap




The base recipe for a Hummus calls for Chick Peas, Tahini, or, Sesame Seeds, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil and spices. The spices can vary to suit your tastes.  A basic recipe for a Middle Eastern flavour is add in Cumin, Coriander, and Garlic. That's the more traditional one I have had and made in the past. For a little variety, I have played with a few different spice blends. Any of the recipes below can be used as a spread or a dipping sauce. I'll add my preferences for serving it up in the recipes below.

You will require a Food Processor or Mixer to make these easily. The alternative to create these recipes is to mash them. The texture you want will determine which tool you use.

*Note: If you don't have Tahini, use Sesame Seeds and grind them to a paste in either your Food Processor, Coffee Grinder or by hand with a mortar and pestle.


Basic Hummus Recipe - 4 Servings
2 Cups Chick Peas (Tinned or pre-cooked)
1/3 Cup Tahini (Or use whole sesame seeds as an option)
1/2 Lemon - Juiced
3 - 4 TBSPS Olive Oil
Diced, Sautéed Garlic Clove or Garlic Powder.

I have not added salt as I'm watching our salt intake and I used the brine from the Chick Pea. You can add a 1/4 TSP if you wish.

Sun-dried  Tomato Olive Oil

I have commented on flavour variations below, which I have played with. I make Herb Infused Olive Oils and add them to the hummus when I am preparing them. Do sauté the garlic prior to adding it to the Oil, as Hummus prepared in the method is using tinned Chick Peas. Raw Garlic can be over powering.









Instructions
Sauté the Garlic, finely diced, if you are using fresh. Or add the Garlic Powder into the Olive Oil and Whisk.

Blend the Tahini and Chick Peas together in your food processor on low speed, and add a couple of tablespoons of the Brine from the Chick Peas as it blends.

Add the juice of the lemon and your olive oil, turn the processor speed up to high and pulse for several minutes.

All Done.

If the texture is too rough for your preference, use a spatula and push the ingredients down and turn the processor on again for a few minutes longer, or until you have the texture you like.

This is an easy recipe, and here are some excellent ideas to bring a bit more flavour to the Hummus.

Spice Blend Variations

Traditional Mediterranean
Add Cumin, Coriander  1/8  TSP of each - Serve with warmed or toasted Pita Triangles

Roasted Chick Pea and Sesame
Roast 1/4 Cup of Chick Peas in the oven at 350 Degree for 20 minutes.
Once the Chick Peas are getting Toasty, sprinkle 2 TBS of  Sesame Seeds over them, return the tray to the oven add let roast for 5 Minutes more.

Rough Chop the Roasted Chick Peas and Sesame Seeds, or place them in the blender with the above mixture and run at the low speed for one minute. This blend gives the hummus a nice texture, for those that like a bite. - Serve with Cucumber and Cut Carrots

Lemon Pepper Hummus
Add the Olive Oil from this Recipe, Here  - Serve with French Bread, Toasted


You can check out the recipes and techniques for some of these flavoured Olive Oils, which can be used to create flavour variations in your Hummus,  at the links below.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Infused Olive Oil
Garlic and Herb Infused Olive Oil



Another idea to bring a bit of life to your Hummus is Salsa, You can either mix a couple of Table Spoons of Salsa into the blend above, or add some Salsa on the side and serve with Tortillas.

There you have it. Several ideas to help a traditional Hummus really pop with flavour. I like my spices, but even more so, I like my variety. I have a finicky eater, who recently discovered he has to take better care of himself, thankfully, this is a dish we both enjoy and it's a great source of fibre too.

For additional Ideas, you can check out my Recipe Index:
Recipe Index

I will be adding new ones each week. Have a great day!

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