Easy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Are you looking for a flavorful, healthy, and incredibly easy appetizer or snack? Look no further than homemade roasted red pepper hummus! This recipe is a vibrant twist on classic hummus, adding a touch of sweetness and smokiness from roasted red bell peppers. It’s perfect for dipping veggies, spreading on sandwiches, or enjoying with pita bread. Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and requires minimal effort. This post will guide you through each step of making the most delicious roasted red pepper hummus you’ve ever tasted, complete with tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and roasted red peppers creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Hummus is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious snack or appetizer.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal cooking skills. You can have fresh, homemade hummus ready in minutes.
* **Versatile:** Roasted red pepper hummus is a versatile spread that can be used in countless ways. Dip, spread, or use it as a base for other dishes.
* **Impress Your Guests:** Serve this hummus at your next gathering and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Chickpeas:** 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed. Rinsing removes excess starch, leading to a smoother hummus.
* **Roasted Red Peppers:** 1 cup, jarred or homemade. Jarred roasted red peppers are a convenient option, but roasting your own peppers will give you the best flavor.
* **Tahini:** 1/4 cup. Tahini is a sesame seed paste that adds a nutty and creamy flavor to hummus. Be sure to stir it well before measuring, as the oil tends to separate.
* **Lemon Juice:** 2-3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Fresh lemon juice is essential for adding brightness and acidity to the hummus. Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference, or use roasted garlic for a milder taste.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, plus extra for drizzling. Olive oil adds richness and helps to create a smooth texture.
* **Water:** 2-4 tablespoons. Water is used to thin out the hummus and achieve the desired consistency. Add more or less depending on your preference.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* **Cumin:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Cumin adds a warm and earthy flavor.
* **Paprika:** A pinch, for garnish (optional).
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the hummus! Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time.

**Step 1: Prepare the Red Peppers (If Roasting Your Own)**

If you’re using jarred roasted red peppers, skip this step. If you’re roasting your own, here’s how:

1. **Preheat your broiler:** Set your oven to broil on high.
2. **Prepare the peppers:** Wash the red bell peppers and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil.
3. **Roast the peppers:** Place the baking sheet under the broiler and roast the peppers, turning them occasionally, until the skin is blackened and blistered on all sides (about 15-20 minutes).
4. **Steam the peppers:** Transfer the roasted peppers to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to peel off the skin.
5. **Peel and seed the peppers:** Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, peel off the blackened skin and remove the seeds and stems. Roughly chop the roasted red pepper flesh.

**Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor**

1. **Add chickpeas:** Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas in a food processor.
2. **Add roasted red peppers:** Add the roasted red peppers to the food processor.
3. **Add tahini:** Add the tahini to the food processor.
4. **Add lemon juice:** Add the fresh lemon juice to the food processor.
5. **Add garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the food processor.
6. **Add olive oil:** Add the olive oil to the food processor.
7. **Add salt and cumin (optional):** Add the salt and cumin (if using) to the food processor.

**Step 3: Process Until Smooth**

1. **Start processing:** Turn on the food processor and process the ingredients until they are well combined and the mixture starts to form a paste.
2. **Add water:** With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the water, one tablespoon at a time, until the hummus reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much water, as it can make the hummus too thin.
3. **Continue processing:** Continue processing until the hummus is smooth and creamy. This may take several minutes. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed.

**Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning**

1. **Taste the hummus:** Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice, salt, or garlic to suit your taste.
2. **Process again (if needed):** If you add any additional ingredients, process the hummus for a few more seconds to incorporate them.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. **Transfer to a serving bowl:** Transfer the roasted red pepper hummus to a serving bowl.
2. **Drizzle with olive oil:** Drizzle the hummus with a little extra olive oil.
3. **Garnish (optional):** Garnish with a pinch of paprika and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
4. **Serve:** Serve the hummus with pita bread, vegetables, crackers, or anything else you like. It’s also great as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.

## Tips for the Best Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

* **Use high-quality tahini:** The quality of your tahini will significantly impact the flavor of your hummus. Look for tahini that is made from 100% sesame seeds and has a smooth, creamy texture.
* **Don’t skip the ice water trick:** For extra creamy hummus, try adding a tablespoon or two of ice water while processing. The cold water helps to emulsify the ingredients and create a smoother texture.
* **Adjust the consistency to your liking:** Add more or less water to achieve your desired consistency. Some people prefer a thicker hummus, while others prefer a thinner one.
* **Roast your own peppers for the best flavor:** While jarred roasted red peppers are convenient, roasting your own will give you the most flavorful hummus.
* **Use fresh lemon juice:** Bottled lemon juice can have a bitter taste. Fresh lemon juice will add a bright and tangy flavor to your hummus.
* **Don’t over-process:** Over-processing can make the hummus gummy. Process just until smooth and creamy.
* **Let it rest:** Allowing the hummus to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving will allow the flavors to meld together.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Spicy Hummus:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the food processor for a spicy kick.
* **Smoked Paprika Hummus:** Substitute regular paprika with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus:** Add 1/4 cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to the food processor for a tangy and savory flavor.
* **Avocado Hummus:** Add 1/2 an avocado to the food processor for a creamy and healthy twist.
* **Jalapeño Hummus:** Add a seeded jalapeño to the food processor for a zesty kick.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before serving for added flavor and texture.

## Serving Suggestions

Roasted red pepper hummus is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

* **As a Dip:** Serve with pita bread, vegetables (carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers), crackers, or tortilla chips.
* **As a Spread:** Spread on sandwiches, wraps, or toast.
* **In a Mezze Platter:** Include it as part of a mezze platter with other Middle Eastern dips and appetizers, such as baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and falafel.
* **With Grilled Meats or Vegetables:** Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
* **In Salads:** Add a dollop to your salad for extra flavor and protein.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover roasted red pepper hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freezer:** Hummus can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be good.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

*Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons*

* Calories: 70
* Fat: 5g
* Saturated Fat: 1g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 100mg
* Carbohydrates: 5g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sugar: 1g
* Protein: 2g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use canned red peppers instead of roasting my own?**
A: Yes, you can definitely use jarred roasted red peppers for convenience. Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the food processor.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Absolutely! Hummus is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, it often tastes even better after it has had a chance to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

**Q: My hummus is too thick. How can I thin it out?**
A: Add a tablespoon or two of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

**Q: My hummus is too bitter. What can I do?**
A: The bitterness could be due to the tahini or lemon juice. Try adding a pinch of salt or a little bit of honey to balance the flavors. Using fresh lemon juice is also important.

**Q: Can I use other types of beans besides chickpeas?**
A: While chickpeas are the traditional choice for hummus, you can experiment with other beans like white beans (cannellini beans) or black beans. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

**Q: Can I make this recipe without tahini?**
A: Tahini is a key ingredient in hummus, providing its characteristic flavor and creamy texture. However, if you’re allergic to sesame seeds or simply don’t have tahini on hand, you can try substituting it with an equal amount of sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Keep in mind that the flavor will be different.

**Q: How long does homemade hummus last?**
A: Homemade hummus will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

## Conclusion

This easy roasted red pepper hummus recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a delicious appetizer, or a versatile spread, this hummus is the perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your food processor, and get ready to enjoy the best roasted red pepper hummus you’ve ever tasted! Enjoy!