Description
Vibrant, flavorful hummus dip with Mediterranean toppings like feta, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and toasted pine nuts. Perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnish
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons water, or more as needed for consistency
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- Pita bread, pita chips, or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Rinse and Drain the Chickpeas: Thoroughly rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water to remove excess starch and sodium. Drain them well.
- Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the bowl of a food processor.
- Process Until Smooth: Pulse the mixture a few times to initially break down the chickpeas. Then, process continuously until the mixture is very smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Adjust Consistency: If the hummus is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, while processing, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice for brightness, salt for flavor, or cumin for warmth.
- Prepare the Parsley: Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh parsley. Chop it finely and set aside.
- Crumble the Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
- Chop the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them well and chop them into small pieces.
- Chop the Kalamata Olives: Pit the Kalamata olives and chop them into small pieces.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until they are lightly golden brown and fragrant. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Roasted Red Peppers: If you are using jarred roasted red peppers, drain them well and chop them into small pieces. You can also roast your own red peppers by placing them directly on a gas stovetop flame or under a broiler until the skin is blackened. Then, place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap to steam. Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and chop the flesh.
- Spread the Hummus: Spread the prepared hummus evenly onto a serving platter or shallow bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a well in the center of the hummus.
- Arrange the Toppings: Arrange the prepared toppings artfully over the hummus. You can create separate sections for each topping or mix them together for a more colorful and textured presentation.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the hummus with a generous amount of olive oil.
- Garnish with Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika over the hummus for a touch of color and smoky flavor.
- Serve: Serve the hummus party dip immediately with pita bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping. It’s best served at room temperature.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the hummus for a spicy kick.
- Add Roasted Vegetables: Roast other vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers and add them to the hummus for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Use Different Beans: Experiment with different types of beans, such as white beans or black beans, to create unique hummus variations.
- Add Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or mint into the hummus for a refreshing flavor.
- Make it Ahead: The hummus can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the toppings just before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the hummus party dip as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. It’s also great for parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes