Hummus Beiruti with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) cooked chickpeas 2 cups (400g) cooked chickpeas
• 2 roasted red peppers 2 roasted red peppers
• 3 tablespoons tahini 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a food processor, combine the cooked chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
2. 2.
   Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed.
3. 3.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if desired.
4. 4.
   Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley.
5. 5.
   Serve with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chickpeas — If using canned chickpeas, make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess sodium. If cooking chickpeas from scratch, soak them overnight and boil until tender.
• Tahini — Stir the tahini well before using, as it tends to separate. If the tahini is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or lemon juice.
• Roasted red peppers — You can roast the red peppers yourself by placing them directly on a gas flame or under a broiler until the skin is charred. Alternatively, you can use jarred roasted red peppers for convenience.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the hummus.
• To enhance the smoky flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the recipe.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves along with the red peppers before adding them to the hummus.
• Experiment with different toppings such as pine nuts, sumac, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Leftover hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Serving advice

Serve the zesty red pepper hummus as a dip with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crispy pita chips. It also makes a delicious spread for sandwiches or wraps. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

To make the presentation more visually appealing, create a well in the center of the hummus and drizzle it with olive oil. Sprinkle some chopped parsley or paprika on top for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl surrounded by colorful vegetables or pita bread triangles.