Roasted Red Pepper and Harissa Hummus
A smooth, spicy hummus blending roasted red peppers with harissa paste for a bold twist on a classic Middle Eastern dip. This middle eastern-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes blends drained and chopped roasted red peppers, tahini, harissa paste into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup, drained and chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp plus extra for serving olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2-4 tbsp (to adjust consistency) water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers, 1/4 cup tahini, 1 tbsp harissa paste, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 3/4 tsp salt. Process until smooth.
- Step 2: While processing, slowly drizzle in 3 tbsp olive oil and add 2 to 4 tbsp water as needed to reach a creamy, spreadable consistency. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- Step 3: Transfer hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with additional olive oil, and garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve with pita bread or fresh vegetables.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted Red Pepper and Harissa Hummus take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Roasted Red Pepper and Harissa Hummus?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Red Pepper and Harissa Hummus?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Roasted Red Pepper and Harissa Hummus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Roasted Red Pepper and Harissa Hummus vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.