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    Gastronotherapy » Recipes » Appetizers

    Smoked Paprika Hummus

    Modified: Apr 21, 2024 · Published: Apr 1, 2021 · by MaryAnne · 12 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    In this smoked paprika hummus, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and smoked paprika are blended into a rich and creamy dip in just 5 minutes. Serve it with veggies and pita bread, use it as a sandwich spread, or even salad dressing. It's a versatile recipe that can be used countless ways, and it's naturally vegan and gluten-free!

    Smoky hummus garnished with parsley and olive oil.

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    After my unforgettable experience at Zahav in Philadelphia a few years ago, I discovered how quick and easy it was (and soooo much more flavorful!) to make homemade hummus. I mean, we're talking minutes, and presto: you have a fresh batch of the tastiest healthy snack ready to go.

    I knew I wanted a hummus recipe with plenty of tahini AND garlic flavor. But, I also wanted a smoky flavor to add a more nuanced flavor profile, so I increased the amount of smoked paprika to give it a deep smoky flavor. You can use regular paprika here, but it will be a milder flavor (but still delicious!).

    Throw your pantry-friendly ingredients into a food processor or blender, and after a quick whirl you get a smooth and creamy, garlicky, smoky, nutty, tahini-rich bowl of happiness. If you like spice, be sure to try my chipotle hummus!

    Jump to:
    • Why This Hummus is the Best
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • How to Make Smoked Paprika Hummus
    • Expert Tips
    • How To Serve Hummus
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Snack Recipes
    • Smoked Paprika Hummus Recipe

    Why This Hummus is the Best

    • Smoky, nutty, garlicky
    • Thick and creamy
    • Ready in 5 minutes
    • Simple ingredients
    • Protein-rich and full of fiber
    • Naturally vegan/plant-based and gluten-free

    Ingredient Notes

    Hummus ingredients arranged on a table.
    • Chickpeas - We use canned chickpeas here for convenience, but you can also use dried chickpeas. Don't forget to drain and rinse your chickpeas!
    • Garlic - I highly recommend using fresh garlic, but you can use garlic powder if fresh isn't available.
    • Lemon juice - Using fresh lemon juice (instead of the bottled stuff) really makes a difference in providing a fresh, citrus flavor.
    • Tahini - A delicious Middle Eastern condiment made from sesame seeds. It's essentially a nut butter with a slightly bitter and nutty flavor that can be used in savory or sweet applications.
    • Cumin and cayenne pepper - Adds warm and subtle spiciness
    • Smoked paprika - The star of the show! A little bit goes a long way with this deeply smoky spice. If you don't have any on hand, you could use 1 or 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor.
    • Parsley - Adding fresh parsley is optional but it adds a nice pop of freshness.

    Variations & Substitutions

    • Make it spicy: Just a smidge of heat is added here using cayenne pepper, but you can make it spicier by increasing the amount of cayenne used. Or try my spicy hummus!
    • To make it without tahini: Almond butter or cashew butter can be used as a substitute if you don't like tahini or have an allergy.

    How to Make Smoked Paprika Hummus

    In a food processor, blend the chickpeas until a chunky mixture forms. Scrape down sides of bowl, and add garlic, lemon juice, salt, tahini, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

    Blended chickpeas in a food processor.

    With the food processor running, add ¼ cup cold water by the tablespoonful and continue to blend until a smooth and creamy texture is created. It may be necessary to stop, scrape down sides of bowl again, and continue processing for another minute or so. Taste and add additional salt if necessary.

    Blended hummus in a food processor.

    To serve, spread the hummus in a bowl, drizzle generously with olive oil, dust with additional paprika, and sprinkle with parsley. Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Creamy paprika hummus served in a bowl with fresh parsley.

    Expert Tips

    • To use as a salad dressing: Thin it out by adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
    • For extra-soft chickpeas: (This is not a necessary step, but it's an option if you want extra-smooth and creamy hummus.) Place canned chickpeas in a medium saucepan with ¼ teaspoon baking soda, cover with water, and simmer (covered) for 15 minutes.
    • How to store hummus: Place hummus in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • How to freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags so that you can use it as needed, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in refrigerator overnight, and give it a quick whirl in a food processor or blender before serving.

    How To Serve Hummus

    • Serve your homemade hummus as a dip with raw veggies like cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, or cucumber slices. It's often accompanied with pita wedges, crackers, or any other flatbread like sourdough naan. It's also delicious added to a cheese board!
    • Use it as a sandwich spread, like on my chicken focaccia sandwich.
    • Thin it out with a bit of water (see "Tips" section above) and drizzle it on salads, like my tahini quinoa bowl and tabbouleh salad with quinoa.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is smoked paprika powder?

