If you love hummus and crave a bit of spice, this Harissa Hummus recipe is a must-try. Combining the creamy texture of traditional hummus with the bold, smoky flavors of harissa paste, this dip is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their snacks. Harissa, a North African chili paste, is made from hot peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin and coriander, adding a unique depth and fiery kick to your hummus.
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. Homemade hummus may not be the most novel approach, but there are endless variations. (kidney bean, black bean, dill pickle, and classic hummus)
Ingredients Notes
Chickpeas: First, you'll need two cans of chickpeas that have been drained and rinsed. It's important to rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess salt and to help the hummus achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Tahini: you'll need tahini, a sesame paste that is a staple in Middle Eastern cooking. Be sure to stir the tahini well before measuring it out, as the oil can separate from the paste and settle at the top of the jar. While it may be tempting to reach for a cheaper, lower-quality tahini, investing in a good brand is worth the few extra dollars. A high-quality tahini will have a smooth texture and a rich, nutty flavor that will make a big difference in the final taste of your tahini sauce. For more tahini ideas, check out my post, Easy Tahini Sauce.
Harissa Paste: This spicy chili paste is the star of the recipe; harissa paste brings a smoky heat. I have not made my own harissa (yet) so I use store-bought harissa. The heat and flavor profiles can be pretty different between brands. I can usually find one of these two harissas in the local grocery stores.
- New York Shuk- Harissa with Preserved Lemon has a bold and rich flavor. It has a thicker texture, so you might need a little extra lemon juice or water to get a smooth texture to the hummus. ( I really like all of their spices, too.)
- the Mina Harissa comes in mild and spicy and has a bright flavor. The mild is very mild, so great if you are serving your hummus to a mixed crowd- but I definitely go for the spicy.
Additional Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, garlic, ground cumin, sea salt, and pepper balance the flavors and enhance the heat of the harissa.
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients: Add the drained chickpeas, tahini, minced garlic, harissa paste, lemon juice, ground cumin, sea salt, and pepper to the bowl of a food processor.
Blend: Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If too thick, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. If the hummus is too thick, you can add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, lemon juice, or harissa paste for extra flavor or heat.
Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, and top with a spoonful of harissa paste for an extra kick.
How to Serve Harissa Hummus
- Pita Chips: Serve with warm pita chips for an authentic experience.
- Crackers: Pair with crispy rice crackers for a crunchy texture.
- Fresh Vegetables: Enjoy with sliced carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for a healthy snack.
- Mezze Platter: serve with Pickled Carrots, Easy Tzatziki Sauce, Marinated Feta With Oil Lemon and Rosemary and Pea and Preserved Lemon Spread on Toast for a fantastic mezze platter.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Use as a spread in sandwiches or a flavorful falafel street wrap.
- Grilled Meats and Vegetables: Use as a marinade or dipping sauce for grilled chicken, lamb, or vegetables.
- what to dip in hummus? (55 ideas)
Tips, Tricks, and Alterations
- Storage: Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving and add a drizzle of olive oil. And you can always freeze any extra hummus.
- Extra Harissa: Adjust the amount of Harissa for your preferred spice level.
- Consistency: Add cold water gradually to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Quality Ingredients: Invest in good quality tahini and olive oil for the best flavor.
- Customization: Experiment with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste.
If you enjoy this hummus check out a few of my other flavor-packed dips and spreads like Black Bean Hummus with olives, Roasted Cherry Tomato Relish, Roasted Carrots Dip with more harissa, Walnut Basil Pesto and Roasted Pepper Relish
If you’ve tried this Harrisa Hummus 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
Harrisa Hummus
Ingredients
- 2 cans 15 oz each chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup harissa paste plus 2 tablespoons for topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Water as needed
- 1-2 tablespoons of the olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Add chickpeas, tahini, garlic, harissa paste, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
- Process until smooth, adding cold water as needed for consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with extra harissa paste.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!