Roasted Garlic Hummus Recipe

I absolutely adore this roasted garlic hummus recipe because it’s packed with flavor and super easy to whip up, making it a total go-to for impressing guests or just treating myself. Plus, the roasted garlic adds depth and richness that pairs perfectly with the creamy chickpeas and zesty lemon—it’s basically my snack-time hero!

I create recipes that are both delicious and nutritious; my Roasted Garlic Hummus is a perfect fit. Creamy chickpeas blended with roasted garlic, smooth tahini, and a hint of lemon juice, hmmm—no one would guess that this flavor-forward dip is good for you.

It’s packed with protein and fiber. I think the smoky paprika and ground cumin give it an irresistible depth, making it a perfect wholesome snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Allium sativum: an abundant source of antioxidants.

Boosts flavor.

Enhanced immune function.

Olive Oil: Fats that are healthy for the heart; they add a smooth texture and have properties that fight inflammation.

Chickpeas: They are a wonderful source of both protein and fiber, which make them an excellent base for any creamy dish.

I love how satiating they are.

Tahini: Prepared from sesame seeds, it has pronounced healthy fats, and its taste is quite nutty.

Lemon juice: Provides sweet-tartness, a rich source of vitamin C, and amplifies taste.

Cumin: Earthy, warm spice.

Helps with digestion and boosts the metabolism.

Paprika, Smoked: Provides depth and richness, antioxidants, and undertones of heat.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 head of garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• 2 to 4 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. The oven should be at 400°F (200°C) before starting. You will need a whole head of garlic. Cut off the top quarter of the head to expose the cloves inside. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves. Cover the head with a layer of foil and place it in the oven. Roast for 30-40 minutes until the cloves inside are soft and golden.

2. Allow the roasted garlic to cool somewhat, then squeeze the clove from its skins and set them aside.

3. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, roasted garlic, tahini, lemon juice, the other tablespoon of olive oil, cumin, and smoked paprika.

4. For 1-2 minutes, process until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. If necessary, scrape down the sides to ensure a uniform texture.

5. While the processor is running, slowly add 2 tablespoons of water. If the hummus is too thick, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired texture is achieved.

6. Adjust the taste and seasoning to your preference with salt.

7. Once you have a smooth texture, transfer the hummus to a serving bowl.

8. For added richness, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil.

9. If desired, garnish with additional smoked paprika sprinkled on top.

10. Accompany with pita bread, crisp vegetables, or your go-to nibbles. Relish!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Chef’s knife
3. Cutting board
4. Aluminum foil
5. Small baking dish or baking sheet
6. Tongs or oven mitts (for handling hot items)
7. Food processor
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups
10. Spatula (for scraping sides of the food processor)
11. Serving bowl

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh garlic instead of roasted garlic?A: The flavor of the garlic is mellowed by roasting, and a sweet, nutty taste is added. Hummus can be made with fresh garlic, but a sharper, more pungent flavor that may dominate the dish is more likely to come through when using it.
• Q: What is the purpose of adding water to the hummus?A: The consistency can be adjusted by the addition of water, making the finished product smoother and more spreadable, if desired.
• Q: How long can I store roasted garlic hummus in the refrigerator?A: It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Q: Can I use a substitute for tahini if I don’t have any?A: Yes, you can use sunflower seed butter or almond butter in place of that, but it will somewhat change the flavor.
• Q: Is it necessary to peel the chickpeas?A: It is not essential to peel the chickpeas, but doing so can result in a smoother texture for the hummus.
• Q: Can I freeze roasted garlic hummus?A: Yes, it can be frozen for as long as 3 months in an airtight container. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge and stir thoroughly.
• Q: What can I add to garnish or enhance the flavor?A: To add flavor and boost the presentation, try garnishing with extra olive oil, smoked paprika, chopped parsley, or toasted pine nuts.

Substitutions and Variations

Instead of using a head of garlic, use 3-4 cloves of raw garlic for a more concentrated, flavorful dish.
If you don’t have tahini, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter in its place.
For lemon juice, substitute with lime juice for a different citrus flavor that is still unmistakably citrus.
If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, you can use regular paprika or ground cayenne pepper for a little extra heat.

Pro Tips

1. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat in your hummus.

2. To achieve an ultra-smooth texture, peel the chickpeas by gently squeezing them and removing their skins before blending. This step is optional but can make a noticeable difference in creaminess.

3. If you’d like your hummus to have a richer, nuttier flavor, briefly toast the cumin in a dry pan over medium heat before adding it to the food processor.

4. Customize the hummus by incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the mixture for a fresh, vibrant twist.

5. Enhance the presentation by garnishing with whole chickpeas, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, or even a few roasted garlic cloves on top before serving.