Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Embark on a culinary journey for two with our Air Fryer Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, enhanced by a delightful olive oil drizzle. This streamlined recipe offers the alluring smokiness of roasted red peppers, courtesy of the air fryer's efficiency.

Crowned with the refreshing appeal of dill leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes, this fiery hummus is the perfect intimate dip or snack for a special occasion. Let's dive into a flavorful adventure, now with an extra touch of elegance.

TOTAL TIME: 25 mins

SERVINGS: 2 people

CALORIES: 220 cal

INGREDIENTS:

For the Roasted Red Peppers (in the Air Fryer):

• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Hummus:

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spiciness)
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh dill leaves, chopped
• Red pepper flakes
• Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

INSTRUCTION:

Roasting Red Peppers in the Air Fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the red bell pepper into large flat pieces, removing the seeds.
3. In a bowl, toss the pepper pieces with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
4. Place the seasoned pepper pieces in the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the peppers halfway through, until they are charred and tender. Remove and let them cool.

Preparing the Hummus:

1. In a food processor, combine the air-fried roasted red pepper, chickpeas, minced garlic, tahini, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
2. Process the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or cayenne pepper as desired. Adjust the consistency by adding water, one tablespoon at a time, if needed.

Serve:

1. Divide the Air Fryer Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus between two serving bowls.
2. Drizzle each portion generously with extra-virgin olive oil.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped dill leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Indulge in this intimate, air-fried hummus experience elevated by a luxurious olive oil drizzle. Enjoy!

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 220 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 5g

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:

• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 lemon
• Fresh dill leaves (for garnish)

Canned Goods:

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas

Pantry:

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Tahini
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• 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 Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: Can I make this hummus less spicy?

A1: Yes, you can adjust the spiciness to your preference. Start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper, taste the hummus, and gradually add more if needed. You can omit it entirely for a milder version.

Q2: How long will the roasted red peppers stay fresh?

A2: Roasted red peppers can stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Q3: Can I use store-bought roasted red peppers instead of air frying them?

A3: Absolutely! Using store-bought roasted red peppers can save you time. Simply drain them and pat them dry before adding them to the food processor.

Q4: Is tahini necessary for this recipe, or can I omit it?

A4: Tahini adds a creamy and nutty flavor to the hummus. While you can omit it, the hummus will have a different taste and texture. You could try substituting with almond or cashew butter if you have allergies or prefer a different flavor.

Q5: What can I serve with this hummus?

A5: This hummus is delicious with pita bread, pita chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks like carrot and cucumber. It's also great as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.

Q6: Can I make this hummus in advance for a party?

A6: Yes, you can make this hummus in advance. It's actually great for parties and gatherings. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and drizzle with olive oil and garnish just before serving.

Q7: Can I adjust the consistency of the hummus?

A7: Yes, you can adjust the consistency by adding water, one tablespoon at a time, if needed. If you like it thicker, reduce the amount of water.

Q8: What other garnishes can I use besides dill leaves and red pepper flakes?

A8: You can get creative with garnishes. Try chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a few toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.

Q9: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A9: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using a dairy-free tahini and skipping the drizzle of olive oil at the end or using a vegan-friendly olive oil.

Q10: How can I adjust the consistency if my hummus turns out too thin?

A10: If your hummus is too thin, you can thicken it by adding more chickpeas or tahini. Conversely, if it's too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or lemon juice.

Q11: Can I use canned chickpeas without draining them?

A11: While it's common to drain and rinse canned chickpeas, you can use them without draining if you prefer a creamier and slightly thicker hummus. Adjust the consistency as needed.

Q12: Can I use a different type of pepper for garnish instead of red pepper flakes?

A12: Yes, you can use other types of dried chili flakes, such as Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish, depending on your preference for spiciness and flavor.

Q13: Can I use a blender instead of a food processor to make the hummus?

A13: Yes, you can use a blender to make the hummus, but you may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender more frequently to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

Q14: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

A14: Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice if that's what you have on hand. Adjust the amount to taste.

Q15: Can I make this hummus without a food processor or blender?

A15: While a food processor or blender makes the process easier, you can try mashing the chickpeas and roasted red peppers with a potato masher or fork for a chunkier, rustic-style hummus. It may require more effort.

Q16: Can I store the hummus in the freezer for longer storage?

A16: Yes, you can freeze hummus for longer storage. Store it in an airtight container with a little extra olive oil on top to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator when ready to use.

Q17: Can I double or triple the recipe for a larger group?

A17: Absolutely! You can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch of hummus for a larger group or for meal prep. Just adjust the seasonings to taste as needed.

Notes and Tips:

Roasting Red Peppers: 

While the recipe provides instructions for roasting red peppers in the air fryer, you can also roast them in the oven under the broiler or on a gas stove flame. Simply char the skin until it's blackened, then place the peppers in a covered bowl to steam and loosen the skin.

Tahini Variations: 

Tahini is a key ingredient for classic hummus, but you can experiment with different types for unique flavors. Try black sesame tahini or roasted sesame tahini for a twist.

Consistency: 

If your hummus turns out thicker than desired, you can thin it by adding water or lemon juice, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, you can thicken it by adding more chickpeas or tahini.

Adjusting Spice: 

The level of spiciness in this hummus is adjustable. Start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes, then taste and add more if you prefer it hotter. Keep in mind that spice levels can vary between brands.

Storage: 

Hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. If you plan to store it for longer, you can freeze it in portions for later use. When thawing, you may need to stir in a bit of olive oil to restore the creaminess.

Serving Suggestions: 

This hummus is versatile and can be served as a dip with pita bread, pita chips, crackers, or raw vegetables. It also makes a flavorful spread for sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for salads.

Garnish Creativity: 

Get creative with your garnishes. In addition to dill leaves and red pepper flakes, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of sumac, or a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Homemade Pita Chips: 

For a complete homemade experience, you can make your own pita chips by cutting pita bread into triangles, brushing with olive oil, and toasting them in the air fryer or oven until crisp.

Variations: 

Feel free to experiment with additional flavor variations. You can add ingredients like roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley) for a unique twist.

Vegan Option: 

To make this hummus vegan, ensure your tahini is dairy-free, and skip the drizzle of olive oil at the end or use a vegan-friendly olive oil.

Spreading and Dipping: 

This hummus can be used in various ways. Spread it on sandwiches, use it as a dip for chips or veggies, or serve it as a side with grilled meats and kebabs.

Meal Prep: Consider making a larger batch and portioning it into single-serving containers for quick and healthy snacks or lunches throughout the week.

Homemade Pesto: 

If you have extra fresh basil on hand, you can make homemade pesto for a different flavor profile. Drizzle it on top of the hummus for a delightful variation.

Adjust to Taste: 

Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may prefer more lemon juice, garlic, or tahini, so feel free to customize the recipe to suit your palate.

This Air Fryer Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus has truly become a family tradition for us. It's a dish that offers both simplicity and a burst of flavor, making it perfect for a light dinner or as a delightful side. 

Enjoy this recipe and let us know how do you like it!