Pizza Hummus

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Pizza hummus is a flavorful and innovative twist on traditional hummus, incorporating classic pizza ingredients like tomato, garlic, and Italian herbs for a unique and savory dip experience. I use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor to keep it vegan!

A bowl of hummus with crackers on a wooden cutting board.

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A bowl of hummus with crackers on a wooden cutting board.

Creamy Vegan Pizza Hummus

Vegan pizza hummus is a creative and delicious fusion of two beloved dishes, combining the creamy texture of traditional hummus with the bold flavors of pizza, all while adhering to vegan dietary requirements. This innovative dip is made by blending chickpeas, a staple in classic hummus, with ingredients typical of a pizza, such as garlic, oregano, and basil. The absence of animal products is compensated by the addition of nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy flavor, making it a perfect choice for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. Olive oil and a hint of lemon juice are added to enhance the richness and to give a zesty kick, creating a smooth and spreadable consistency ideal for dipping or spreading on crackers and bread.

What sets this vegan pizza hummus apart is its versatility and appeal to a wide range of palates, including those who might not typically opt for vegan options. It serves as a healthy alternative to traditional pizza flavors, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy the essence of pizza without the heaviness of dough and cheese. This hummus can be customized with a variety of toppings, such as chopped olives, red pepper flakes, or vegan parmesan, allowing for a personalized taste experience. It’s not only a hit at parties and gatherings but also a nutritious snack option, packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas and enriched with the antioxidants found in the herbs and tomatoes. Vegan pizza hummus is a testament to the innovative possibilities of plant-based cuisine, proving that flavor and health can go hand in hand.

A table with ingredients for a pasta dish on a wooden table.

How to Make Pizza Hummus

First you will need to assemble the following ingredients:

  • Garbanzo beans (3 cups) – garbanzo beans create a creamy, earthy base.
  • Water (1 1/4 cups) – water ensures a smooth texture.
  • Basil (3 3/4 tsp) – basil introduces a fresh, herbal note.
  • Salt (1 1/2 tsp) – salt amplifies overall taste.
  • Nutritional yeast (3/4 cup) – nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, savory depth.
  • Olive oil (1/4 cup) – olive oil contributes a rich, fruity undertone.
  • Cloves Garlic (4-5) – garlic infuses a bold, aromatic kick.
  • Red pepper flakes (1 tbsp) – red peppers offer a sweet and mildly spicy flavor.
  • Oregano (1 1/2 tsp) – oregano brings in a hint of peppery warmth.
  • Tomato paste (3/4 cup) – tomato paste provides a robust, tangy tomato depth.

Use this Method

In a blender combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth!

A bowl of hummus with a basil leaf on top.

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Hummus

Perfecting hummus involves a combination of technique, ingredient quality, and personal preferences. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve a creamy, flavorful hummus:

Quality Chickpeas: The base of any hummus, chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), should be of high quality. You can use canned chickpeas for convenience, but for the creamiest texture, consider cooking dried chickpeas. Soaking them overnight and then simmering until tender can make a significant difference.

Remove the Skins: For an extra smooth texture, take the time to remove the skins from the chickpeas. After cooking, the skins become loose and can be rubbed off by gently squeezing the chickpeas.

Tahini Matters: Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is essential for traditional hummus. Use a high-quality, well-stirred tahini for the best flavor and smoothness.

Balance Your Ingredients: The key ingredients — tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil — should be balanced. Start with a smaller amount of each and adjust to your taste. Remember that the flavors will meld and mellow a bit after refrigeration.

Use Ice Water: When blending your hummus, add a bit of ice water. This helps in emulsifying the mixture and gives the hummus a light, creamy texture.

Don’t Rush the Process: Blend your hummus for several minutes. This might seem excessive, but it’s the key to getting a smooth, creamy texture. Scrape down the sides of your blender or food processor as needed.

Season Well: Don’t forget to season your hummus. Salt is essential, and you might also consider a touch of cumin or paprika for added depth.

