Savor the Flavor with our Black Olive Hummus Recipe
As a chef, I have always been fascinated by hummus – the staple dip of Middle Eastern cuisine. When it comes to variations of hummus, the possibilities are endless, and my recent obsession is Black Olive Hummus. This recipe combines the nuttiness of chickpeas with the briny flavor of black olives to create a unique and delicious twist on classic hummus.
Hummus is incredibly versatile, and can be used as a dip or spread for sandwiches, vegetables, and crackers. It also serves as an excellent starter dish for any dinner party or gathering. I love to experiment with different ways to elevate hummus, be it through ingredient additions or through cooking techniques. Personally, I think this black olive hummus is one of my best creations.
The recipe is straightforward and only requires a few simple ingredients. You can easily whip up a batch in just under 5-minutes with the help of a food processor. This recipe can also be customized according to your taste preferences – make it spicy by adding some red pepper flakes or explore other add-ins like roasted garlic!
With its distinct flavor profile and nutritional value (high in fiber and protein), black olive hummus is an excellent addition to any mealtime spread. Trust me; once you try this delightful recipe, you are going to want to add it into your regular meal rotation too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear food enthusiasts,
As a chef, I always strive to create dishes that are not only delicious but also unique and memorable. And this Black Olive Hummus recipe is no exception. Trust me; you’ll love this recipe once you try it.
Imagine hummus with an added twist of salty and briny flavors of kalamata olives, featuring an incredibly smooth and creamy texture that will melt in your mouth. Moreover, the Black Olive Hummus is not only bursting with flavor, but it’s also healthy too!
This recipe is suitable for anyone who loves hummus or looking for a new appetizer recipe or even sandwiches or dipping sauce for veggies. The ingredients required to make this dish are relatively cheap and readily available, making it quick and easy to prepare.
What’s more intriguing about the Black Olive Hummus is its versatility- you can switch up some ingredients to achieve the perfect taste that suits your preference, making it one of the best chickpea based dips around. You can add tahini paste for extra creaminess or leave it out altogether if you prefer. Alternatively, swap kalamata olive for green olives or mix up different types of olives- the possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a silky smooth and healthy dip recipe with an unforgettable taste- look no further than this Black Olive Hummus! Not only is it easy to make, but its savory flavor is bound to impress all your guests.
Happy cooking!
Ingredient List
Main Ingredients:
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Chickpeas: This black olive hummus recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed. Chickpeas are the base ingredient for hummus and they add a creaminess to the dip.
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Kalamata Olives: We need 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped. They add a rich and tangy flavor to the hummus that is essential to this recipe.
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Black Olives: The recipe requires 1/2 cup of black olives, pitted and chopped. They add a subtle saltiness to the dip.
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Garlic: Use 3 cloves of minced garlic to give this hummus healthy flavor and aroma that we all know and love.
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Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice is used in this recipe, adding acidity that will brighten up the dip.
Additional Ingredients:
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Tahini: For a classic hummus flavor use 1/4 cup tahini; or just skip it if you prefer your hummus without tahini.
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Olive Oil: You will need 1/4 cup olive oil to achieve the perfect consistency for your hummus.
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Black Pepper: A teaspoon of black pepper is added for a bit of sharpness.
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Salt: Add salt to taste, but be careful since the olives themselves are salty.
Optional Ingredients:
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Cumin: For an earthy flavor try adding 1/2 tsp. cumin or more to taste.
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Green Olives: Substitute green olives for black olives for a different flavor profile that compliments the kalamata olives beautifully.
Note – Not all ingredients listed under each category are required as they may have substitutions/variations that you could use instead.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the heart of this article, the black olive hummus recipe. This recipe is simple and easy to follow, requiring only a few ingredients and a food processor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients together, measuring the required amounts, and rinsing off the canned chickpeas. Also, make sure to remove the pits from the olives if they are not pitted already.
Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, add in 2 cups of chickpeas, 1/2 cup tahini, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth consistency adding water as needed to reach a perfect blend.
Then stir in 1 cup of pitted Kalamata olives and pulse until they are mixed into the hummus but still slightly chunky.
Adjust Seasonings and Texture
Take a taste test and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add some more salt or pepper if necessary or even an extra splash of lemon juice for more freshness.
