Homemade roasted red pepper hummus is easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought. The roasted red peppers add a delicious sweetness to the classic hummus flavors. Pair with veggies and homemade pita bread for a healthy appetizer or snack. It also makes a great spread on wraps.

Hummus is one of my go-to’s for a healthy mid-afternoon snack. I love making my own because I am able to control the ingredients. Many store-bought versions contain refined oils, “natural flavors”, and preservatives. Besides that, you can’t beat the taste of homemade!

Traditional hummus is made with chickpeas aka garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. In this recipe, I added cumin, roasted red peppers, and a little hot sauce. 

Health Benefits of Chickpeas

Chickpeas peas are part of the legume family and have a nutty flavor. They contain many health benefits some of which include the following:

• They are high in fiber and protein which helps to slow digestion and keep you feeling full longer.
• Chickpeas also have a low glycemic index and are high in soluble fiber which can aid in regulating blood sugar. Soluble fiber is also good for gut health. 
• They are also rich in folate, iron, and phosphorus and B vitamins.

You can purchase chickpeas dried or canned. Canned versions can be high in sodium so it’s important to rinse them well. This removes about 40% of the sodium.

Chickpeas are great to add in salads, soups, and stews. Of course, my favorite way to use them is in this homemade roasted red pepper hummus. I use canned, but you can use your own cooked chickpeas if you prefer.

Tammy’s Tips

For the smoothest hummus, you can peel the cooked chickpeas. I find that way too time-consuming and really not worth the effort! Just know that your hummus will not be smooth like store-bought if you do not peel the chickpeas.

I prefer to roast my own red peppers. It’s super simple and of course, they have so much more flavor than jarred!

I place the whole peppers on a cookie sheet and broil for 15 minutes turning halfway through.  When peppers are done roasting, place them in a paper bag or sealed container for approximately 15 minutes. This makes the peppers easier to peel. If you use jarred, be sure to check the ingredient label because they often contain added sugar.

Hummus makes a great snack or appetizer with veggies and whole-grain crackers or pita bread. I recently made a Mediterranean appetizer board for a party and centered it around this delicious hummus. I also love it as a spread on my Mediterranean veggie wraps.

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Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

 Homemade roasted red pepper hummus is easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought. The roasted red peppers add a delicious sweetness to the classic hummus flavors. Pair with veggies and homemade pita bread for a healthy appetizer or snack. It also makes a great spread on wraps.

 

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Mediterranean

Prep Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 roasted red peppers
• 1 15 oz can chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - approximately 1 large lemon
• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• dash of hot sauce
• 2-4 tbsp ice water
• salt to taste
• pine nuts for garnish
• paprika for garnish

Instructions

1. Set oven to broil.

2. Place peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until skins are charred, turning halfway through.

3. Place roasted peppers in a paper bag or sealed container for approximately 15 minutes. Peel charred skin, remove stem and seeds, roughly chop peppers. Reserve some for garnish.

4. While peppers are roasting add tahini, lemon juice, chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and a dash of hot sauce to food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth.

5. Add roasted red peppers to the mixture and pulse until peppers are incorporated. You may need to add a few tablespoons of ice water to reach desired consistency. I usually add two. Season with salt to taste.

6. I like to chill hummus my hummus for at least an hour before serving. Just before serving garnish with pine nuts, reserved chopped peppers, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

We recommend using organic ingredients whenever possible.