Garnishes: Drizzle olive oil over the top and add garnishes like chopped parsley, paprika, cumin, or toasted sesame seeds. You can also add toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Serve at Room Temperature: While hummus is stored in the refrigerator, it’s best served at room temperature. Letting it sit out for a bit before serving can enhance its flavor and texture.

A bowl of hummus with crackers on a wooden cutting board.

FAQs

Do I need to use canned chickpeas?

No, you can use either canned or dried chickpeas. Dried chickpeas need to be soaked overnight and cooked until tender for the best texture.

How do I get a smooth texture?

For a smoother texture, peel the chickpeas after cooking. Blending the hummus thoroughly and adding a bit of water or olive oil can also help achieve a creamier consistency.

What can I use besides tomato pasta?

You can substitute an equal amount of sun-dried tomatoes drained to the pizza hummus for a similar flavor.

What are some recommended toppings for Pizza Hummus?

Popular toppings include chopped olives, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Is Pizza Hummus healthy?

Yes, it’s a healthy option as it’s rich in protein and fiber from the chickpeas and includes the beneficial properties of the added herbs and vegetables.

How can I adjust the consistency of my Pizza Hummus?

Add olive oil, water, or lemon juice gradually to reach your desired consistency.

A person dipping a cracker into a bowl of hummus.

What to Enjoy with Pizza Hummus

Pizza hummus is a versatile and flavorful spread that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some creative ideas on what to make with pizza hummus:

Dip for Vegetables or Chips: Serve pizza hummus as a dip with an assortment of sliced vegetables, pita chips, or tortilla chips. It’s a great way to add flavor to healthy snacks.

Spread on Sandwiches or Wraps: Use pizza hummus as a spread on sandwiches or wraps instead of mayonnaise or mustard. It pairs well with vegetables, grilled chicken, or falafel.

Pizza Base Sauce: Spread pizza hummus on your pizza dough before adding toppings. It adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to homemade pizza.

Stuffed in Mushrooms: Stuff pizza hummus into mushroom caps, top with a sprinkle of vegan cheese, and bake for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Pasta Sauce: Mix pizza hummus with a little pasta water and use it as a sauce for pasta. It can be a creamy base for a vegan or vegetarian pasta dish.

Topping for Baked Potatoes: Dollop pizza hummus on top of baked potatoes or sweet potatoes, along with other toppings like chives or vegan sour cream.

Salad Dressing: Thin out the hummus with some olive oil and vinegar to create a unique and flavorful salad dressing.

With Grilled Vegetables: Spread pizza hummus over grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for an added flavor boost.

In Quesadillas or Tacos: Use it as a spread inside quesadillas or tacos, adding a unique twist to these traditional dishes.

As a Base for Savory Toasts: Spread it on toasted bread and top with avocado slices, tomatoes, or cucumber for a quick and tasty snack or light meal.

In Stuffed Peppers: Mix pizza hummus with rice or quinoa, stuff it into bell peppers, and bake for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Try these other dips next:

A bowl of hummus with crackers on a wooden cutting board.

Pizza Hummus Recipe

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5 from 1 vote

Pizza Hummus

By: Courtney O’Dell
Servings: 5 1/2 cups
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
A bowl of hummus with pita chips on a wooden cutting board.
Vegan pizza hummus is a delightful fusion of classic hummus and pizza flavors, offering a creamy, savory spread perfect for dipping or as a unique sandwich spread.

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups cooked garbanzo beans, drained
  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • 3 ¾ teaspoons basil, dried
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ¾ cup nutritional yeast
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 4-5 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1 ½ teaspoons oregano
  • ¾ cup tomato paste

Instructions 

  • Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor, blend until smooth.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 183kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 341mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Vegan
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @sweetcsdesigns or tag #sweetcsdesigns!

About Courtney

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style at lifestyle blog Sweet Cโ€™s Designs. Sweet C's devoted to finding the best food and drinks you'll want to make or find, around the world!

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