Six easy hummus recipes to make at home

Hummus is the perfect type of food. It’s cheap and easy to make, and full of the good stuff that your body craves. It’s one of the most basic of foods and is made primarily from chickpeas which are a wonderful source of protein. Its simplicity means experimentation is encouraged. Here we have laid out six easy-peasy hummus recipes you can make at home, starting with plain hummus before moving on to add some spices and other delicious ingredients.  

Hummus recipe

Plain hummus is so simple to make. All you need to remember is the correct order in which to make the food. Let’s start with the basics.

Ingredients 

• 400g of chickpeas *
• 3 tablespoons of tahini *
• 1 or 2 crushed garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons of crushed sea salt *
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• A food processor

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1 Initially, process the lemon juice and tahini together for 60 seconds, before scraping the inside of the processor to make sure it all mixes correctly. Then process for another 30 seconds. Step 2 After that add the olive oil, garlic and salt. Process this for another 60 seconds. Step 3 And finally, add the chickpeas. If they are store-bought make sure to rinse and drain them first. Some people prefer to skin the chickpeas, but it’s not necessary. Step 4 Once you’ve added them, carry on the process for a further 120 seconds. It may be best to add the chickpeas to the processor in intervals to make sure they are getting well and truly crushed and mixed. Step 5 If your hummus is a little too thick, try adding a couple of tablespoons of water. It’s up to you, but may you may want to drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and taste to see if it needs a touch more salt too.

Red pepper and chilli hummus recipe

This hummus takes slightly more preparation, but it’s well worth it for that sweet but spicy taste.

Ingredients

(in addition to the usual hummus ingredients listed above):

• 2 Red Peppers
• 1 Red Chilli

Method

Step 1 First off, chop the two peppers and the chilli in half and remove any seeds. Lay them cut-side down on a baking tray. You now have two options: either grill the peppers for about 15 minutes or roast them in a preheated oven for slightly longer. Step 2 Keep checking the peppers until they are nicely charred. Step 3 Carefully remove the peppers and place in a bowl before wrapping cling film over the top. Doing this will help to steam the skins off and will allow them to cool. Let them cool for about 10 minutes. Step 4 Next, peel off the skins of the peppers, and you are ready to go. Process the rest of your ingredients as shown above and insert your peppers whenever you please. Processing them along with the chickpeas has proven to be the best option so far.

Black olive hummus recipe

Another easy recipe.

Ingredients 

(in addition to the usual hummus ingredients listed above):

• 1 can of black olives

Method

Step 1 Begin by draining the olives and reserve the liquid, and where you’d normally add the olive oil, garlic and salt, pour in the liquid now as well too. Step 2 Then follow the usual instructions – outlined in the first recipe on this page – until the very end. Add your olives and pulse them about a handful of times until they are chopped up nicely. Step 3 Believe it or not, that’s all that you need to do. Finally, scoop out that hummus and away you go.

Pine nuts and parsley oil hummus recipe

This is another standard in the hummus game, but delicious nonetheless.

Ingredients 

(in addition to the usual hummus ingredients listed above):

• ¼ cup of parsley or fresh parsley leaves
• 3 tablespoons of pine nuts *
• 1 ½ tablespoon of olive oil

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1 To begin, process all of your usual ingredients together and then transfer to a bowl. Step 2 Next, clean the processor, then add the parsley and the olive oil to the processor. Mix until the oil is bright green and the parsley is completely minced. Then transfer this to a jar. Step 3 Here’s the slightly tricky part: In a dry skillet, toast the pine nuts, stirring frequently, but making sure they are a golden brown. Remember to be careful, though, because they can quickly become burnt. Step 4 This can all be made three days in advance. So cover them all separately and stick the oil and the hummus in the fridge while you leave the nuts at room temperature. Step 5 When serving, drizzle the parsley oil over the hummus and sprinkle with pine nuts. Easy as that.

Spicy black bean hummus recipe

Now for something different – a hummus that doesn’t contain chickpeas at all.

Ingredients 

(in addition to the usual hummus ingredients listed above):

• 1 can of black beans
• 1 small jalapeño pepper
• Dash of cayenne pepper *

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1 Instead of chickpeas, this recipe uses black beans, which also have high protein and fibre content, and help promote a healthy heart. Step 2 To begin, chop the jalapeño and rinse and drain the black beans before use. Keep the black bean liquid and add it later on once everything had been processed if you prefer. Step 3 Then it’s the same as listed in the recipes above; How easy is that? Step 4 Pulse the black beans and jalapeño when you’d normally add the chickpeas, and sprinkle the cayenne pepper at the same time. Alternatively, sprinkle the cayenne afterwards.

Artichoke and herb hummus recipe

This will add a little lightness to your usual dense hummus, as well as bringing a nice cool bit of healthiness.

Ingredients 

(in addition to the usual hummus ingredients listed above):

• 1 can of artichoke hearts
• ½ teaspoon of ground cumin *
• 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1 This will add a little lightness to your usual dense hummus, as well as bringing a nice cool bit of healthiness. The key is to try out a couple of different herbs along with the artichokes to find your personal preference. Step 2 To begin, drain the artichokes and chop if necessary. Step 3 Next, add the basil and cumin when you normally add the lemon and tahini. Step 4 Follow the rest of the normal instructions and once it has all been pulsed together, add the artichokes and process until smooth. Viola! Whichever hummus recipe you choose you’re sure to be in for a treat. So those are just a few ideas to mix up your usual hummus and dip combination. Get creative and try your own.  Shop Food & Drink Source www.livestrong.com/article/528633-the-protein-in-chickpeas/