Ah, hummus—a timeless classic that somehow never gets old. But what if I told you there’s a way to elevate it to new, creamy heights? Imagine the smooth, luxurious texture swirling on your taste buds, infused with the deep, rich essence of roasted garlic.
I stumbled upon this twist during a dinner party last spring, where everyone insisted on knowing the secret behind the irresistible dip. It was like a culinary epiphany, the kind that makes you wonder why you hadn’t thought of it before. The best part?
It’s ridiculously easy to whip up, even on those nights when you’re too tired to make anything elaborate. So grab some chickpeas, and let’s transform your kitchen into a hummus haven. But beware—once you try it, there’s no going back.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Trim the top quarter of a garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for one hour, then let it cool.
- Once cooled, squeeze the soft garlic cloves into a food processor. Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly before adding them to the processor with the garlic.
- Add tahini, olive oil, warm water, lemon juice, and sea salt to the processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth, scraping down the sides to ensure even blending.
- If the hummus is too thick, gradually add more olive oil while blending until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Serve the hummus at room temperature with your choice of crudités, warm pita, or crackers. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of canned or cooked chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons of tahini
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of warm water
- 1 large head of garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
FAQ
- Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?
- Yes, you can use cooked chickpeas instead of canned ones. Just ensure they are well-cooked and drained before adding them to the food processor.
- How do I roast the garlic for this recipe?
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast for about an hour, then let it cool before squeezing out the garlic into the food processor.
- What should I do if the hummus is too thick?
- If your hummus turns out too thick, you can gradually add more olive oil while blending to reach your desired consistency. Add it slowly to ensure the mixture combines evenly.
- What can I serve with this hummus?
- This creamy roasted garlic hummus pairs well with crudités, warm pita, or crackers. You can also garnish it with chopped parsley or paprika for added flavor and presentation.
- Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free or vegan?
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan as it primarily uses chickpeas, tahini, and other plant-based ingredients. Just ensure that any accompaniments, like pita or crackers, are also gluten-free if necessary.
Tips
- Roast the Garlic Perfectly: To achieve a sweet and nutty flavor, make sure to roast the garlic until it’s fully softened. A well-roasted garlic clove should squeeze out easily and have a caramelized appearance.
- Adjust Consistency Carefully: If your hummus turns out too thick, gradually add more olive oil. This will ensure that the texture remains smooth without becoming overly oily.
- Enhance Presentation: Before serving, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of paprika or some chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
Equipment
- Food Processor – Essential for blending the ingredients into a smooth hummus.
- Oven-safe Cookware or Roasting Pan – For roasting the garlic in the oven.
- Tin Foil – Used to wrap the garlic while roasting.