Red Lentil Hummus

Red Lentil Hummus is an exquisite twist on the traditional chickpea-based Hummus. Made with earthy red lentils, this delightful dish is a surefire hit for any occasion. It’s a perfect snack for parties to wow your guests or even for a quiet dinner to appreciate by yourself – it fits the bill beautifully. Not just that, it’s also nutritious and a rich source of protein. With its sublimely smooth texture and aromatic flavor, readers will absolutely fall head over heels for this Red Lentil Hummus.

Now, let’s talk nitty-gritty. This dish is a breeze to get together. After gathering your ingredients, it needs just a dash of cook time and voila, you have your showstopper ready. Every red lentil in this hummus gives you an earthy punch while the other ingredients remind you why hummus is an age-old favorite.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Yield: About 2 cups

Enough talk, let’s get you prepped to whip up this delight!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Tahini
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground Cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste

Equipment needed:

• Food processor

The red lentils provide the hearty base and the Tahini, a paste made from toasted sesame seeds, is the secret ingredient which gives hummus its characteristic creaminess. As for the cayenne, it’s optional but it does give a little extra kick. If you’re not really into Tahini or can’t find it, you could substitute it with a little extra olive oil and sesame oil. But remember, Tahini really works wonders in this recipe!

How To Make Red Lentil Hummus

1. Start off by cooking the red lentils. Rinse them thoroughly, add about 2 cups water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are soft.
2. As the lentils are cooking, take some time to finely chop your garlic. Remember, you want it to blend well into the hummus, so chop it fine.
3. Once the lentils are cooked, drain them and allow them to cool.
4. Once cooled, place the lentils in the food processor. Begin pulsing. At this stage, you can begin adding the other ingredients – garlic, olive oil, Tahini, lemon juice, cumin and cayenne pepper if desired.
5. The goal is to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. If it appears too thick, you can add a little bit of water or olive oil. Don’t forget to taste and adjust with salt!

Tips For The Best Results

• Use fresh and good quality ingredients for enhanced flavor.
• Don’t skip the Tahini, it’s what gives hummus its iconic creaminess.

Storage Tips

• Can be stored in the fridge for a week and reheated before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned red lentils instead of dried?
A: You certainly can, but the flavor and texture with dried lentils is much better.

Q: I don’t have a food processor, can I use a blender?
A: You sure can! A blender may not give you as smooth a texture but will work fine. Just make sure not to overfill the blender.

Q: Can I use other types of lentils?
A: The recipe can be made with other types of lentils but the flavor profile and color will change.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

Nutritional Facts of Red Lentil Hummus

Nutritional details based on a serving size of about 1/2 cup:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 39g

In short, our Red Lentil Hummus is a dream come true for Hummus lovers who fancy a little twist. The richly earthy red lentils complement fabulously with the tartness of the lemon and the aromatic spices. Serve it with crisp pita chips or fresh veggies for a delightful snack. Bon app��tit!