Tandoori Hummus

Tandoori Hummus Recipe - A Delicious Indian Appetizer

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tandoori Hummus is a delicious twist on the classic hummus recipe, incorporating the flavors of tandoori spices for a unique and flavorful dip. This recipe combines the creamy texture of traditional hummus with the smoky and spicy flavors of tandoori seasoning, creating a dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Tandoori Hummus is a fusion dish that combines the Middle Eastern staple of hummus with the Indian flavors of tandoori seasoning. The traditional tandoori seasoning is a blend of spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, which are typically used to marinate meats before cooking in a tandoor oven. By incorporating these spices into a hummus recipe, you get a unique and flavorful dip that is perfect for serving at parties or as a snack.

Ingredients

1 large onion, minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 cups of cooked chickpeas
0.5 cup of fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp of soy sauce
salt to taste
0.25 cup of tahini
0.5 cup of toasted and ground sesame seeds

How to prepare

In a saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in the oil until the vegetables are soft.
Transfer the mixture to a separate bowl.
Using a food processor, blend the chickpeas with the sautéed onion, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, salt, tahini, and sesame seeds until smooth.
Arrange the hummus on a plate and garnish with sliced onions and lemon slices. Serve with fresh or toasted pita bread.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the hummus mixture. You can also experiment with different spices or seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Tandoori Hummus, be sure to blend the ingredients until smooth to achieve the creamy texture that is characteristic of hummus. Additionally, adjust the amount of tandoori seasoning to suit your taste preferences – you can add more for a spicier dip or less for a milder flavor. Finally, garnish the hummus with sliced onions and lemon slices for a fresh and colorful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tandoori Hummus with fresh or toasted pita bread, sliced vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. It also pairs well with grilled meats or as a topping for salads.

Cooking Techniques

To achieve a smooth and creamy texture, be sure to blend the ingredients in a food processor until well combined. You can also adjust the consistency of the hummus by adding more lemon juice or water if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tahini on hand, you can substitute with peanut butter or almond butter for a similar nutty flavor. You can also use canned chickpeas instead of cooking them from scratch for a quicker and easier preparation.

Make Ahead Tips

Tandoori Hummus can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to stir well before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the hummus with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, or a handful of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. Serve in a decorative bowl or platter with an assortment of dippers for a visually appealing spread.

Pairing Recommendations

Tandoori Hummus pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a topping for salads or grain bowls. It also goes well with Indian-inspired dishes like curries, biryanis, or samosas.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tandoori Hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or serve at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Calcium: 80mg per serving

Alergens

Contains sesame seeds

Summary

Tandoori Hummus is a nutritious dish that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy snack option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Tandoori Hummus is a flavorful and nutritious dip that combines the creamy texture of traditional hummus with the bold flavors of tandoori seasoning. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches for a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Anika in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most delicious aroma - a combination of spices, herbs, and roasted vegetables.

Anika had just finished making a batch of Tandoori Hummus, a dish she had learned to make from her grandmother who hailed from India. The vibrant red color of the hummus, the smoky aroma of the roasted peppers, and the spicy kick of the tandoori seasoning all combined to create a truly unique and mouthwatering experience.

I watched as Anika carefully blended the chickpeas, roasted red peppers, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and tandoori seasoning in her food processor. She explained to me that the tandoori seasoning was a blend of various Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, which gave the hummus its bold and complex flavor profile.

As she drizzled in some olive oil and continued to blend the ingredients, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement. This was unlike any hummus I had ever seen or tasted before, and I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Anika graciously shared her recipe with me, along with some tips and tricks she had picked up from her grandmother. She explained that the key to making a truly delicious Tandoori Hummus was to use high-quality ingredients, to roast the peppers until they were charred and smoky, and to adjust the seasoning to suit your own taste preferences.

I took notes as Anika walked me through the process step by step, from roasting the red peppers to blending the ingredients to the perfect consistency. She showed me how to season the hummus just right, tasting and adjusting until it was perfectly balanced and flavorful.

After a few hours of cooking and experimenting, I finally had a bowl of Tandoori Hummus that I could call my own. I proudly presented it to my family, who were skeptical at first but soon fell in love with the bold and exotic flavors of the dish.

Over the years, I have continued to make Tandoori Hummus for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time, I tweak the recipe slightly, adding a pinch more of this spice or a dash more of that seasoning to suit my mood and the preferences of my guests.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness and uniqueness. They have asked me where I learned to make such a dish, and I always smile and tell them about that fateful day in Anika's kitchen when I first saw the recipe and knew that I had to make it my own.

The process of making Tandoori Hummus has become a labor of love for me, a way to connect with my heritage and share a taste of India with those around me. It reminds me of the stories my grandmother used to tell me about her own culinary adventures, and I like to think that she would be proud of the dish I have created in her honor.

So, the next time you are looking for a unique and flavorful dip to serve at your next gathering, consider making a batch of Tandoori Hummus. It may just become your new favorite recipe, a dish that captivates your taste buds and transports you to a world of bold and exotic flavors.