Cauliflower Hummus Recipe
Introduction
Cauliflower hummus is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic chickpea dip, perfect for those looking for a lighter or lower-carb option. Roasting the cauliflower adds a rich, slightly smoky depth that pairs beautifully with tahini and spices. It’s a versatile dip that’s great with veggies, crackers, or as a spread.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (~1 lb)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 cup tahini paste
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or chopped)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 3-5 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a nonstick baking sheet.
- Step 2: Toss the cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure each piece touches the pan.
- Step 3: Roast the cauliflower for 35-45 minutes until it is browned and very soft, almost falling apart.
- Step 4: In a blender or food processor, combine lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of water, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the roasted cauliflower, tahini, garlic, sea salt, cumin, and paprika.
- Step 5: Blend until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. If the hummus is too thick, add 1-3 more tablespoons of water, one at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder.
- You can swap tahini for plain Greek yogurt to lighten the dip even more and add a tangy twist.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, mix in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Roasting the garlic along with the cauliflower softens its flavor for a milder dip.
Storage
Store the cauliflower hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, stir well and add a little water or olive oil if it has thickened. It tastes best fresh but can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use raw cauliflower instead of roasting it?
Raw cauliflower will work, but roasting enhances its natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor, making the hummus creamier and more flavorful.
Is this recipe suitable for a nut-free diet?
Yes, this recipe contains no nuts. Tahini is made from sesame seeds, which are seeds, not nuts, but if you have a sesame allergy, you could substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter or omit it altogether.
PrintCauliflower Hummus Recipe
This creamy and flavorful Cauliflower Hummus offers a healthy twist on traditional hummus by replacing chickpeas with roasted cauliflower. It’s perfect as a dip, spread, or snack, packed with rich tahini, garlic, and aromatic spices, all blended to smooth perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Dip
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups Cauliflower florets (~1 lb)
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 cup Tahini paste
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced or chopped)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 3–5 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a nonstick baking sheet to prevent sticking during roasting.
- Toss cauliflower: In a bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, ensuring they are well coated.
- Roast cauliflower: Spread the coated florets evenly in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure every floret touches the pan. Roast in the oven for 35-45 minutes until they are browned and very soft.
- Blend ingredients: Add lemon juice, remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 tablespoons water into a powerful blender or food processor. Add the roasted cauliflower, tahini, garlic, sea salt, cumin, and paprika. Puree until very smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust consistency: If the hummus is too thick, thin it further by adding 1-3 more tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until the desired creaminess is achieved.
Notes
- Use a powerful blender or food processor for smooth texture.
- Roasting the cauliflower until browned intensifies its flavor.
- Adjust water quantity to get your preferred hummus consistency.
- This hummus is great served with pita, veggies, or as a sandwich spread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keywords: cauliflower hummus, roasted cauliflower dip, healthy hummus recipe, vegetarian dip, Middle Eastern dip, tahini hummus
