Hummus is a versatile and healthy dip that has become a staple in many households. If you're looking to add a twist to your classic hummus recipe, try making black bean hummus with Kalamata olives. With its unique flavor profile and striking color, this hummus is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to your collection of bean dips.
Jump to:
I am obsessed with beans and lentils. They are incredibly delicious and versatile in the kitchen, and when you dive into the nutritional information and the positive impact they can make on the planet, it's hard not to LOVE LEGUMES!! I am always looking for new and creative ways to get these healthy ingredients into my diet. Hummus may not be the most novel approach, but there are endless variations. (traditional chickpea hummus, edamame hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, dill pickle, and spicy hummus)
How to Make Black Bean Hummus Without Tahini
Traditional hummus recipes often call for garbanzo beans and tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds. However, this black bean hummus is a tahini-free version, making it a great option for those who prefer a different flavor or don't have tahini on hand.
Ingredient Notes:
Black Beans: The base ingredient for this hummus is black beans, an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, and several essential vitamins. For the best flavor, be sure to rinse the canned black beans thoroughly to remove any excess sodium. This is key to achieving a creamy texture.
Kalamata Olives: Kalamata olives add a rich, salty flavor that complements the black beans and brings a soft, meaty texture to the hummus. Their bold flavor helps to balance the tanginess of the lime juice and the spiciness of the cayenne pepper. Make sure to remove the pits before adding them to the food processor.
Lime Juice: Lime juice adds a tangy and citrusy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the hummus. It's a refreshing addition that helps to balance the flavors of the other ingredients. You can also try substituting it with lemon juice.
Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a spicy kick to the hummus. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less and adjust to your taste. This ingredient can also be substituted with chipotle pepper or red pepper flakes.
Cumin: Cumin adds a warm, slightly bitter, and nutty flavor to the hummus, enhancing its complexity and providing a hint of sweetness that balances the tanginess of the lime juice.
instructions:
Once you have all of the ingredients on hand, simply combine them in the bowl of a food processor or blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure that everything is well-mixed.
If the hummus is too thick for your liking, feel free to add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out. Once you've achieved your desired consistency, give the hummus a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
To serve, transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and top with a drizzle of olive oil. Then, top with chopped pickles for an extra burst of flavor and texture. You can enjoy your creamy black bean hummus with pita bread, warm pitas, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Tips, Tricks, and Alterations:
- Spice it up: if you would like a spicy black bean hummus add some chili powder (½ teaspoon) jarred jalapeño peppers canned green chiles,
- Fresh Cilantro: Garnish your black bean hummus with fresh cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Red Peppers: Roasted red peppers can be blended into the hummus for an additional layer of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Serve at room temperature: if you can make humus fresh, it's best to serve at room temperature.
- Storage: Store your homemade black bean hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week, making it a great option for meal prep. And you can always freeze any extra hummus.
Serving Suggestions:
With Chips: Black bean hummus makes a great dip for tortilla chips, pita chips, or even fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices. The creamy texture of the hummus pairs perfectly with the crunchiness of the chips, providing a satisfying and nutritious snack. what to dip in hummus? (55 ideas)
As a Spread: Use black bean hummus as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional spreads like mayonnaise or mustard. Add some fresh veggies or protein for a quick and tasty lunch.
With a Grain Bowl:
Add a scoop of black bean hummus to a grain bowl with quinoa, brown rice, or another grain. Top with roasted or sautéed veggies and some protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a satisfying meal.
Black bean hummus is a delicious and versatile dip that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're snacking on chips, spreading it on a sandwich, or using it as a side dish, this easy black bean hummus recipe is a healthy and satisfying choice. Experiment with different ways to serve it and find your favorite way to enjoy this flavorful and nutritious dip.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. Beans, black turtle, canned.
- Reverri EJ, Randolph JM, Steinberg FM, Kappagoda CT, Edirisinghe I, Burton-Freeman BM. Black beans, fiber, and antioxidant capacity pilot study: examination of whole foods vs. Functional components on postprandial metabolic, oxidative stress, and inflammation in adults with metabolic syndrome. Nutrients. 2015;7(8):6139-6154. doi:10.3390/nu7085273
Learn more about the amazingness of beans and lentils: Black Beans vs. Pinto Beans, Navy Beans vs. Great Northern Beans, What to do with leftover lentils (15+ ideas), What do Lentils Taste Like? and more Canned Black Bean Recipes.
If you’ve tried this Black Bean Hummus Recipe recipe or any other recipe on BalancingBowls, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more tasty meals and anything else I’m up to.
Recipe
Black Bean Hummus Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans of black beans
- 1 cup olive
- 1 tabesspoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cayan pepper
- ½ cummin
- ¼ salt
- ¼ fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the black beans, Kalamata olives, lime juice, garlic, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Pulse the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Serve the black bean hummus with pita chips, fresh vegetables, or use as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
Reese says
Will an immersion blender work to mix all the ingredients into a hummus? I don't have a Food Processor or Blender.
Nora Bourdeau says
I have not tried it with an immersion blender. That is a good question. If you try it I would start with half the black beans, to get them blend with the tahini and lime juice. Once the first half of the beans are blend I would slowly add the rest. You might need a little more lime juice. Let me know if you try it? I will put it on my list kitchen of experiments.