Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

There’s hummus… and then there’s this Smoky Red Pepper Hummus — packed with roasted garlic, sweet red peppers, creamy tahini, and a kick of Turkish spice.

If you’ve only had the plain store-bought kind, get ready to meet hummus 2.0. This version is deeper, smokier, and way more flavorful, thanks to a full bulb of roasted garlic and Turkish sweet red pepper paste (biber salçası). Add a swirl of olive oil, some toasted pine nuts, and a sprinkle of pul biber on top — and it becomes more than a dip. It’s an experience.

🌍 Where Does Hummus Come From?

Hummus has roots in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean — claimed by countries like Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Turkey, and Egypt. While traditional hummus is made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, regional twists like this red pepper version are becoming beloved across the globe.

🌱 Why You’ll Love It — Health Benefits:

• Chickpeas: High in plant protein, fiber, and iron — great for energy and digestion.
• Tahini: Full of calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats for heart and bone health.
• Red Peppers: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Garlic: Natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• No preservatives, no dairy, 100% plant-based goodness.

🍴 Is It an Appetizer or a Main?

It’s best served as an appetizer or mezze with warm pita, veggies, or crackers. But honestly? Spread it on toast, use it in wraps, or toss it in a grain bowl — it’s versatile enough to be a flavorful base for a light main dish too.

🧊 Storage Tips:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Stir before serving, and add a fresh drizzle of olive oil if needed.
• You can freeze portions for up to 2 months (though texture may slightly change).

🌿 Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with warm pita, flatbread, or crackers
• Pair with my Homemade Juicy Lamb Kebabs: Better Than Any Takeaway! for a bold and satisfying Mediterranean meal
• Dollop onto salads, bowls, or grain dishes
• Delicious with raw veggies or even on sourdough toast
• Use as a sandwich or wrap spread

Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

A bold, smoky twist on classic hummus made with roasted red peppers, garlic, and Turkish pepper paste — creamy, healthy, and utterly addictive.

Servings 2 cups

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas or 1 can, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 roasted red bell peppers peeled and deseeded
• 1 whole bulb of roasted garlic roast wrapped in foil until soft, about 40 mins at 180°C/350°F
• 1 ½ teaspoons Turkish sweet red pepper paste biber salçası
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon pul biber or Aleppo pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 –4 tablespoons ice-cold water as needed for consistency
• Garnish with extra virgin olive oil a sprinkle of pul biber, a pinch of smoked paprika, toasted pine nuts, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped fresh parsley.

Instructions

 

Roast the garlic:

• Cut the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 180°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes until golden and soft.
• Roast the peppers if not using jarred. Peel and deseed once cool.

Blend the hummus:

• In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, roasted peppers, all the roasted garlic cloves (squeezed from the bulb), red pepper paste, lemon juice, and spices.

Add olive oil and water:

• Blend, slowly adding oil and ice-cold water until smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust:

• Add more lemon, salt, or spice if desired.

Serve and garnish:

• Swirl into a bowl and top with garnishes: olive oil, pul biber, smoked paprika, pine nuts, sesame seeds, and fresh parsley.

Video

Notes

🌿 Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with warm pita, flatbread, or crackers
• Pair with my Homemade Juicy Lamb Kebabs: Better Than Any Takeaway! for a bold and satisfying Mediterranean meal
• Dollop onto salads, bowls, or grain dishes
• Delicious with raw veggies or even on sourdough toast
• Use as a sandwich or wrap spread

🧊 Storage Tips:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Stir before serving, and add a fresh drizzle of olive oil if needed.
• You can freeze portions for up to 2 months (though texture may slightly change).

Course: Appetizer, brunch, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean / Turkish-inspired

Keyword: gluten-free vegan dip, how to make hummus at home, mezze platter ideas, Middle Eastern appetizer, red pepper hummus, spicy hummus recipe