A Flavorful Hummus Trio: Elevate Your Snack Game with 3 Unique Flavors!

Hummus is a beloved dip that has gained worldwide popularity for its creamy texture, rich flavor, and nutritional benefits.

This simple yet versatile dish is made from a blend of chickpeas, tahini, and a few other basic ingredients, offering a healthy and satisfying option for snack lovers.

In this post, we’re taking hummus up a notch with three distinct variations that will suit every flavor preference: classic, roasted red pepper, and spicy harissa hummus.

Whether you’re planning a gathering, meal prep, or just looking for a delicious snack, this trio will provide a variety of tastes to keep everyone happy.

Hummus can easily be made from scratch in no time, and it’s always better when you make it yourself.

Each recipe in this trio brings something different to the table—giving you more options for your next party or everyday snack.

What is Hummus?

Hummus is a traditional Middle Eastern dip made from pureed chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.

It’s often served as part of mezze platters or as a dip for pita bread, vegetables, and crackers.

The beauty of hummus lies in its simplicity. Despite being made with just a handful of ingredients, the creamy texture and bold flavors make it a favorite among many.

It’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, and healthy fats from tahini and olive oil.

Hummus is versatile, too—it can be enjoyed as a dip, spread, or topping on a variety of dishes.

From wraps and sandwiches to salads, hummus is the perfect ingredient to elevate a meal while keeping it healthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Hummus Trio

To start, all three hummus variations are based on a simple classic hummus recipe, and then we’ll add a few ingredients to create the different flavors.

For the classic hummus, you’ll need:

Chickpeas (either canned or cooked from dry).

Tahini (a creamy paste made from sesame seeds).

Fresh garlic.

Fresh lemon juice.

Olive oil.

Salt.

For the roasted red pepper hummus, you will add:

Roasted red peppers (either homemade or store-bought).

Cumin.

Additional olive oil to blend the peppers smoothly.

For the spicy harissa hummus, you will need:

Harissa paste (a North African chili paste).

Extra chili flakes (if you want a stronger kick).

A pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor depth.

You can garnish all three types of hummus with fresh herbs like parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and spices like paprika or cumin to bring out the flavors.

With these ingredients, you can easily customize each batch to your desired level of smoothness and spice, giving you the freedom to experiment as you go.

How to Make Classic Hummus

Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas, if using canned. If you’re using dried chickpeas, cook them until soft and tender.

Add the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt into a food processor or blender.

Blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.

Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice if needed.

Once blended to perfection, transfer the hummus to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.

Garnish with paprika, parsley, or a few whole chickpeas for extra texture.

Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crackers.

How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

To begin, roast the red peppers until they’re charred. You can do this by placing them directly on a gas stove flame or roasting them in the oven.

Once roasted, place the peppers in a bowl and cover with a cloth or plastic wrap to steam. This will make it easier to peel off the skins.

Peel the skins off the peppers and remove the seeds. Chop the peppers into small pieces.

In your food processor, combine the classic hummus base with the roasted red peppers.

Add cumin and a little extra olive oil for smoothness.

Blend until the mixture is creamy and fully combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt or more cumin if desired.

Transfer the roasted red pepper hummus to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with additional roasted pepper strips or a sprinkle of cumin.

Serve with pita chips, vegetables, or your favorite crackers.

How to Make Spicy Harissa Hummus

Start by adding the classic hummus base to your food processor.

Spoon in the harissa paste. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adjusting the heat level according to your preference.

Add extra chili flakes if you like your hummus spicier.

Blend everything until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more harissa or chili flakes for extra spice if necessary.

Once the hummus reaches your desired flavor and consistency, transfer it to a bowl.

Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Serve with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as a spread on sandwiches.

Tips for Making Perfect Hummus Every Time

For the smoothest hummus, consider peeling the chickpeas before blending. This step may take a little longer, but it results in a creamy texture.

Use high-quality tahini for the best flavor and consistency. The better the tahini, the creamier and richer your hummus will be.

Adjust the consistency by adding water or ice cubes. Adding a few cubes will create a lighter, fluffier hummus.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning. Taste as you go and add more lemon juice, garlic, or salt to suit your personal preferences.

If you prefer a milder flavor, try roasting your garlic before adding it to the mix. Roasted garlic has a sweeter, more subtle flavor than raw garlic.

Store hummus in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to 5 days, and the flavor will often improve as it sits.

To make hummus extra special, top it with a variety of garnishes such as olive oil, paprika, pine nuts, or fresh herbs.

Final Thoughts

Hummus is a truly versatile and healthy snack that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether you’re making the classic version or experimenting with flavors like roasted red pepper or spicy harissa, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this creamy dip.

By following these simple recipes, you can create your own hummus from scratch and customize it to your liking. The trio of flavors offers something for every palate, from the savory classic to the bold, smoky red pepper and the spicy kick of harissa.

Make your hummus fresh, keep it simple, and enjoy it with friends and family. There’s nothing better than sharing a bowl of homemade hummus with loved ones!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make hummus without tahini?
Yes! You can make hummus without tahini, though it may affect the texture and flavor. If you prefer a nut-free or sesame-free option, try substituting tahini with olive oil, yogurt, or a handful of roasted cashews or sunflower seeds.

2. How can I make hummus spicier?
To make your hummus spicier, add chili flakes, hot sauce, or a spoonful of harissa paste. You can also experiment with spicy peppers like jalapeños or serranos for an extra kick.

3. Can I use store-bought roasted red peppers for the red pepper hummus?
Absolutely! Store-bought roasted red peppers work well and save time. Just make sure to drain them properly before adding them to the hummus to avoid excess moisture.

4. How do I get smooth hummus?
For the smoothest hummus, blend the ingredients thoroughly. If it’s still too thick, gradually add water or ice cubes to reach the desired texture. Peeling the chickpeas can also help achieve a creamier result.

5. Can hummus be frozen?
Yes, hummus can be frozen. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and stir before serving.