If you prefer your hummus with a thinner texture add a bit more water until you reach your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve
Transfer your black olive hummus to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Then garnish with some fresh parsley or diced Kalamata olives.
I recommend serving this delicious dip with pita bread or vegetable sticks as an appetizer or as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.
Notes:
For those who prefer olive tapenade hummus, just skip adding chickpeas to this recipe and use kalamata olive tapenade instead.
Now you know how to make a deliciously healthy homemade black olive hummus! So next time you need a last-minute appetizer that’ll impress your guests, give this recipe a try!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of cooking is the ability to explore different flavors and experiment with different ingredients. With the black olive hummus recipe, you can also make some substitutions and variations to give it your own personal touch.
Firstly, if you don’t fancy using kalamata olives, try using green olives instead. They are equally delicious and can add a unique flavor profile to your hummus. You can also swap tahini for peanut butter if you have any nut allergies or simply just prefer the taste.
If you want a creamier texture, use less liquid; if you want a thinner consistency use more liquid. Moreover, If you like your hummus with a bit of kick, add a pinch of cumin or mix in some red pepper flakes for that extra spice.
Additionally, if you prefer not to use canned chickpeas, you can cook them from dried, using two cups of soaked and drained chickpeas or garbanzo beans instead. Furthermore, If you don’t have access to fresh lemon juice, feel free to use bottled lemon juice. However, it may not have the fresh tangy taste of a freshly squeezed lemon.
For something different, try adding some roasted red peppers to the recipe. Charred eggplant also works seamlessly with this recipe reimagining it into an oriental dip for hummus lovers.
Finally, this versatile spread makes a perfect sandwich filler alternative as well as an impressive appetizer dip harnessed in countless ways accentuating its adaptable characteristic.
Overall, these substitutions and variations allow for endless exploration and experimentation through discovering the flavors that suit your personal taste preferences.
Serving and Pairing
Black Olive Hummus is a versatile dip that can be served in various ways, each one delivering a unique flavor and texture. Spread it on toast and top it with sliced avocado, arugula, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an easy and tasty breakfast. Pair it with crudites, such as carrot sticks, cucumber, and bell peppers, for a healthy snack, or serve alongside pita chips for a flavorful appetizer.
For a delicious lunch option, make a pita sandwich by stuffing pita bread with Black Olive Hummus, roasted chicken or turkey slices, sliced tomatoes, lettuce leaves, and grated carrots. To amp up the protein content, you can also add feta cheese, hard-boiled eggs or tahini sauce.
If you want to switch things up from the classic hummus dip recipe at your next party or gathering, consider serving black olive hummus alongside traditional flavors like plain and garlic hummus. The bright and bold flavor profile of this dip is also perfect for pairing with Mediterranean-inspired dishes like falafel sandwiches or lamb kebabs.
To complement the earthy flavors of black olives in the hummus dip, try pairing it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Alternatively, go for a full-bodied red wine like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon if you prefer something richer and bolder tasting.
No matter how you serve it or pair it up, Black Olive Hummus is an appetizing and exciting recipe that will be sure to wow guests with its simplicity yet bold flavor profile.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the many things that make Black Olive Hummus Recipe a wonderful addition to your mealtime is its flexibility to be made ahead of time, stored and reheated easily. This recipe is ideal for busy workdays or hosting gatherings as it can be prepared 2-3 days before serving, giving the flavors enough time to meld together and intensify.
To make ahead, prepare the hummus following the instructions given earlier in the recipe. Once it’s ready, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. When you’re finally ready to serve, give it a good mix and top with extra olive oil and some freshly chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Storing Black Olive Hummus Recipe is also simple! Keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving, check the consistency and add some water or olive oil if necessary to loosen up the mixture.
Reheating Black Olive Hummus Recipe has never been easier. To reheat, take out the desired amount from refrigeration and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before microwaving or heating on stovetop until warmed through.
Note that once reheated, the texture may change slightly so try not to overheat it!
Remember that making this recipe ahead of time saves you time during meal prep, which can be especially helpful when cooking for guests. You now have an easy appetizer recipe that you can store and reheat whenever you crave its delicious taste. And don’t forget to serve this flavorful hummus with some pita chips or fresh vegetables for dipping purposes!
