Roasted Red Capsicum Homemade Hummus

If you want a tasty snack for your afternoon tea or a yummy appetiser for your get-together, you are in for a treat. Try this Homemade Hummus Recipe!

This starter is our family's favourite. We usually prepare a batch that lasts us a few days, and we store the rest in the refrigerator.

It's far superior to store-bought options because it's fresher, you can customise the ingredients, and it's cost-effective.

Growing up in Egypt, I enjoyed hummus regularly. What fascinated me was that while the main ingredients remained constant, the flavour would vary depending on who prepared it.

Over time, I also adjusted the ingredients to match my preferences and made further changes after meeting my husband, who grew up with different spices.

Now, when we make it with our kids, they often want to experiment with various herbs. So the taste of this starter is continually evolving in our household.

What Is Hummus?

Hummus is a delectable Middle Eastern spread or dip that combines the creamy texture of blended chickpeas with flavorful ingredients like tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Homemade hummus refers to a version of this dish prepared from scratch, allowing you to personalise the flavours and ingredients according to your preferences, resulting in a fresh and unique taste that distinguishes it from store-bought varieties.

Hummus Ingredients!

Chickpeas, take centre stage as the main ingredient in homemade hummus. These versatile legumes, also known as garbanzo beans, provide the creamy and hearty base that defines this beloved Middle Eastern dip.

Their mild, nutty flavour and smooth texture blend harmoniously with other essential components, such as tahini, lemon, and spices.

Chickpeas not only contribute to the hummus's rich, velvety consistency but also pack it with plant-based protein and fibre, making it a nutritious and satisfying option.

Now, when it comes to chickpeas, going for the dried ones, and cooking them up first, is a game-changer. See, canned chickpeas are convenient, but the dried ones? They're like the secret weapon.

Cooking them yourself lets you infuse more flavour and adjust the texture just the way you like it, making your homemade hummus a true flavour masterpiece.

Fire-roasted capsicum (bell pepper) adds a smoky, charred sweetness to hummus, enhancing its flavour profile with a unique twist.

Lemon, brings a zesty, tangy brightness to hummus, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing citrus note that balances the flavours.

Olive Oil, contributes a silky, smooth texture to the hummus and infuses it with a mild fruity undertone, enhancing the overall creaminess.

Mixed Spices, introduce a medley of savoury and aromatic notes, offering depth and complexity to the hummus, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

Garlic, adds a strong, earthy flavour, making the hummus taste bold and slightly spicy, with a pleasant aroma.

Cilantro, adds a burst of freshness and a herbal touch, enhancing the overall flavour profile with its vibrant, citrusy, and slightly peppery notes.

Sesame Seeds, when used as a garnish, bring a delightful crunch and a subtle nuttiness to the hummus, offering a textural contrast and a mild, toasty flavour that complements the creamy base.

How To Make Homemade Hummus?

Blend All Ingredients: Add all the ingredients - cooked chickpeas, roasted red pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, mixed spices, garlic, and cilantro - into a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. It's that simple!

Time-Efficient: Homemade hummus is a time-efficient option. You can have it ready in just a matter of minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy days when you want a healthy snack or appetiser.

Involving Kids: Making hummus is a family-friendly activity. Kids can help measure and add ingredients to the blender, offering an excellent opportunity to teach them about food and cooking. They can also assist with garnishing – sprinkling sesame seeds on top.

Presentation: Once your hummus is ready, you can present it in a way that makes it even more inviting. Consider serving it in a shallow dish, drizzle some extra olive oil on top, sprinkle a few more sesame seeds and cilantro leaves for an appealing visual touch.

Healthy snacks for kids

Hummus is a healthy snack for kids because it's nutrient-rich, low in sugar and salt, and provides healthy fats from olive oil.

It pairs well with various cut vegetables, making it visually appealing and a great way to introduce kids to veggies. Plus, homemade hummus is customisable to suit their preferences.