Whip Up a Delicious Basil Hummus in Minutes
Ahoy there, my fellow food enthusiasts! As for me, Ehud, I am excited to share with you my recipe for the perfect basil hummus. Now, I know that most of us might have tasted several hummus recipes before, but trust me, this basil hummus is on a whole different level. It’s not your everyday homemade hummus, and it’s definitely not store-bought.
This recipe includes fresh and supercharged basil leaves with garbanzo beans or chickpeas, making it a winning combination. I’ve added a touch of garlic and lemon juice, which gives it that burst of flavor and enhances the taste of the ingredients.
If you’re a fan of pesto, then this recipe will be an absolute treat for you. The addition of basil leaves makes this hummus dip more succulent and creamy than most traditional hummus dips. It invokes serious food envy when served on a platter in front of your guests. Trust me; it’s perfect as an appetizer!
Not only is this recipe delicious and straightforward to prepare, but it’s also super healthy! Eating chickpeas enhances digestion while also reducing the risk of heart disease. Basil also has many benefits to your health, including boosting your immune system.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite snack and let’s get started with my basil hummus recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you why you’re gonna fall head over heels in love with this Basil Hummus recipe.
First of all, have you ever had homemade hummus? Nothing beats the taste and freshness of whipping up a batch in your very own kitchen. And with just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is super easy to make. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, I promise you can pull this off.
Secondly, this hummus is bursting with flavor. The combination of nutty tahini, zesty lemon juice, and garlic make for a classic hummus base, but we take it up a notch by adding in heaps of fresh basil. This herbaceous addition elevates the flavor profile to new heights and will leave you wondering how you ever lived without it.
But the best part about this Basil Hummus recipe? The versatility. You can serve it as a dip with fresh veggies or pita chips for a quick and healthy snack. It’s also fantastic spread onto sandwiches or wraps for lunchtime eats. And let’s not forget about its potential as a condiment for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try and prepare to be amazed at how something so simple can be so deliciously satisfying.
Ingredient List
To make this Basil Hummus recipe, you will need the following:
- 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. coarse salt
- 1/4 cup water
Substitutions and Variations
If you don’t have these exact ingredients in your kitchen or if you’d like to switch things up, here are some substitutions and variations that can be made:
- Chickpeas: You can replace chickpeas with garbanzo beans or any other white beans.
- Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead.
- Tahini: If you don’t have tahini, you can make homemade hummus without it or substitute it with almond butter or peanut butter.
- Basil: You can try different herb such as parsley, cilantro, or even a pre-made pesto for a supercharged basil flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is recommended but bottled juice will work in a pinch.
Make sure to have all the ingredients required before starting the cooking process.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered the ingredients, it is time to make some delicious basil hummus. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this dish:
Step 1: Prep your ingredients
First things first, prep all your ingredients. Rinse and drain the 2 cans of chickpeas and keep them aside. Next, gather 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup tahini, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, 1/2 tsp coarse salt, and 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
Step 2: Blend the Hummus
In a bowl or food processor, add chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, garlic clove, basil leaves, and salt. Blend the mixture until it turns smooth. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides and bottom of your food processor bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Adjust the Consistency
If you want a creamier consistency for your basil hummus, add water one tablespoon at a time. Blend again until smooth after each addition.
Step 4: Modify to taste
Tasting is an important part of cooking! Add more salt or lemon juice if required to balance out the sweet-tart flavor of the dish according to your taste.
Step 5: Add Garnish
Finish off with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or small whole basil leaves as garnish on top of your basil hummus.
Now your perfect basil hummus recipe is ready! Serve it with some pita bread chips or veggies for an amazing appetizer or use it as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about the numerous substitutions and variations you can make in this basil hummus recipe. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility, which provides ample opportunity for experimentation and customization to your liking.
For example, you can replace the fresh basil with other fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, or even mint for a refreshing twist. You could also use roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even beets as a substitute for basil to create your unique hummus flavor profile.
If you don’t have tahini on hand, you can use natural peanut butter or almond butter as an alternative. Although it may alter the flavor slightly, these swaps will still provide the creamy texture that tahini gives.
For a Mediterranean-inspired taste, you could add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese or 1 tablespoon of Za’atar seasoning to the recipe.
If you like a bit of heat in your food, adding 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder or smoked paprika spice will give you that smoky flavor profile without increasing the capsaicin levels.
Moreover, if you’re trying to make this recipe healthier or reduce its calorie count, try using less olive oil or substitute with Greek yogurt. Conversely, if you want to indulge a little more, try sprinkling some pine nuts on top of your hummus for added texture and flavor.
Ultimately, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices until you find what suits your preferences. By doing so, you’ll be able to create your perfect version of this basil hummus recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have made the perfect basil hummus, it’s time to serve and pair it with your favorite accompaniments. This hummus can be served as a snack or appetizer, or even used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. It pairs well with pita bread, carrots, celery, and cucumber slices.
For an elevated presentation, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top of the hummus, add some coarse salt and fresh basil leaves. You can also sprinkle some lemon zest for a zingy twist.
