Lemon Garlic Spinach Hummus Recipe

Green hummus is a delightful twist on the classic recipe, adding a burst of color and a boost of nutrients. This version incorporates fresh spinach or your choice of greens, giving it a vibrant green hue that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. The greens blend seamlessly with the chickpeas, creating a smooth and creamy dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a healthy snack, green hummus is sure to impress.

The secret to this hummus lies in the balance of ingredients. Chickpeas provide the hearty base, while tahini adds a rich, nutty flavor. Fresh lemon juice and garlic give it a zesty kick, and a touch of cumin rounds out the taste with a hint of warmth. The greens not only add color but also infuse the hummus with a fresh, earthy flavor that elevates the entire dish. Each bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and savory notes.

One of the great things about green hummus is its versatility. It’s perfect for dipping vegetables, spreading on sandwiches, or serving alongside pita bread. You can customize the recipe to your liking by using different greens or adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. It’s a fantastic way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet without compromising on flavor. Plus, it’s a beautiful addition to any table, brightening up your spread with its lovely green color.

Making green hummus is quick and easy, making it a go-to recipe for busy days. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the food processor, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious dip ready to enjoy. It’s a wonderful option for meal prepping, as it stores well in the fridge for several days. So, the next time you’re craving something tasty and healthy, give green hummus a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• Super Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh greens, it’s excellent for boosting vegetable intake and a healthy, guilt-free snack or addition to meals!
• Delicious Flavor: Creamy chickpeas blended with nutty tahini, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic garlic, with fresh greens adding a subtle, earthy flavor, create a unique twist on the classic hummus taste that surprises the taste buds.
• Easy Preparation: With few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s simple enough for busy schedules or novice cooks, and it stays fresh in the fridge for several days, perfect for meal prepping.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The bright green color is eye-catching and attractive while being vegan, gluten-free, and high in plant-based protein making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences; it’s versatile for dipping, spreading, or serving as a side dish, making it a favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients You Need

• Chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Using canned chickpeas saves time, but you can also cook dried chickpeas if you prefer a more homemade approach.
• Fresh spinach (or kale, parsley, or a mix of greens): Fresh greens not only add vibrant color but also pack in extra nutrients.
• Tahini: Tahini adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps achieve a creamy texture.
• Olive oil: Olive oil enhances the smoothness and adds a subtle fruity taste.
• Lemon juice (about 1 lemon): Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the tahini.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference for a mild or robust flavor.
• Ground cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy note that complements the other ingredients.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season gradually, tasting as you go to ensure you achieve the perfect balance.
• Water (or more for desired consistency): Add water slowly to reach your preferred hummus consistency without diluting the flavor.
• Optional: fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor: Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.

How To Make: Step-By-Step

This green hummus recipe is relatively easy to make. It involves simple steps like blending the ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. The preparation mainly requires basic chopping and measuring, making it accessible for most home cooks, whether experienced or novice. The process is straightforward and doesn’t involve complex cooking techniques, making it a great option for quick and healthy homemade dips.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients:

• Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess salt or preservatives from the can.
• Wash the fresh spinach (or your choice of greens like kale or parsley) to ensure they are clean and free of dirt.
• Peel and mince the garlic cloves to release their aromatic flavor.

Step 2: Blend the Greens:

• Add the fresh spinach (or your chosen greens) to a food processor or high-speed blender.
• Pulse a few times to break down the greens into smaller pieces. This step helps to evenly incorporate the greens into the hummus and achieve a smooth texture.

Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients:

• Add the drained chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic to the food processor with the greens.
• Sprinkle in the ground cumin for a warm, earthy flavor.
• Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth:

• Process the mixture on high speed until it begins to come together into a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides of the food processor to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency:

• With the food processor running, slowly add water a tablespoon at a time.
• Continue to blend until you reach your desired consistency. The hummus should be smooth and creamy, but not too thick or too runny.

Step 6: Taste and Fine-Tune:

• Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or cumin to suit your preferences.
• If you like a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an extra minced garlic clove at this stage.

Step 7: Optional: Add Fresh Herbs:

• For an extra burst of flavor and color, add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the food processor.
• Blend again until the herbs are finely chopped and well incorporated into the hummus.

Step 8: Serve:

• Transfer the green hummus to a serving bowl.
• Drizzle a little olive oil on top and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, chopped herbs, or a few whole chickpeas for a decorative touch.

Step 9: Enjoy:

• Serve your green hummus with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Tips & Ideas For Lemon Garlic Spinach Hummus Recipe

Tips:

• Consistency Control: Add water gradually to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually and taste frequently for the desired flavor.
• Garlic Intensity: Roast garlic cloves for a milder, nuttier flavor.
• Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint for added freshness.
• Nutty Enhancements: Toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil can enhance the nutty flavor.
• Make it Smoky: Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a subtle smoky taste.

Ideas:

• Snack with Veggies: Serve with cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or cherry tomatoes.
• Spread on Toast: Use as a spread on whole grain toast or in sandwiches and wraps.
• Grain Bowl Topping: Spoon over quinoa or brown rice bowls with roasted vegetables.
• Dip for Chips: Pair with pita chips, tortilla chips, or baked veggie chips.
• Garnish Game: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika, or top with whole chickpeas.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead for quick snacking or meal prep throughout the week.

Yes, you can absolutely use homemade chickpeas for making hummus. Here’s how to cook chickpeas from scratch:

How To Cook Chickpeas From Scratch:

Soaking (Optional but Recommended):

• Place dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with water (at least 2 inches above the chickpeas).
• Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This helps soften them and reduce cooking time.

Cooking:

• Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them well.
• Transfer them to a large pot and cover with fresh water (about 2 inches above the chickpeas).
• Optionally, add a bay leaf or a pinch of baking soda to help tenderize the chickpeas during cooking.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
• Cook, partially covered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the chickpeas are tender. Cooking time may vary based on the freshness and size of the chickpeas.

Draining and Using:

• Once cooked, drain the chickpeas and let them cool slightly before using them in your hummus recipe.
• You can store cooked chickpeas in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze them for longer storage.

How Long Will It Take To Make This Hummus?

Whether you’re using homemade or pre-cooked chickpeas, the whole process and time needed will be different. I recommend preparing chickpeas at home since the store-bought ones may have other added ingredients, homemade may be the healthier version, but you can also use the pre-made and make it within 10 minutes!

Total Time Estimate:

Soaking the Chickpeas (Optional but Recommended):

• Soak Time: 8 hours (overnight)

Cooking the Chickpeas:

• Preparation and Cooking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Making the Hummus:

• Preparation and Blending Time: 10 to 15 minutes

Total Time (Including Soaking):

• Approximately 9 to 10 hours (mostly soaking time)

Total Time (Without Soaking):

• Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

If you soak the chickpeas overnight, the active cooking and preparation time is about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you skip the soaking, the process will take around 2 hours in total. The actual hands-on time is relatively short, with most of the time spent waiting for the chickpeas to soak or cook.