Appetizer

Hummus with Jalapeño and Bell Pepper Strips: A Spicy, Creamy Dip

Original name: Hummus with Jalapeño and Bell Pepper Strips

A bowl of creamy hummus topped with charred jalapeño and red bell pepper strips, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with smoked paprika, surrounded by pita bread and fresh vegetables on a rustic wooden table.
Prep
15 mins
Cook
10 mins
Servings
6
Middle EasternEasySnackVegetarianVeganGluten FreeDairy Free

About this dish

This hummus is a love letter to my grandmother's kitchen, where she'd roast peppers and chilies until the air smelled sweet and smoky. The jalapeño brings a gentle heat, while the bell pepper strips add a fresh crunch.

Blended with silky tahini and bright lemon, this dip is perfect for scooping with warm pita or crisp vegetables. It's a dish that tastes like home, yet feels effortlessly vibrant.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Cooked chickpeas

grain

400 g

Imperial measurement: 2 cups

Tahini

other

60 g

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

Fresh lemon juice

liquid

60 ml

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

Garlic

vegetable

1 clove

Ground cumin

spice

1/2 tsp

Salt

spice

1 tsp

Olive oil

fat

3 tbsp

Water

liquid

60-90 ml

Imperial measurement: 1/4 to 1/3 cup

Jalapeño

vegetable

1

Red bell pepper

vegetable

1

Smoked paprika

spice

1/2 tsp

Fresh parsley

herb

2 tbsp chopped

Method

1

Roast the peppers

PT10M

Place the jalapeño and bell pepper in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Char them on all sides until the skin is blistered and blackened in spots, about 8-10 minutes. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño after charring.

2

Blend the hummus

PT5M

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. With the motor running, slowly add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of water, blending until creamy. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

3

Add peppers

PT5M

Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, remove the skins from the bell pepper (optional) and dice the pepper and jalapeño thinly. Reserve a few strips for garnish. Fold most of the peppers into the hummus, reserving a few for the top.

4

Garnish and serve

PT5M

Transfer the hummus to a shallow bowl. Drizzle with extra olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and top with the reserved pepper strips and fresh parsley. Serve with warm pita, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Equipment

  • food processor
  • skillet

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
10 g
Protein
28 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
7 g
Fiber
450 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • If you're sensitive to heat, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño before charring to tame its spice.
  • To make this hummus extra silky, peel the chickpeas before blending—it only takes a few minutes and yields a luxurious texture.
  • Taste and adjust the lemon and salt as you go, the right balance brightens the whole dip.
  • If you want a smokier flavor, add an extra pinch of smoked paprika or char the bell pepper skins well removing them.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve this hummus with warm pita bread, pita chips, or crisp vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumber. It also makes a wonderful filling for wraps or as a spread on sandwiches.

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Linh Tran

Recipe by

Linh Tran

Specialises in Vietnamese cuisine

Linh Tran makes ca kho (caramelized fish) in a clay pot that has been in her family for 60 years.

Describe yourself in three words: Nostalgic, gentle, caramel smell.