If you’re looking to serve this basil hummus as part of your party snacks, why not try pairing it with roasted tomato hummus or a tomato basil dip? You can use cherry tomatoes roasted in the oven for 30 minutes at 400°F with olive oil and coarse salt until tender and caramelized. Blend them into the chickpea mixture to make the supercharged basil pesto hummus an instant hit at your next gathering.
This homemade hummus is versatile and open for interpretation – create a personalized spin by adding roasted garlic or different herb blends like rosemary or thyme.
Regardless of how you choose to serve it, this perfect basil hummus is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will make repeat appearances at your table!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let me share my tips on how to make-ahead, store and reheat this incredible basil hummus recipe. Trust me, once you make a batch of this hummus, you are going to want it around all the time!
As for making ahead, let me tell you that it’s as easy as pie! You can prepare your basil hummus several days ahead of time if needed. Just remember to store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain its freshness and flavor, make sure to cover the surface of the hummus with a thin layer of olive oil before sealing the container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
When reheating the hummus, I suggest removing it from the fridge about an hour before serving. Then simply bring it back to room temperature or warm it slightly by placing it in a bowl over some warm water or microwave for a few seconds. Avoid overheating your hummus or you’ll risk changing its texture and taste.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s very versatile and works perfectly for meal prep. You can easily whip up a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week by portioning out individual servings into small containers. Perfect for quick snacks or lunchtime dipping!
But let’s say that you have some leftover basil hummus after a party or dinner. Wondering what to do with them? Well, I have great news – this tasty treat is perfect for freezing! Simply spoon your leftover hummus into an airtight freezer-safe container and it can be frozen for up to three months.
When you’re ready to use your frozen hummus, just move it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight, then follow the tips above for reheating or bringing back to temperature.
So there you have it – practical tips on how to make-ahead, store or freeze and reheat your perfect basil hummus homemade dip recipe!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a delicious basil hummus requires a few tips to obtain perfect results. Here are some pointers to help you create the best basil hummus possible and impress your guests.
First of all, make sure to use fresh ingredients. This includes the basil, garlic, and lemon juice. Fresh ingredients will give your hummus more flavor and help it taste brighter and zestier.
When adding the chickpeas to your food processor, make sure that they are well drained and rinsed. This will help get rid of any excess liquid and result in a creamier hummus.
Another essential element for a good basil hummus is the tahini paste. You will need this ingredient to get that nutty flavor in your hummus. Be sure to mix the tahini paste with lemon juice and salt before adding it to the rest of the ingredients. Mix until it’s smooth before adding the chickpeas.
When blending the ingredients together, add water slowly until you reach the right consistency. It is better to add too little water and then add additional water than to have a watery hummus.
To enhance your homemade hummus’s flavor, try using supercharged basil or lemon-basil pesto recipe in place of fresh basil leaves.
Finally, remember that practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first batch doesn’t come out quite right. Keep tweaking your technique until you find what works for you, and you’ll soon be making the best basil hummus dip around!
FAQ
Now that you have learned everything you need to make a perfect Basil Hummus, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about this recipe. With answers to these common queries, you can confidently cook up a delicious batch of hummus every time, without any hitches or glitches. So, let’s scroll down and take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about the Basil Hummus recipe.
What does tahini do for hummus?
When it comes to making flavorful hummus, tahini is a crucial element that should not be overlooked. Apart from the chickpeas and olive oil, tahini plays a pivotal role in lending a smooth consistency while boasting an array of essential vitamins and minerals.
Why is my homemade hummus not creamy?
To achieve the perfect consistency and flavor for your hummus, you may find that you need to add extra tahini, garlic, lemon, and salt, as well as some chickpea water. The recipe recommends adding these ingredients gradually until you reach the desired taste and texture. When blending the hummus, make sure to blend it for at least a few minutes until it is completely smooth. Don’t worry if the consistency seems too thin at first, as it will naturally thicken as it sits.
Can you freeze basil hummus?
A great way to preserve hummus is by freezing it with a thin layer of olive oil on top. This trick helps in retaining its freshness for a longer period. Typically, hummus can be frozen for around 3-4 months, but with the addition of the olive oil topping, it can last up to 6 months.
What can I add to plain hummus to make it taste better?
Elevate the taste of your hummus effortlessly by incorporating a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like green onions, chives, parsley, rosemary or dill. You can even mix them for a diverse flavor profile. Don’t forget to generously drizzle some olive oil and add a dash of sea salt to bring out the savory goodness.
Bottom Line
With so many variations of hummus out there, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. But this Lemon Basil Hummus recipe is truly something special. Combining the perfect balance of tangy lemon juice, nutty tahini, and supercharged basil, this hummus is the best you’ll ever taste.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a food processor, you can whip up a batch of fresh hummus that will impress even the most discerning foodie.
So why settle for store-bought when you can make your own homemade hummus that is sure to impress? Whether you love to dip veggies into it as a snack or spread it on sandwiches for an extra kick of flavor, this Lemon Basil Hummus recipe is a must-try for any hummus lover.
So go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Basil Hummus Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) canned chick-peas, rinsed and drained
- 2 1/2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 1/2 cups basil
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juice of
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until the mixture has the texture of a puree.
- Serve in a bowl.
- Reserve a few basil leaves to decorate and drizzle with olive oil.