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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!
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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.
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!
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.
FAQs
No, you can use either canned or dried chickpeas. Dried chickpeas need to be soaked overnight and cooked until tender for the best 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.
You can substitute an equal amount of sun-dried tomatoes drained to the pizza hummus for a similar flavor.
Popular toppings include chopped olives, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
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.
Add olive oil, water, or lemon juice gradually to reach your desired consistency.
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:
Pizza Hummus Recipe
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Pizza Hummus
Equipment
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.
