A classic hummus in itself is a good snack and something which pairs up with veggies and crackers as a dip or a s a spread on sandwiches, wraps, pita bread, burgers etc. There can be many delicious versions of this simple, protein packed snack and one such my favorite is roasted red bell pepper hummus. Adding bell pepper gives that smoky flavor to hummus which is just acts like an add on to silky, smooth hummus.
Hummus is packed with protein and a source of complex carbs and healthy fat. This serves as a good afternoon snack and also in salads and protein bowls. If you are not a fan of adding bell pepper to hummus, or trying out a hummus for the first time, try out the classic hummus recipe from my page Classic Hummus Recipe
You can get get a jar of roasted bell pepper in supermarket. If you are making it at home like me instead, roughly chopped a large red bell pepper and then drizzle some olive oil and give it a mix so the oil is coated for all pieces. Add some salt and spread the pieces on a oven flat pan. Bake for 8 to 10 mins at 380 degrees F. You can either use oven to roast the bell peppers or use air fryer. If using air fryer, preheat first and then use roast setting, 6 - 8 mins. Check if you have that good charred skin on bell peppers and then add to blender with other ingredients and blend all together.
Starting with tips for chickpeas also called as Garbanzo beans, It is recommended to soak it overnight or at least 8 hours and then get started with the process. The another option would be to use canned chickpeas from supermarket if you forgot to soak chickpeas or need to make this right away.
Note for creamy hummus: To make hummus more smooth remove the skin of chickpeas once it is cooked. It will be some effort and time consuming but worth at the end. This step is optional though.
Tahini sauce: Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds. You can find tahini sauce in supermarkets. If you want to make it at home, roast about 6 oz (168 grams) of sesame seeds until they are golden and then add them to a small blender and make a paste (tahini sauce). You can use this sauce for making hummus and additionally you can also use it in salads or protein bowls as well.
Blending: It is recommended to use a food processor to make the recipe as it will be a little convenient and also easier if you are making a larger quantity say for 5-6 days since people make it in batch and store in the refrigerator as it goes pretty much with everything and a quick healthy snack too.
But if you are making a small batch of hummus, you can use a small blender as I have tried making with Nutribullet blender before and it turned out equally creamy and delicious. So, whatever is your convenience and depending on the quantity go for that option.
Roasted red bell pepper Hummus
Ingredients-
Chickpeas or Garbanzo beans, 2 cups, soaked overnight at least 8 hours OR Canned chickpeas, 1 can
Tahini sauce, 5 tbsp
Red bell pepper, 1 large, roughly chopped
Garlic cloves, 3
Lemon juice, 2 tbsp
Salt, 1 tsp
Paprika powder, 1 tsp
Olive oil or any vegetable oil, 2 tbsp
Recipe
Soak chickpeas overnight (atleast 8 hours). Then drain off the water and transfer these chickpeas to a saucepan with water sufficient to soak the chickpeas. Keep the water 1 inch above the layer of chickpeas and cook on medium flame or till it starts boiling and cook until the chickpeas are soft. Another option is to pressure cook chickpeas for 5-6 whistles on medium flame. If you are using canned chickpeas, then you can use it right away as those are already cooked and soft.
Roughly chop a large red bell pepper and then drizzle some olive oil and give it a mix so the oil is coated for all pieces. Add some salt. You can either use oven or air fryer to roast bell peppers and get that smoky, charred flavor. Oven- Spread the pieces on a oven baking pan. Bake for 8 to 10 mins at 380 degrees F. Air fryer- Preheat on roast mode first and then add in the pieces, air fry for 6 - 8 mins.
To a food processor, add cooked chickpeas, roasted bell pepper, tahini sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, salt. Blend it all until smooth consistency is obtained. If it is a little too thick after blending for 2 minutes you can add 4-5 tbsp water or 1 tbsp olive oil for some extra healthy fat source and blend it all again to achieve smooth that silky and smooth consistency for hummus.
Drizzle with some more of olive oil and paprika powder. Garnish with some chopped pieces of roasted bell pepper and Enjoy !!
Happy Eating !!
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