If you’re looking to ditch the bland shop-bought options then this homemade paprika hummus recipe is a must-try. Packed with protein, fibre, delicious roast red peppers and a burst of smoky flavour, it’s both delicious and healthy.
Hummus is one of my favourite snacks and condiments to add to a meal. Typically I would always buy my hummus at the supermarket, but let’s be honest, store-bought hummus can be a bit bland, right? So I decided that trying a homemade version was the easiest way to enjoy healthy hummus that is bursting with flavour. The great thing about hummus is that there are absolutely no limits to the flavours or even bean combinations you can create. I have since made a variety of combinations like my beautifully vibrant Green Pea Hummus which is another must-try recipe.
This smoky paprika hummus recipe offers a burst of flavour and a creamy texture which is so much more than just a healthy snack. It’s so versatile it makes the perfect addition to almost anything. It’s also packed with goodness whilst still being easy and convenient to make. All you need is a high-powered blender or a food processor will work too, but you might need to spend a bit of extra time getting things nice and smooth to enjoy a delicious creamy smoked paprika hummus.
Why You should try Homemade hummus
Hummus isn’t just delicious, it’s a nutritional wonder! Packed with plant-based protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, it makes the ideal balanced snack or healthy addition to any meal. Particularly if you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet, hummus is an easy and healthy addition to bump up your plant protein intake.
But the beauty of hummus goes beyond its health benefits. The flavour and ingredient combinations are endless! Swap classic chickpeas for creamy butter beans or earthy cannellini beans. Add in other vegetables and herbs and spices, the possibilities are endless. Plus, with a low glycemic index, hummus is a diabetic-friendly food that can also help to support your blood sugar levels.
Easy Smoky Paprika Hummus – A Cupboard Staple Savior
This smoky paprika hummus recipe is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic. It starts with the building blocks of any great hummus: protein-rich canned chickpeas (or dry chickpeas for the extra homemade touch!), creamy tahini made from sesame seeds, Lemon and fresh garlic of course.
Next comes the vibrant roasted red bell peppers.
Roasted Red Peppers
You have a couple of options in this recipe for your roasted red peppers.
You could of course roast your own red peppers by halving and laying your peppers on a baking sheet. Then place them cut side down in a preheated oven 220C / 200C fan for 30-35 minutes. Remove the skins once they have cooled.
Or your second option, which is the one I tend to go for is simply to buy a jar of roasted red peppers. All the hard work has been done for you as they are often flame-roasted and packed in a light vinegary marinade which adds even more flavour to the hummus. This cupboard staple delivers a big flavour without the extra step.
My favourites are the Karyatis Roasted Red Peppers, however, a lot of the supermarkets have their own brands which tend to be a little cheaper.
Finally to take this beyond a simple red pepper hummus it has a touch of warmth with the added regular paprika and then another layer of depth with added smoky paprika.
What you will need to make 5-Minute Roasted Pepper Hummus
Can of Chickpeas
- A nutritional superstar rich in plant-based protein, full of fibre and nutrients
- Perfect for keeping you feeling full and managing blood sugar levels.
Garlic
- You can’t have hummus without this core flavour
- I sometimes use roasted garlic for a mellower flavour
Lemon
- Adds a wonderful zesty zing to the dish
- Also adds an extra dose of vitamin C
Tahini
- A sesame seed paste and is a staple ingredient for many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes
- Tahini is full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is also rich in antioxidants
Roasted peppers
- These are widely available in UK supermarkets and are a store cupboard staple in this house
- All the hard work has been done for you as they have been roasted, are skin free and packed full of flavour
Paprika & Smoked Paprika
- A Spanish speciality of powdered peppers that have been slowly smoked
- Adds a wonderful smokey and peppery depth to this dish
Seasoning
- Add lots of salt and black pepper
Olive oil
- You can add more olive oil whilst making this hummus for an even more luxurious texture
- However, I just add a drizzle of olive oil when serving
Equipment Needed
High-Speed Blender or Food Processor
How to make roasted pepper hummus
This vibrant dip couldn’t be quicker or easier to make you just need a high-speed blender for the best results:
STEP 1
Start by adding all the ingredients except the chickpea water in a food processor or high speed blender.
STEP 2
Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
I use the blend programme on my Ninja food processor first then after adjusting the seasoning and adding 2-3 tbsps of chickpea water I use the mix programme for a delicious smooth hummus.
STEP 3
Taste and adjust seasonings with additional lemon juice, salt, or garlic as desired.
Tips
Spoon into a serving bowl and enjoy with pita bread, vegetable sticks, in a sandwich or simply on some wholegrain crackers.
Tip: If the hummus is too thick, adjust the amount of water by adding a tablespoon of chickpea water (or cold water if you have forgotten to reserve some of the chickpea water) at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Drizzle over the olive oil to serve
If you are roasting your garlic, simply put the cloves in a baking tray, drizzle them with olive oil and cook in a preheated oven at 180 C fan for 30 mins.
How to Enjoy Your Smoky Paprika Hummus
This homemade hummus is so versatile, you can enjoy it in countless ways. Here are a few of our favourite ways to enjoy this delicious dip:
- Classic with a Twist: Pair it with fresh veggies like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or grape tomatoes for a healthy and satisfying snack.
- Pita Perfection: Scoop it up with warm pita bread or pita chips for a satisfying appetizer or light lunch.
- Nourish Bowl Booster: Spread a generous dollop over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, add your favourite roasted veggies, and top it all off with a sprinkle of seeds for a complete and delicious meal.
- Sandwich Spread: Ditch the mayo and spread this creamy hummus on your next sandwich for a protein and healthy fat boost.
- Salad Bowl: Add big dollops in a salad bowl for extra flavour and nutrition. Plus I often find it acts as a healthy alternative to a a salad dressing.
- Falafel Dip – Use it as a dip with falafels for that double chickpea combo
- Spectacular Side – Spread it all over a plate and pile up lots of delicious roasted vegetables on top. This makes a great side for a summer dinner or BBQ spread
Hummus Variations
This recipe is just a starting point! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavours. Here are some ideas for hummus variations:
- Spice it Up – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
- Herb Haven – Throw in some chopped fresh herbs like fresh dill or parsley for a touch of freshness.
- Roasted Garlic Twist – Sautéed garlic adds a mellower flavour
- Change the Beans – You could switch the chickpeas for a different white bean. I love to use Cannelini or Butter beans as well in my hummus.
More Easy & Delicious Diabetic Recipes for BALANCED Blood SugARS:
Hummus Storage Tips
Your homemade hummus will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In fact, I always think that it improves in flavour as the days go by. This is a great meal prep recipe that you can make at the start of the week and enjoy all the way through
You could also choose to freeze your hummus if you so wish. Again keep in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 4 months.
Diabetes Note
This smoky paprika hummus is packed with ingredients that support healthy blood sugar management. Chickpeas, the base of this recipe, have a low glycemic index, meaning they release sugars slowly to prevent spikes. They’re also a fiber powerhouse, further aiding in digestion and blood sugar control. Tahini, another key player, adds healthy fats that promote satiety and potentially regulate blood sugar. Remember, portion control is key. Enjoy a reasonable amount with low-carb options like veggie sticks or whole-wheat pita bread.
As always, monitor your blood sugar to see how this hummus affects you personally.
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