This Smooth Avocado Hummus recipe is a creamy, vibrant dip that’s perfect for a healthy snack or appetizer. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy delicious flavors while keeping things light and nutritious, making it a perfect addition to your collection of Healthy Avocado Recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Avocados: Choose ripe but firm avocados. If you don’t have fresh, you can use frozen avocado chunks (thaw them first).
- Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work best for convenience. If you prefer, cook your own from dried.
- Tahini: Essential for classic hummus flavor. If unavailable, use a small amount of cashew butter or skip it for a lighter taste.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best. Lime juice can be used as a substitute.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and scooped
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cold water (or more, as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- Dash of black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- A sprinkle of paprika
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180 calories
- Tools needed: Food processor or blender
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients
Into your food processor or blender, add the rinsed chickpeas, scooped avocado flesh, fresh lemon juice, tahini, minced garlic, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper.
2. Process Until Smooth
Begin to blend the ingredients. While blending, slowly add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency. You may need more or less water depending on the ripeness of your avocados.
3. Taste and Adjust
Stop the food processor and taste the hummus. Adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or cumin to suit your preference.
4. Serve and Garnish
Transfer the smooth avocado hummus to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, a drizzle of olive oil, and some fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Herbaceous: Blend in a handful of fresh basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Roasted Garlic: Roast the garlic cloves before adding them for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
- Green Power: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients, enhancing its status among Healthy Avocado Recipes.
Storage Instructions:
Store your homemade smooth avocado hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the hummus before sealing the container. Stir well before serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you make this hummus without tahini?
Yes, you can omit the tahini if you don’t have it. The hummus will still be delicious, just with a slightly different flavor and texture.
What are good dippers for avocado hummus?
Enjoy your avocado hummus with pita bread, vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers), crackers, or even as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.
How do you keep the avocado hummus from turning brown?
The lemon juice helps significantly. Storing it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface also minimizes air exposure, which causes browning.
Can you freeze avocado hummus?
Freezing is not recommended for avocado hummus as the texture can become watery and separated upon thawing due to the avocado content. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a great option for healthy meal prep. Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week for easy snacks or additions to lunches.
Are there other Healthy Avocado Recipes you recommend?
Absolutely! Avocados are versatile. You can make avocado toast, guacamole, add them to salads, or blend them into smoothies for more healthy avocado recipes.
