To elevate a basic hummus recipe into something truly remarkable, incorporate ice cubes while blending and sprinkle a bit of baking soda during chickpea soaking. The ice adds air, resulting in a lighter, creamier dip. Baking soda works wonders in breaking down chickpea skins, yielding an incredibly smooth texture.
If traditional hummus no longer excites your palate, consider trying Max Sussman’s lentil pistachio hummus to rekindle that love. These everyday applications are also fantastic with store-bought hummus for those moments when time is limited.
Use it as a pasta sauce
Hummus provides a bright, nutty, and rich profile, perfectly suited for pasta sauce. To create a silky sauce, blend hummus with some reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil or butter. Customize your dish further by incorporating fresh herbs, roasted vegetables, or anything that complements either hummus or pasta.
If you’re feeling adventurous, create homemade ravioli and use hummus as a filling. Paired with a light, lemon-based sauce, it becomes a delightful gourmet dish.
Make Middle Eastern-inspired burgers
Imagine using hummus in an entire burger recipe. Spread it on top of a falafel burger to create a delicious sauce that complements your patty.
Alternatively, mix breadcrumbs or oats into the hummus along with aquafaba to bind the ingredients. Form patties and cook as you would with traditional burgers; this offers a heartier, plant-based alternative. You can enhance flavors with ingredients like za’atar or roasted red pepper.
For those who love baking, consider adding hummus to your bread dough. It brings moisture and flavor, resulting in burger buns that are equally tasty and structurally supportive.
Whisk it into a salad dressing
Transform hummus into a unique vinaigrette for salads. Simply mix it with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to create a smooth dressing ideal for grains and greens.
If looking to enhance the flavor, add sesame oil and honey; maple syrup also complements well. Hummus serves as a fantastic vegan alternative to traditional salad dressings, adding creamy texture and depth without dairy.
Sweeten the dip into a dessert
While many may dispute the idea of dessert hummus, it’s time to consider this innovative approach. Chocolate pairs beautifully with tahini, bringing together flavors that many might not expect yet thoroughly enjoy. Try mixing cocoa powder and maple syrup into your hummus for a treat.
Cinnamon can also add a sweet-spice dimension, giving your chickpea dip a snickerdoodle flair. While brands like Delighted by Dessert Hummus may have influenced the trend, you can explore within your own kitchen.
Spread it onto pizza instead of red sauce
Skip the tedious process of dipping and create hummus pizza. Use hummus as the base sauce instead of traditional tomato sauce, and top with your favorites like roasted vegetables or spiced chicken.
You can also create a unique pizza dip by blending hummus with flavors reminiscent of pizza: garlic, herbs, and tomato paste. Serve it warm alongside un-topped bread for dipping.
Thicken your soups and stews
Hummus plays a crucial role in thickening soups and stews while adding creaminess. This non-dairy option eliminates the need for a complicated roux. It integrates seamlessly, pulling those broth flavors together.
Experiment with different hummus flavors for your soups; classic plain hummus fortifies a light chicken noodle, while red pepper hummus can enliven a heartier minestrone.
Pair it with eggs
Hummus may not be the first ingredient you think to combine with eggs, but the harmony is undeniable. Create deviled eggs with hummus replacing mayonnaise, adding a layer of depth to this classic appetizer.
For breakfast, stirring hummus into scrambled eggs results in a nutty, flavorful dish. Serve atop pita for a simple yet satisfying morning meal.
