Description
This Red Lentil Hummus is a tangy, creamy, and richly spiced twist on traditional hummus. Made from tender red lentils blended with tahini, fresh lemon juice, and a blend of aromatic spices, it offers a flavorful and nutritious dip perfect for pairing with veggies, naan bread, or pita chips. It's easy to prepare and makes a deliciously unique snack or appetizer that can be enjoyed straight off the spoon or as part of a sharing platter.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- ¼ cup smooth tahini
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Spices and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon coriander
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Additional
- Water, if necessary, for consistency
- Naan and/or cut vegetables, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Lentils: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add the red lentils. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the lentils until tender, approximately 15 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the cooked lentils and allow them to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before blending.
- Blend the Ingredients: Transfer the cooled lentils to a blender. Add tahini, fresh lemon juice, melted coconut oil, garlic cloves, grated fresh ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, onion powder, cayenne, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Blend the mixture until it becomes creamy and smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: If the hummus is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time while blending until you achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the hummus until ready to use. Serve it with naan bread, pita chips, or a variety of cut vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Use freshly grated ginger for the best flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the spice level to your liking.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the hummus for longer periods.
- Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
