We know that hummus is delicious and easy to make, but all too often we blend our chickpeas with lemon, tahini, olive oil, garlic and salt and call it a day. This foundational food deserves to be taken to the next level and I’ve discovered three new ways to do just that.

Chickpeas are high in fibre and protein, and when you combined that with the nutrients in tahini (mainly calcium and iron) and the heart healthy polyunsaturated fats in olive oil, it’s practically a superfood. But what would happen if we added even more nutrients along with absolute flavour power houses? The results are three uniquely flavoured hummuses (is that how your pluralize hummus?) that can be enjoyed with pita pieces, veggie slices or straight from the spoon (my personal favourite). I give you a Turmeric & Lemon, Spinach & Parsley and a Chipotle & Sweet potato hummus!

Basic Hummus Ingredients

  • 500 g chickpeas, cooked or canned
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 3 cloves of garlic (honestly you should really add more)
  • Himalayan salt, to taste
  • Approx. 2 tbsp water, for easier blending (optional)

Directions:

  1. Place all ingredients, except water, into a food processor or high speed blender if you like a smoother texture.
  2. If mixture is too thick, add 1 tbsp of water at a time until it begins to combine.
  3. Once mixture is well combined and smooth, separate into 3 portions with one portion approx. 2/3rds of the other two. Save that smaller portion for the sweet potato hummus!

Chipotle & Sweet Potato Hummus

  • 1 whole small, or half large sweet potato, baked, skin removed
  • 1 tsp dried chipotle peppers
  • ½ lime, juiced
  • Black pepper and Himalayan salt to taste
  • Smallest portion of basic hummus

Combine all ingredients in the food processor and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.

Spinach & Parsley Hummus

  • 2 cups loosely packed raw baby spinach (if cooked use ½ cup)
  • ½ cup tightly packed parsley, roughly chopped
  • 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Himalayan salt to taste
  • Larger portion of basic hummus

Combine all ingredients in the food processor and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.

Turmeric & Lemon Hummus

  • 2 tsp ground turmeric (use 1 inch of peeled root if fresh)
  • 2 tbsp of lemon pulp and juice combined (hand squeezing is most effective for this)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Himalayan salt and black pepper to taste
  • larger portion of basic hummus

Combine all ingredients in the food processor and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.

There you have it! Hummus taken up a tasty and healthy notch. Which one looks like it’s going to be your favourite? Any other winning flavor combinations that you have tried? Let me know!