Creamy Avocado Hummus with Cauliflower

Looking for a healthy and flavorful twist on classic hummus? Our creamy avocado hummus is a must-try!

This delightful recipe combines the smooth richness of ripe avocados with the earthy goodness of chickpeas, all garnished with crispy airfryer cauliflower florets, and a touch of fresh cilantro.

Not only is this dish a feast for your taste buds, but it's also packed with nutrition, making it a perfect choice for a guilt-free snack or appetizer. Read on to discover how to whip up this avocado hummus that's as delicious as it is nutritious!

We enjoy this dish as a side or a light dinner as it is simple and yummy.

TOTAL TIME: 25-30 mins
SERVINGS: 4 people
CALORIES: 175 cal

INGREDIENTS:

For the Avocado Hummus:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Airfryer Cauliflower:

• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sumac (optional)

For the Garnish:

• 1/4 cup chickpeas (reserved from the can)
• Fresh cilantro leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:

Making the Avocado Hummus:

1. In a food processor, combine the ripe avocados, chickpeas, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, tahini, extra-virgin olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl and blend again to ensure everything is well mixed.
3. Taste the hummus and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more lemon juice, salt, or cumin to suit your preference.
4. Preparing the Airfryer Cauliflower:
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. In a bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
7. Place the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
8. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown.
9. Meanwhile season the chickpeas with paprika or sumac and roast it for 5 minutes. 

Assembling the Dish:

• Spoon the creamy avocado hummus onto a serving platter.
• Top the hummus with the airfryer-prepared cauliflower florets.
• Scatter the roasted chickpeas and fresh cilantro leaves over the cauliflower for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
• Serve with vegetable sticks, or your favorite dipping companions.

Now, you have a delicious and nutritious avocado hummus dish that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful creation!

NUTRITIONAL FACTS (PER SERVING):

• Calories: 175 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 280mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 6g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Vitamin D: 0%
• Calcium: 4%
• Iron: 9%
• Potassium: 370mg

The provided nutritional facts are approximate and may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. It's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or use a nutritional calculator for precise dietary information tailored to your individual needs.

GROCERY LIST:

Produce:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 large lemon (or 2 lemons for fresh lemon juice)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)

Canned Goods:

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (for both hummus and garnish)
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (for the roasted chickpeas)

Pantry:

• Tahini
• Olive oil
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sumac (optional, for garnish)
• Extra-virgin olive oil (for hummus and drizzling)
• Red pepper flakes (for garnish)

Please make sure to check your kitchen for any of these items you might already have before heading to the store. Enjoy making your Creamy Avocado Hummus with Airfryer Cauliflower!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: What makes this avocado hummus unique?

A1: This avocado hummus offers a delightful twist on classic hummus by combining the creamy richness of ripe avocados with the earthy goodness of chickpeas. It's a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Q2: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A2: Yes, you can prepare the avocado hummus and airfryer cauliflower in advance and assemble the dish when you're ready to serve. Just store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Q3: What can I serve with this avocado hummus?

A3: This hummus pairs well with various dipping options, including vegetable sticks (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers), pita bread, pita chips, or even as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.

Q4: Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?

A4: Yes, you can customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of ground cumin, paprika, and black pepper used. Feel free to add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for more heat if desired.

Q5: Can I use store-bought hummus instead of making it from scratch?

A5: While homemade hummus is recommended for its fresh taste, you can use store-bought hummus in a pinch. Just focus on making the airfryer cauliflower and assembling the dish.

Q6: What if I don't have an air fryer?

A6: If you don't have an air fryer, you can roast the cauliflower in a conventional oven at around 400°F (200°C) until it's crispy and golden brown, tossing it occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Q7: Can I omit the tahini?

A7: Tahini adds a unique flavor and creaminess to the hummus, but if you have allergies or prefer to omit it, you can still make a tasty avocado chickpea dip without it.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?

A8: Store any leftover avocado hummus and cauliflower in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume within a few days for the best taste and texture.

Q9: Can I use frozen cauliflower florets?

A9: Fresh cauliflower is recommended for better results, but if you use frozen florets, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and air frying.

