There’s something truly magical about the aroma of roasted garlic wafting through the kitchen. This warm, inviting scent promises a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and captivating. When incorporated into a classic dish like hummus, roasted garlic elevates the humble dip to gourmet status. Recently, I decided to try a roasted garlic hummus recipe, and it was a hit with my family. The creamy texture, combined with the rich, nutty flavor of roasted garlic, made it an instant favorite at our dinner table. Even my kids, who are usually quite picky, couldn’t resist going back for seconds.

Ingredients

Creating a delicious roasted garlic hummus starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch that serves about six people:

• 1 head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 to 4 tablespoons water, as needed
• Additional olive oil for drizzling
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Making roasted garlic hummus is a straightforward process, but it does require a bit of patience as you roast the garlic to perfection:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic, just enough to expose the tops of the cloves.
2. Place the garlic on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap the foil around the garlic and roast in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
3. Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the cloves out of their skins into a food processor.
4. Add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to the food processor.
5. Blend the mixture until smooth. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
6. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

When enjoying roasted garlic hummus, it’s helpful to know the nutritional information, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your intake:

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150 calories

Preparation Time

You’ll find that this roasted garlic hummus is relatively quick to prepare, especially if you multitask:

• Roasting garlic: 30-40 minutes
• Preparing hummus: 10 minutes
• Total time: 40-50 minutes

How to Serve

Roasted garlic hummus is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a dip with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips.
• Spread on sandwiches or wraps for an extra burst of flavor.
• As a topping for grilled meats or vegetables.
• In a Mediterranean-inspired bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and olives.
• As a side dish at a barbecue or picnic.

Additional Tips

To make the most out of your roasted garlic hummus, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your hummus will taste. Try to use fresh lemon juice and high-quality tahini.
2. Adjust to taste: Hummus is very forgiving. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice, salt, and cumin to match your personal preferences.
3. Make it ahead: Roasted garlic hummus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Making it ahead of time can enhance the flavors.
4. Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to add other ingredients like roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
5. Serve at room temperature: For the best flavor, let your hummus sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about roasted garlic hummus:

1. Can I use canned garlic instead of fresh roasted garlic? While it’s possible, fresh roasted garlic provides a deeper, richer flavor that is hard to replicate with canned garlic.
2. Is there a substitute for tahini? If you don’t have tahini, you can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter as an alternative, but it will change the flavor profile.
3. How do I store leftover hummus? Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
4. Can I freeze roasted garlic hummus? Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.
5. What if my hummus is too thick? If your hummus is too thick, simply add more water or olive oil, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.