Fresh Spinach Hummus Recipe

Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and a boost of nutrients to the hummus.

Chickpeas: These legumes are the base of the hummus, providing a creamy texture and protein.

Tahini: A paste made from ground sesame seeds, it adds a rich, nutty flavor to the hummus.

Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give the hummus a pungent, savory kick.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the tahini.

Olive oil: This oil adds a smooth texture and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the hummus.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the dip.

To achieve a smoother texture in your hummus, make sure to peel the chickpeas before adding them to the food processor. This extra step can make a significant difference in the creaminess of the final product. Simply rub the chickpeas between your fingers or use a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins.

• fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and nutrient profile, making it a great alternative.

• chickpeas - Substitute with white beans: White beans have a creamy texture and mild flavor that works well in hummus.

• tahini - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter provides a similar creamy consistency and nutty flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the hummus.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and brightness to the hummus.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a neutral flavor and similar health benefits.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the fresh spinach hummus to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
• Transfer the hummus to an airtight container. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal for preserving freshness.
• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The hummus will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.
• If you plan to store the hummus for a longer period, consider freezing it. Portion the hummus into smaller containers or use a silicone ice cube tray for easy, single-serving sizes.
• When freezing, leave a little space at the top of the container to allow for expansion. Cover the surface of the hummus with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent freezer burn and maintain moisture.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness.
• To thaw, transfer the desired amount of hummus from the freezer to the refrigerator. Allow it to thaw overnight or for several hours.
• Once thawed, give the hummus a good stir to restore its creamy consistency. If needed, add a small amount of lemon juice or olive oil to refresh the flavor and texture.
• Avoid refreezing thawed hummus, as this can affect its quality and taste.

• Gently stir the hummus to ensure even consistency before reheating.
• Transfer the hummus to a microwave-safe bowl.
• Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the hummus is warmed through. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
• Alternatively, place the hummus in a small saucepan over low heat.
• Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Add a splash of olive oil or a few drops of water if the hummus appears too thick.
• Heat until just warmed through, being careful not to overheat as this can alter the texture.
• Serve immediately with fresh pita bread, veggies, or use as a spread.

• Food processor: Essential for blending all the ingredients into a smooth and creamy hummus.

• Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the food processor to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

• Measuring cups: Needed to measure out the spinach, tahini, and olive oil accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Can opener: Required to open the can of chickpeas.

• Colander: Used to drain and rinse the chickpeas before adding them to the food processor.

• Serving bowl: Ideal for presenting the finished hummus.

• Knife: Needed for cutting the lemon to squeeze out the juice.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for cutting the lemon and preparing the garlic.

Pre-wash spinach: Save time by washing and drying spinach ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Use canned chickpeas: Opt for canned chickpeas instead of dried ones to skip the soaking and cooking process.

Pre-mince garlic: Mince garlic in bulk and store it in the fridge to speed up your prep time.

Measure ingredients in advance: Measure out your tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil before starting to streamline the process.

Use a powerful food processor: A high-quality food processor will blend your ingredients more quickly and smoothly.