Harissa hummus is my go-to for adding excitement to meals. I love how the smoky, spicy kick of harissa transforms traditional hummus. If you love the harissa dressing, you’ll like this dip.
Contents
Harissa Hummus Recipe
Harissa Hummus is a creative twist on traditional hummus. It incorporates the richness of hummus with the spicy and aromatic flavors of harissa, a North African chili pepper paste.
Harissa is a staple condiment in North African cuisine, particularly in Tunisia and Morocco. It adds a fiery and aromatic flavor to the classic hummus. This makes it a favorite for those who enjoy spicy foods.
You can use it as a dip, spread, or even a sauce. Here’s how to make the harissa hummus:
Harissa Hummus
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp harissa paste adjust for spice level
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- 2 –4 tbsp cold water for desired consistency
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt optional, for extra creaminess
Toppings (optional)
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Sprinkle of smoked paprika
- Toasted sesame seeds or pine nuts
- Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a food processor, add chickpeas, tahini, harissa, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt.
- While blending, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Add cold water, 1 tbsp at a time, until smooth and creamy.
- Add more harissa for heat, lemon for tang, or water for smoothness. Blend again.
- Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika, sesame seeds, or herbs.
Notes
- Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer milder heat, start with 1 tbsp harissa and add more as needed.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Pairing suggestions
Harissa Hummus can be served with a variety of foods to complement its spicy and creamy texture. Here are some popular options:
- Traditional Pairings
- Pita chips or flatbread are ideal for dipping hummus.
- Crackers add a crunchy contrast.
- Fresh vegetables make a healthy hummus pairing.
- Middle Eastern-Inspired Options
- A mezze platter includes harissa hummus, feta, tzatziki, and pickled vegetables.
- Falafel wraps are a great choice.
- Grilled meats or roasted vegetables go well with the dip.
- Other Delicious Combinations
- The hummus creates a creamy salad dressing.
- It complements couscous and roasted vegetables.
- Oat cakes pair well with the hummus.
Variations
This type of hummus comes with many creative twists. You can try one of these variations:
- Spice Level Adjustments
- Mild Harissa Hummus uses less harissa paste for a milder flavor.
- Extra Spicy Versions add more harissa or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Herbal and Fresh Twists
- Green Version: mixes parsley, mint, and coriander for a fresh taste.
- Lemon Version adds lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Nutritional Variations
- Sunflower Seed Hummus replaces chickpeas with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Vegan Variant uses plant-based ingredients like vegan tahini and lemon juice.
- Global Influences
- Mediterranean Style adds olives, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes for depth.
- North African Inspiration enhances the flavor with cumin and coriander.