Meta Description: Learn how to make the creamiest, most flavorful roasted sweet pepper hummus from scratch. This easy, vibrant recipe is perfect for snacking or as a delicious spread.
I’ll never forget the first time I made hummus that was actually good. For years, my experience with hummus was limited to the pre-packaged tubs from the grocery store. They were fine, but they always tasted a bit flat and one-dimensional. I had no idea that a few simple ingredients and a little bit of effort could create something so much more vibrant and delicious. I was hosting a get-together, and I wanted to make a dip that felt a little more special than just opening a container. I had a few beautiful, colorful bell peppers in the fridge that I needed to use, and I decided to try roasting them.
As the peppers softened and charred in the oven, the smell was incredible. Their natural sweetness became concentrated and smoky. I pureed them with some chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and a few cloves of garlic. The hummus came out of the food processor, a beautiful, creamy, and vibrant orange color. The first spoonful was a revelation. It was rich and smooth, with a subtle sweetness from the roasted peppers that was perfectly balanced by the tangy lemon and nutty tahini. It was nothing like the store-bought versions. From that day on, roasted sweet pepper hummus became my go-to recipe for a simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious snack. This recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a lot of time or fancy ingredients to create something truly special. So, let’s get blending! 😋
The Ultimate Roasted Sweet Pepper Hummus
This recipe takes a classic hummus and elevates it with the addition of sweet, smoky roasted bell peppers. The roasting process brings out the natural sugars in the peppers, giving the hummus a wonderful depth of flavor. The result is a smooth, creamy, and flavorful dip that is perfect for snacking, entertaining, or as a healthy spread on sandwiches.
✅ Ingredients
For the Roasted Peppers:
- 2 large sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), halved and seeded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Hummus:
- 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup ice-cold water
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For Serving:
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil
- A sprinkle of smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Pita bread, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping
🌟 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Roast the Peppers:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the halved bell peppers, cut-side down, on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with a little bit of salt. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are soft and the skin has started to char and wrinkle. You can also broil them for 5-7 minutes to get a nice char. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes. The skin will slip right off.
2. Make the Hummus:
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the roasted peppers, chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Process until the mixture is smooth. While the food processor is running, slowly add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the hummus reaches your desired creamy consistency. You may need more or less water, so be sure to watch the consistency carefully. The ice water is a simple trick that helps create a wonderfully light and fluffy texture.
3. Adjust and Taste:
Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. Does it need a little more salt? A squeeze more lemon? A pinch more smoked paprika? This is your chance to make it perfect for you!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon the roasted sweet pepper hummus into a shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a little well in the middle. Drizzle generously with a high-quality olive oil and sprinkle with a little extra smoked paprika and some fresh chopped parsley. Serve with warm pita bread, crispy pita chips, or a platter of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. This hummus is best enjoyed fresh from the food processor, but it will keep in the refrigerator for a few days.
🥗 Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (approx.) |
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Your Questions Answered 💬
Even with a simple recipe, questions can pop up! Here are some common inquiries about this delicious roasted sweet pepper hummus.
Do I have to remove the chickpea skins?
For the absolute smoothest hummus, some people swear by peeling the chickpeas. You can do this by rubbing the chickpeas in a clean kitchen towel. The skins will come off easily. However, this is an optional step! Most food processors are powerful enough to make a very smooth hummus without this extra effort. The choice is yours and depends on how much you value a perfectly smooth texture.
What kind of tahini should I use?
Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds, and it is a crucial ingredient in hummus. The quality of your tahini will make a big difference in the final taste of your hummus. Look for a tahini that is smooth and a bit runny, without too much bitterness. You can find tahini at most grocery stores in the international or baking aisle. For more on the health benefits of tahini, you can check out resources from reputable health and nutrition organizations.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This roasted sweet pepper hummus is a fantastic make-ahead dip. You can prepare it up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to deepen as it sits. If the hummus thickens too much in the fridge, you can whisk in a little bit of water or lemon juice to get it back to your desired consistency. Just be sure to add the fresh garnishes right before you serve it.
🌟 Variations and Serving Suggestions
This recipe is a wonderful base for creativity. Feel free to use it as a starting point and get creative with your own additions and twists.
- Add a Spicy Kick: For a spicy hummus, you can roast a jalapeño along with the bell peppers. The heat from the pepper will give the hummus a wonderful kick. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the food processor.
- Change the Legumes: While chickpeas are the classic base for hummus, you can also use other legumes. Roasted white beans or even lentils would work well and give the hummus a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Different Herbs: While parsley is a classic garnish, you can also use other herbs. A little bit of fresh cilantro, a few sprigs of dill, or some chopped chives would all be delicious additions.
- Make it Savory: If you want a more savory flavor, you can add a half teaspoon of cumin or a little bit of paprika. You can also stir in some sun-dried tomatoes or a few roasted garlic cloves to the mix.
- Different Toppings: You can get creative with your toppings. A sprinkle of feta cheese, some toasted pine nuts, or a few roasted chickpeas would all be wonderful additions.
Perfect Pairings
This vibrant hummus is a fantastic side for a variety of meals. It’s a great addition to a simple party platter and a perfect spread for a light lunch. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a simple pita wrap. You can also serve it as a dip for a vegetable platter or as a spread for a sandwich. The possibilities are endless!
The Joy of Simple and Delicious
There’s a certain kind of joy that comes from taking a dish that seems simple, like hummus, and making it your own. This roasted sweet pepper hummus is a perfect example of that. It takes a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of effort and turns them into a masterpiece of flavor and texture. The creamy hummus, the sweet roasted peppers, and the nutty tahini all come together in a symphony of flavors that is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
This recipe is proof that you don’t need a lot of time or fancy tools to create a memorable meal. It’s perfect for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a simple way to add more fresh ingredients to your plate. So, go ahead and give it a try. I hope you enjoy the process and the result as much as I do! I’d love to hear how your hummus turns out and what variations you try.