    The main difference between "regular" paprika and smoked paprika is that the chiles in the latter are smoked and dried, giving the chiles a deep smokiness. There is a third type of paprika, "hot paprika", which is also known as Hungarian paprika, and has more of a spicy kick.

    What can I use smoked paprika for?

    Add it to anything where you want a rich smoky flavor, like in my vegetarian chili, bbq roasted chickpeas, refried bean and cheese tacos, and portobello burgers.

    Does hummus taste better with tahini?

    Tahini is added for flavor and texture, giving it a nutty and slightly bitter note, and a smooth and creamy texture. I love the flavor that tahini adds, but if you are not a huge fan, you can substitute another neutral-flavored nut butter, like almond or cashew butter.

    More Snack Recipes

    • Bowl of spicy hummus garnished with fresh parsley.
      Spicy Hummus Recipe (10 minutes)
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      Tomato Balsamic Bruschetta
    • mutabal in a bowl resting on a cutting board with pita.
      Mutabal (Roasted Eggplant Dip)
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      Cold Imitation Crab Dip

    Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

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    Smoky hummus garnished with parsley and olive oil.

    Smoked Paprika Hummus Recipe

    Author: MaryAnne
    In this smoked paprika hummus, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and smoked paprika are blended into a rich and creamy dip in just 5 minutes. Serve it with veggies and pita bread, use it as a sandwich spread, or even salad dressing. It's a versatile recipe that can be used countless ways, and it's naturally vegan and gluten-free!
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine Middle Eastern
    Servings 12 (dip-sized) servings
    Calories 113 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Food processor

    Ingredients
      

    • 15 ounces chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
    • 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ cup tahini
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 splash olive oil, for serving
    • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • In a food processor, blend the chickpeas until a chunky mixture forms. Scrape down sides of bowl, and add garlic, lemon juice, salt, tahini, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
    • With the food processor running, add ¼ cup cold water by the tablespoonful and continue to blend until a smooth and creamy texture is created. It may be necessary to stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl again, and continue processing for another minute or so. Taste and add additional salt if necessary.
    • To serve, spread the hummus in a bowl, drizzle generously with olive oil, dust with additional paprika, and sprinkle with parsley. Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Video

    Notes

    • How to store: Place hummus in an airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • How to freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags so that you can use it as needed. To thaw, place in refrigerator overnight, and give it a quick whirl in a food processor or blender before serving.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 113kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 104mgPotassium: 168mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 173IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Barb+Haner

      April 02, 2021 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      This brings back so many fun memories! I will be making some hummus!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        April 02, 2021 at 3:55 pm

        Yay! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jacqueline Meldrum

      May 29, 2021 at 9:05 am

      5 stars
      That looks delicious! Better not tell my husband how much garlic is in it. He's a total wuss when it come to garlic. Bet he just thinks it tastes yummy.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 29, 2021 at 11:52 am

        Ha! He doesn't need to know!

        Reply
    3. Dannii

      May 29, 2021 at 11:25 am

      5 stars
      I love adding paprika to hummus. It adds so much incredible flavour.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 29, 2021 at 11:53 am

        It really takes it to another level!

        Reply
    4. Beth

      May 29, 2021 at 12:45 pm

      5 stars
      This has amazing flavor and so delicious! Everyone loved this and it turned out fantastic! Such a great dip and so tasty. Remaking this again!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 31, 2021 at 8:17 am

        So glad you liked it, Beth!

        Reply
    5. Andrea

      May 29, 2021 at 1:40 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my, this smoky hummus is calling my name! Looks fabulous!

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 31, 2021 at 8:18 am

        Thanks, Andrea! I hope you love it as much as I do!

        Reply
    6. Biana

      May 29, 2021 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      Love all the flavors in this, and that extra splash of olive oil takes it to the next level.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        May 31, 2021 at 8:18 am

        Thanks, Biana! It's one of my favorite "easy snack" recipes!

        Reply
    5 from 10 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Hi! I’m MaryAnne, the writer, recipe developer, and photographer behind Gastronotherapy, where I bring vibrant, delicious, and thoughtfully crafted mainly vegetarian and vegan (flexitarian) recipes to life. While my focus leans toward wholesome, nourishing dishes, my love for dessert ensures that indulgence always has a place at the table!

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