Hummus Pizza: A Deliciously Healthy and Customizable Recipe

Hummus pizza might sound unconventional, but trust me, it’s a revelation! It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional tomato sauce-based pizzas, offering a creamy, flavorful base that’s packed with nutrients. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings and create a healthy and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a hummus lover or simply looking for a new pizza adventure, this recipe is a must-try.

## Why Hummus Pizza?

Traditional pizza sauce, while delicious, can sometimes be heavy or acidic. Hummus provides a lighter, creamier, and more nutritious alternative. It’s made from chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, all ingredients known for their health benefits. Hummus is a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making your pizza a more well-rounded and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free (depending on your crust choice!), making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

## Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own delicious hummus pizza:

**For the Crust:**

* **Pizza Dough:** You can use store-bought pizza dough (fresh or pre-baked), homemade dough, pita bread, naan bread, or even a cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option. Approximately 1 pound of dough is usually sufficient for a 12-14 inch pizza. If using pre-baked crusts, adjust baking time accordingly.

**For the Hummus Base:**

* **Hummus:** Approximately 1 cup. You can use your favorite store-bought hummus or make your own. Homemade hummus allows you to control the ingredients and flavor profile. Experiment with different flavors like roasted red pepper hummus, garlic hummus, or spicy hummus.
* **Olive Oil:** 1-2 tablespoons, for drizzling.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon, for brightening the flavor (optional).
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon, for added flavor (optional).

**Topping Suggestions (Get Creative!):**

* **Vegetables:**
* Cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
* Red onion, thinly sliced
* Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), sliced
* Cucumber, thinly sliced
* Spinach or arugula, fresh or lightly sautéed
* Kalamata olives, sliced
* Artichoke hearts, quartered
* Sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed (drained)
* Roasted vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, peppers)
* Mushrooms, sliced and sautéed
* Broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
* **Protein:**
* Grilled chicken or shrimp, sliced
* Cooked chickpeas or white beans
* Feta cheese, crumbled (or vegan feta alternative)
* Goat cheese, crumbled
* Spicy sausage, cooked and crumbled (if you’re not vegetarian)
* **Herbs & Spices:**
* Fresh parsley, chopped
* Fresh cilantro, chopped
* Fresh basil, chopped
* Red pepper flakes, for a little heat
* Everything bagel seasoning
* Za’atar seasoning
* **Other:**
* Pine nuts, toasted
* Sesame seeds
* Avocado, sliced (added after baking)
* A drizzle of tahini

## Equipment:

* **Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone:** A pizza stone will give you a crispier crust, but a baking sheet works just fine.
* **Pizza Cutter or Large Knife:** For slicing the pizza.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing toppings.
* **Oven:** Preheat to the appropriate temperature for your crust choice (usually 400-450°F or 200-230°C).

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

Here’s how to make your own delicious hummus pizza:

**1. Prepare the Crust:**

* **If using fresh pizza dough:** Preheat your oven according to the dough package instructions (usually around 450°F or 230°C). On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the dough to your desired size and shape. You can make one large pizza or several smaller ones.
* **If using pre-baked crust:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This lower temperature prevents the crust from burning while the toppings heat through.
* **If using pita or naan bread:** No pre-baking is usually necessary. You can assemble the pizza directly on the bread.
* **If using cauliflower crust:** Follow the package instructions for pre-baking or cooking the crust.

**2. Prepare the Hummus Base:**

* In a small bowl, combine the hummus, olive oil, lemon juice (if using), and garlic powder (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy. This thins out the hummus slightly, making it easier to spread.

**3. Assemble the Pizza:**

* **Spread the Hummus:** Spread the hummus mixture evenly over the prepared crust, leaving a small border for the crust. Don’t overload the crust with hummus; a thin layer is sufficient.
* **Add Toppings:** Arrange your desired toppings on top of the hummus. Get creative and use a variety of colors and textures. If using heavier toppings like roasted vegetables or cooked sausage, distribute them evenly to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

**4. Bake the Pizza:**

* **For fresh dough:** Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are heated through. Keep a close eye on the pizza to prevent burning.
* **For pre-baked crust:** Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the toppings are heated through and the cheese (if using) is melted and bubbly.
* **For pita or naan bread:** Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the toppings are warm.
* **For cauliflower crust:** Follow the package instructions for baking time.

**5. Garnish and Serve:**

* Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil. A drizzle of tahini or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add extra flavor.
* If using avocado, add it *after* baking to prevent it from browning.
* Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations:

* **Make your own hummus:** For the freshest flavor, make your own hummus from scratch. There are countless recipes online.
* **Experiment with different hummus flavors:** Try roasted red pepper hummus, garlic hummus, spicy hummus, or even black bean hummus.
* **Add a touch of sweetness:** Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the pizza after baking for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the hummus or sprinkle some on top of the pizza before baking.
* **Use different cheeses:** Feta and goat cheese are great options, but you can also use mozzarella, provolone, or even vegan cheese alternatives.
* **Grill your pizza:** For a smoky flavor, grill your pizza instead of baking it in the oven. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the crust with olive oil and grill it for a few minutes per side, until slightly charred. Then, remove the crust from the grill, spread with hummus, add toppings, and return to the grill for a few more minutes, until the toppings are heated through and the cheese (if using) is melted.
* **Make mini pizzas:** Use English muffins or bagels as mini pizza crusts for a quick and easy snack or appetizer.
* **Add a salad on top:** After baking, top your hummus pizza with a fresh salad of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy and refreshing twist.
* **Consider pre-cooking vegetables:** Vegetables that take a long time to cook, like broccoli or sweet potatoes, should be pre-cooked (steamed, roasted, or sautéed) before adding them to the pizza to ensure they are tender.
* **Don’t overload the pizza:** Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Less is often more!
* **Use a pizza stone:** A pizza stone will help to create a crispy crust. Preheat the pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza.
* **Adjust baking time:** Baking time will vary depending on your oven and the type of crust you are using. Keep a close eye on the pizza and adjust the baking time accordingly.

## Homemade Hummus Recipe (Optional):

If you want to make your own hummus, here’s a simple recipe:

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
* 1/4 cup tahini
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2-4 tablespoons water, as needed

**Instructions:**

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
2. Process until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

## Serving Suggestions:

Hummus pizza is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
* **Soup:** A light vegetable soup or lentil soup.
* **Roasted vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Fries:** Sweet potato fries or regular fries.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

The nutritional information for hummus pizza will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, a general estimate for one slice (1/8 of a 12-inch pizza) is:

* Calories: 250-350
* Protein: 8-12 grams
* Fat: 12-18 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Fiber: 5-8 grams

Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. For more accurate nutritional information, calculate the values based on the specific ingredients you use.

## Conclusion:

Hummus pizza is a fun, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy pizza with a twist. It’s incredibly customizable, allowing you to create a pizza that perfectly suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free option, hummus pizza is a fantastic choice. So, gather your ingredients, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy a slice of this unique and flavorful pizza! Experiment and find your favorite combination. Happy cooking!