Hummus is one of my favorite dips. It's delicious, filling, and it pairs well with a variety of things - vegetables, toast, wraps, salads, pretzels, and more! This bright yellow Creamy Turmeric Hummus is my go-to homemade hummus recipe. It's flavorful, super smooth and creamy, and packed with beneficial nutrients like fiber, plant-based protein, energizing carbohydrates, heart healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory compounds. It's also vegan and free of the top 8 allergens (wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, and dairy) so it's super allergen and dietary friendly!
What is Hummus?
I was talking to my mom the other day about her childhood, and somehow hummus came up in the conversation. She shared that growing up hummus was extremely uncommon. She first learned about it from a Lebanese friend while she was living in Ghana (she lived there for 4 years as a teen). She later found a recipe for hummus in cookbook and started making it on her own; it wasn't available in grocery stores and none of her friends had even heard of it. She even made her own tahini! How times have changed. I'm pretty sure everyone I know has tried hummus, but I also think it's likely many people don't know what hummus is or where it came from.
Hummus is a dip made with cooked chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans), tahini (a paste made from sesame seeds), olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh garlic. Although the exact place of origin is unknown, hummus is thought to have made its debut in Egypt or Greece and has been popular in the surrounding areas for centuries. Hummus has become increasingly popular in the US since the 1980/1990s and I don't think the craze will die down anytime soon!
Hummus is delicious as a dip served with raw, grilled, or pickled vegetables; crackers or pretzels; and/or soft or baked pita, but it's also a great addition to rice bowls, salads, sandwiches, and wraps (see more serving suggestion here). You can find hummus in most grocery stores in the US, but it's also super easy to make at home! This Creamy Turmeric Hummus is my current go-to homemade hummus recipe.
Delicious Hummus Dip with Anti-Inflammatory Properties
This Creamy Turmeric Hummus is not only delicious, perfect for any occasion, and both vegan and gluten free but it's nutrient dense and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
There are several herbs and spices that contain health promoting compounds, and turmeric is one of those spices! Turmeric contains the phytochemicals curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. These phytochemicals and others that naturally occur in foods like fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs are noted to be safe and effective for helping to reduce inflammation and prevent and treat disease.
Curcumin, the compound responsible for this spice's bright yellow hue, in particular has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, curcumin consumption may help protect the body from several chronic diseases, namely heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
Other delicious recipes that contain turmeric:
The Secret to Super Creamy Hummus
The first time I made hummus at home it tasted fine, but the texture wasn't quite right - it just wasn't as creamy as store bought hummus. Since then I've made several more batches, and I've found the secret to making the best, super creamy hummus every time.
It might surprise you... but the *secret* to making super creamy hummus every time is to peel the chickpeas before you use them!
Peeling the chickpeas to make this Creamy Turmeric Hummus may take time, but it yields a smoother and better product and is it is well worth the time in my opinion.
Serving Suggestions
Hummus is delicious as a dip with a variety of dippers or a spread. Here are 5 delicious serving suggestions for this Creamy Turmeric Hummus:
Serve with raw veggies (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers) and soft pita
Serve with cooked or grilled veggies (beets, cauliflower, asparagus) and crunchy carbs (pretzels, pita chips, crackers)
Spread on wraps filled with veggies, cheese, and/or chicken
Make this Tomato Basil Hummus Toast
Add to salads or rice bowls for protein, flavor, and a mediterranean twist
If you're a fan of dips and spreads, you MUST try this 5-Minute Herby Avocado Yogurt Dip and this Creamy Dill Sauce!
What’s in This Recipe?
Chickpeas – contains plant-based protein, fiber, iron, folate, and resistant starch
Garlic – has antioxidant properties
Seasonings – salt, cumin, paprika, turmeric
Lemon juice – contains vitamin C and acid
Tahini – contains vitamin E, healthy fats, fiber, and plant based protein; nut free
Olive oil – rich in unsaturated fatty acids, linked with lower LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and higher HDL cholesterol levels
Water – helps to thin out this recipe
Sesame seeds – contains vitamin E, healthy fats, fiber, plant based protein, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, molybdenum, and selenium
Notes: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten free.
Creamy Turmeric Hummus
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 0 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Ingredients:
1 can (13.5-14 oz) chickpeas, drained
2 large or 3 small garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. paprika plus more for garnishing
1/4 tsp. turmeric
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup olive oil plus more for garnishing
1-2 tbsp. filtered water to thin
Sesame seeds for garnishing (optional)
Directions:
Peel the outer layer off of the chickpeas.
Add all the ingredients except for the water to food processor. Blend until smooth, scrapping the sides as needed.
Add 1-2 tbsp. water as needed to thin the hummus. Pulse until combined and smooth.
Serve immediately with your favorite dippers . Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up 5 days.
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