Description
Easy and creamy Smooth Hummus with Roasted Garlic offers a light, fluffy texture that will impress with its rich Mediterranean flavors. This hummus appetizer blends tender roasted garlic and silky chickpeas for a delectably smooth dip, perfect for pita, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Hummus
- 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas
- ⅓ cup tahini (well-stirred)
- 6 garlic cloves (roasted)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/16 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup water
Garnish
- Paprika
- Fresh minced parsley
- Reserved whole chickpeas (about 15)
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the tops of each head of garlic, exposing the cloves inside. Place the garlic heads on a piece of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap tightly. Roast in the oven for about 40 minutes until the cloves are tender and lightly browned.
- Skin the Chickpeas: Once your chickpeas are drained and rinsed, gently squeeze each chickpea to remove its skin. Discard the skins; this ensures your hummus will be extra smooth. Reserve about 15 whole chickpeas to use as garnish later.
- Make Hummus: Fit your food processor with the blade attachment. Add the skinned chickpeas and process for 1 minute, until powdery clumps form. Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl. Next, add the tahini, roasted garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Pour in the water last. Process everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, cumin, or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the hummus to a shallow bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center. Drizzle additional olive oil over the top, and sprinkle paprika and minced parsley. Scatter the reserved whole chickpeas near the center for visual appeal. Serve alongside pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Removing chickpea skins is optional but strongly recommended for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor compared to raw garlic, making the hummus more balanced.
- You can adjust the consistency by adding more water or olive oil if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (for roasting garlic only)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting (garlic) and Blending (food processor)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