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the perfect black olive hummus, you need to follow a few tips that will elevate your dish to the next level. These tips will ensure that your creamy hummus comes out deliciously smooth, with rich flavors that burst in your mouth.
First and foremost, use fresh ingredients, especially the garlic and lemon. Fresh garlic is aromatic and packs a punch, while fresh lemon juice provides the tangy flavor that balances the other ingredients. Squeeze the lemons yourself to get flavorful juice, and consider using a garlic press for maximum texture.
Another tip is to blend the hummus long enough to get a creamy consistency. This means blending for at least two minutes or more until the chickpeas and olives have broken down into a smooth paste. Patience is key, so be sure to set your food processor on high speed for best results.
Adding water can also help in achieving creaminess in your dip. If you find it too thick or dry, simply add two tablespoons of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Additionally, do not skimp on salt and pepper; they bring out the flavors in all the other ingredients. To avoid over-salting or over-peppering your hummus, add small amounts and taste as you go along until it hits the spot.
If you want a smoother taste, consider peeling some of the chickpeas before blending them. It may take some extra time, but it will remove any lingering taste from their skin.
Finally, let your hummus sit in the refrigerator for an hour or more before serving to allow all the flavors to meld together. Drizzling it with olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper right before serving will give it an elegant look while also enhancing its flavor.
In summary, making perfect black olive hummus is achievable by simply following these tips: use fresh ingredients (especially garlic and lemon), blend for at least two minutes until creamy, add water if needed, generously season with salt and pepper to bring out other flavors, peel some chickpeas for added smoothness if desired, let it rest before serving and garnish with olive oil and black pepper for presentation. Follow these tips for impeccable results every time!
FAQ
As you prepare to make this delicious black olive hummus recipe, you may have some questions in mind. No need to worry – I am here to guide you through the process and provide answers to some of your most commonly asked questions. Below, you’ll find answers to questions that might pop up as you create your hummus masterpiece. So, let’s dive into the FAQ section!
Why is Israeli hummus so smooth?
By puréeing garlic together with fresh lemon juice and blending hot chickpeas, you can create a delectable and authentic Israeli-style hummus that boasts both a smooth texture and a robust flavor profile.
Is olive tapenade hummus good?
A delightful and scrumptious hummus recipe is waiting for you! With a tangy and flavorful taste, it will definitely become your favorite hummus. If you’re a fan of olives, then you absolutely must give it a try. Trust me, it won’t disappoint!
What is the difference between tapenade and hummus?
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dip that is perfect to pair with pita bread, you should try making hummus. This creamy concoction is prepared by blending chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic and either olive or sesame oil. On the other hand, tapenade is a rich spread that can be made by mixing anchovies, capers, ripe olives, lemon juice, olive oil and spices into a paste-like consistency.
What can I do with black olives from the tree?
Let’s give our olives some salty love! Grab a plastic tub and toss in the olives. Sprinkle a generous amount of cooking salt over them and toss once more to evenly coat each olive. Now it’s time to give them some weight – cover the tub with something heavy. Keep repeating this process every day until the olives have become beautifully shrivelled. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Black Olive Hummus recipe is one that satisfies taste buds and cravings alike. Its alluring aroma, creamy texture, and robust flavors will entice you to come back for more. Whether you want to entertain guests, indulge in a healthy snack or elevate your sandwich game, this versatile recipe will cater to your needs.
So go ahead and take a chance on this flavorful twist of hummus! With its wholesome ingredients, you can create a food experience that not only energizes the body but also delights the soul. The savory blend of chickpeas and olives with a zing of lemon juice and garlic will transport your taste buds to another level.
To sum it up, try the Black Olive Hummus recipe today and experience for yourself its health benefits, convenience, and deliciousness. You won’t be disappointed!
Black Olive Hummus Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ounces kalamata olives or 6 ounces black olive paste
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, lemon infused
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/8 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
Instructions
- All all ingredients except oils, water and salt to a food processor.
- Pulse ingredients until they start to form a paste.
- Add lemon olive oil, and turn food processor on.
- Add olive oil a tbsp at a time until you reach a smooth creamy texture.
- If the hummus is too thick, add water in teaspoons to help thin it out.
- Taste and add salt if needed. (if using olive paste, you will not need salt.).