Q10: What's the purpose of sumac in the garnish, and can I omit it?

A10: Sumac adds a tangy, citrusy flavor to the dish. While it's optional, it enhances the overall taste. If you don't have sumac, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of lemon zest.

Q11: Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice for the hummus?

A11: Yes, you can use lime juice as a substitute for lemon juice in the avocado hummus. It will give a slightly different citrusy flavor.

Q12: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A12: This recipe is already vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring that the tahini used is dairy-free.

Q13: What's the best way to achieve a smooth hummus texture?

A13: To achieve a smooth hummus texture, blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender until creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Q14: Can I adjust the consistency of the hummus?

A14: Yes, you can adjust the hummus's consistency by adding more olive oil or water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your preferred texture.

Q15: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A15: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the seasonings and condiments used are also gluten-free, especially the tahini.

Q16: Can I use a different type of garnish besides cilantro leaves?

A16: Absolutely! You can experiment with garnishes like parsley, mint leaves, chopped green onions, or toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture.

Q17: How long will the airfryer cauliflower stay crispy?

A17: The airfryer cauliflower will stay crispy for a while after cooking. However, it's best served shortly after air frying for the crispiest texture.

Q18: Can I adjust the serving size for this recipe?

A18: Yes, you can easily adjust the ingredients to make more or fewer servings. Just scale the quantities accordingly to meet your needs.

Q19: Can I use canned chickpeas without draining them?

A19: While it's common to drain and rinse canned chickpeas, you can use them without draining if you prefer a creamier hummus. Adjust the consistency

Q20: Where can I find tahini?

A20: You can find tahini in any Miditerranean super market or Arabic supermarket.

Notes and Tips:

Choosing Ripe Avocados: 

Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the creamiest hummus. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed.

Customizing Spice: 

If you like a spicier hummus, feel free to increase the amount of ground cumin or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the avocado hummus.

Consistency: 

Adjust the consistency of the hummus by adding more olive oil or water if it's too thick. Start with a small amount and blend, then add more if needed.

Make-Ahead: 

Both the avocado hummus and airfryer cauliflower can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving, making it a convenient choice for gatherings.

Fresh Lemon Juice: 

Using fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor of the hummus. However, you can use bottled lemon juice if it's more convenient.

Roasting Chickpeas: 

Roasting the reserved chickpeas with paprika or sumac adds a crunchy element to the garnish. You can skip this step if you prefer.

Seasoning Cauliflower: 

Feel free to adjust the seasoning for the airfryer cauliflower to your taste. You can experiment with different spices or herbs for a unique twist.

Cauliflower Texture: 

To achieve the crispiest cauliflower texture, make sure the florets are evenly coated with olive oil and spaced apart in the air fryer basket.

Serving Options: 

This avocado hummus can be served as a dip with vegetable sticks, pita bread, or pita chips. It's also fantastic as a sandwich spread or a side dish for grilled meats.

Variations: Get creative with your garnishes and try different herbs, nuts, or seeds for added flavor and texture. Don't hesitate to make this recipe your own.

Tahini Substitute: 

If you don't have tahini or prefer an alternative, you can use almond butter or cashew butter as a replacement.

Vegan-Friendly: 

This recipe is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your tahini and any other condiments used are dairy-free.

Storage: 

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The avocado hummus may slightly darken over time, but it's still safe to eat.

Room Temperature Serving: 

For the best flavor, allow the avocado hummus to come to room temperature before serving if it has been refrigerated.

Adapting for Dietary Needs: 

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. If you have specific dietary restrictions, double-check that your seasonings and condiments are suitable for your needs.

Thawing Frozen Cauliflower: 

If you're using frozen cauliflower, make sure to thaw and pat it dry before seasoning and air frying to prevent excess moisture.

Adjusting Serving Size: 

Feel free to scale the recipe to your desired serving size. It's easy to make more or less depending on the number of people you're serving.

Enjoying Leftovers: 

Leftover hummus can also be used as a flavorful spread for sandwiches or wraps. Get creative with your culinary creations!

Share Your Feedback: 

After trying this recipe, share your feedback with family and friends. Their input can provide valuable insights for future cooking adventures.