One of the most popular sides for breads is hummus. I have always wanted to make the roasted red pepper hummus and since I found myself with too many of red bell peppers this seems like the perfect time. Hummus is such an easy and versatile dish and can be a simple one with just the basics or a flavourful one from one of the hundred available flavours. I made some soft sourdough buns to go with the hummus because this is as good an excuse as any. The summer also is an easy time for sourdough since you do not have to wait too long for delicious bread.
Anatomy of the Hummus
An easy way to break up the hummus is the body (the beans), baisc flavours, additional flavours and toppings. We can have different options for each of these to make any one of the wide variety of hummus options we like. Unavailability of any one ingredient does not mean we cannot have hummus when we want to.
The Beans
Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are the most common ingredient for hummus. But there have been many variations that have been tried and been quite successful. There are even hummus made without beans of any kind but being replaced with vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini or sweet potatoes. Some replacement options for chickpeas are –
- Black chana / black chickpeas
- Black bean
- Red bean
- Rajma / kidney beans
- Lobia / One eyed peas / black eyed peas
- White beans
- Cauliflower
- Beetroot
- Carrot
- Zucchini
- Sweet potatoes
Basic flavours
The basic flavours or the fundamental parts of the hummus are Tahini, garlic, cumin and lemon. Ideally I would not recommend omitting any of these since they make the basic flavour profile of the hummus but garlic and tahini can be omitted. In that case I suggest the spicy flavours be amped up a little to compensate. Tahini can also be replaced with toasted sesame seeds to give the nutty flavour.
Additional flavours
I have to confess that the roasted red pepper hummus is my favorite of the lot but I have a huge list to choose from. The additional flavours are optional but if you are bored of the simple hummus then there are many flavours that you can add to make it more exciting. Some options are –
- Spinach
- Pumpkin
- Red bell pepper
- Onion / Caramelized onion
- Olive
- Roasted carrot
- Beetroot
- Jalapeno
- Thai curry
- Avocado
- Sun dried Tomatoes
Check out some other hummus I made – Classic Hummus and Olive Hummus
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Adding the delicious flavours of roasted red pepper / capsicum to amp up the flavour of a regular hummus
- Blender / Food processor
- Pressure cooker (optional)
- 120 gms Dried chickpeas
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Tahini
- 1/2 tsp Cumin / Jeera
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil / Olive oil
- 2 medium Red pepper / capsicum
- As required Water
- As required Salt
Soak the chickpeas in water in a bowl and set aside for 6-8 hours
Ensure the chickpeas and water are not more than half of the height of the bowl. This will give the chickpeas sufficient space to expand
Pressure cook the chickpeas for 8 minutes (in a small cooker). You can also cook it in an instapot or a large vessel. The vessel will take longer and needs to be constantly monitored to ensure adequate water is there to cook the chickpeas
Rub some oil on the red peppers and keep them directly on the gas flame. Keep turning at regular intervals to ensure all sides are properly charred
Once the bell peppers cool slightly, peel off the skin and deseed them
Once the chickpeas cool, remove the skin on it. This ensures the texture of the hummus is creamy. It does not take too long and is worth it
Peel and chop the garlic
Add the garlic, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, cumin and red peppers to a blender or food processor
Blend into a smooth paste by adding as much oil as is needed to ensure a creamy smooth texture
Taste and adjust salt or other flavours as per your preference
Before serving, add a dash of oil on top and some flavours like smoked paprika, dukkah, etc for added effect
Enjoy with pita or any of your favorite breads
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing this BM
Bread Therapy 
Such a delicious hummus! i love adding veggies to the basic hummus, The roasted peppers must be adding a great flavor to this!!!
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Classic hummus is the best but I do like variations as well. This red pepper one looks so delicious.
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The roasted capsicum surely makes it very inviting in a hummus…its been so long since I had made hummus!
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Love roasted red bell peppers in any form and this hummus gets a lift with it.
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Roasted bell pepper adds amazing taste to the hummus. Love your detailed description of different options we can use for making hummus.
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Sowmya when I come down to your place I want some sourdough breads of course and this flavorful yum hummus with red pepper. I definitely will want to making some with the red peppers I have.
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