Hummus is a delicious Middle Eastern dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It's typically served with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping. But did you know you can also make a tasty hummus with almond butter instead of tahini?
Almond butter hummus has a slightly different flavor profile than traditional hummus, but it's delicious in its own right. It has a subtle nutty taste that pairs wonderfully with the chickpeas. And it's easy to make too!
Why Make Almond Butter Hummus?
There are a few good reasons to try an almond butter hummus recipe:
Almond Butter is More Accessible
Tahini, or sesame seed paste, can be hard to find depending on where you live. Almond butter is readily available in most grocery stores these days. So almond butter hummus is easier to whip up with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Avoid Allergies
Some people are allergic to sesame seeds or have sensitivities to them. Using almond butter eliminates that problem.
Kids Love It
Almond butter hummus has a mildly sweet, nutty flavor that kids tend to love. It makes a great dip for apple slices, celery, or other snacks.
Great Peanut Butter Substitute
You can use almond butter hummus as a peanut-free alternative in places where peanut allergies are a concern, like schools or daycares.
So if you can't find tahini, want to avoid sesame, need a kid-friendly dip, or are looking for peanut-free options, almond butter hummus is a great choice!
Choosing Your Almond Butter
When making almond butter hummus, be sure to use high-quality almond butter. Avoid brands with added sugars or oils. Look for almond butter with just one or two simple ingredients like almonds and perhaps a bit of salt.
Raw almond butter or roasted unsalted almond butter both work well in hummus. Raw almond butter will provide a very subtle nutty flavor, allowing the chickpeas to really shine. Roasted almond butter has a more pronounced toasted nut flavor that pairs nicely with the garlic.
Whichever you choose, look for almond butter that is smooth and creamy, not crunchy or chunky. You want one with a consistency that will blend up easily into the hummus.
How to Make Almond Butter Hummus
Making almond butter hummus is simple! Here are the basic steps:
Almond Butter Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup almond butter
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2-3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Place the chickpeas in a colander and rinse them under running water to remove the liquid from the can. Drain well.
- Add all ingredients except water to a food processor. Put the drained chickpeas, almond butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt and olive oil into the bowl of a food processor fitted with an "S" blade.
- Process until smooth. Run the food processor until the mixture is smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. This takes 1-2 minutes.
- Add water to reach desired consistency. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the water until the hummus reaches your desired consistency. Start with 2 Tbsp water and add more 1 Tbsp at a time if needed.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Taste the hummus and adjust the salt or lemon juice if desired. Add more salt for flavor or lemon juice to make it tangier.
- Transfer to a bowl and serve. Spoon the hummus into a shallow bowl. Swirl the top with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle with paprika or chopped parsley if desired. Serve with pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
And that's it - easy almond butter hummus! The key is getting the consistency right by processing it well and adding the right amount of water. Adjust the flavors to your taste too.
Flavor Variations
Once you master the basic almond butter hummus recipe, try these flavor twist ideas:
- Roasted red pepper - add some jarred roasted red peppers.
- Pesto - swirl in some pesto sauce after processing.
- Kalamata olives - pulse in some chopped olives.
- Honey mustard - stir in a bit of honey and Dijon mustard.
- Maple cinnamon - add a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Chili lime - blend in a seeded chili pepper and lime zest.
- Curry coconut - stir in curry powder and coconut milk.
- Sun-dried tomato - add some rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes.
Get creative with different mix-ins! The nutty almond butter hummus can handle both savory and sweet flavors well.
Serving Suggestions
Almond butter hummus is very versatile - here are some ideas for how to serve it:
- With pita chips or crackers for dipping
- Spread on a sandwich instead of mayo
- As a veggie dip with carrots, cucumbers, celery, etc..
- Dolloped onto roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Swirled into Greek yogurt for a protein boost
- Stuffed into celery sticks or hollowed-out bell peppers
- As a burger topping instead of cheese
- Paired with apple or pear slices for a snack
- Spread on toast and topped with avocado
You can also take it on picnics, or potlucks, or pack it in lunches. It travels well in an airtight container and makes a healthy plant-based option. Get creative with how you use your yummy almond butter hummus!
Storing and Freezing
Properly stored, almond butter hummus will be kept for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container and make sure to smooth the top with the back of a spoon before sealing to prevent discoloration.
You can also freeze hummus for longer storage. Let it thaw in the fridge before using, then stir vigorously to reincorporate. The texture may be slightly less creamy after freezing but the taste will remain delicious.
Freezing hummus in single-serving portions makes for easy grab-and-go snacks and packed lunches too. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons into each section of an ice cube tray or small container. Thaw what you need when ready to eat.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some tips if your almond butter hummus turns out too thick, too runny, bland, or grainy:
Too thick: Add more liquid - a splash of olive oil or water usually helps thin it out.
Too thin: Add another spoonful of almond butter to thicken it up. Chill for an hour to allow it to set further.
Bland: Stir in more lemon juice, garlic, or salt to boost the flavors.
Grainy: Make sure to use smooth almond butter, and process it long enough to break down chickpeas. Adding a touch more oil helps too.
Don't be afraid to tweak the ingredients until you achieve the perfect creamy, nutty hummus!
Health Benefits of Almond Butter Hummus
Not only does almond butter hummus taste amazing, but it's packed with good nutrition! Here are some of the biggest benefits of the main ingredients:
- Chickpeas - High in plant-based protein and fiber. Also provides key minerals like iron, zinc, folate, and magnesium.
- Almond Butter - Excellent source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant. Also contains protein, fiber, magnesium, and healthy fats.
- Lemon Juice - Provides immune-boosting vitamin C. The acidity also aids digestion.
- Olive Oil - Contains anti-inflammatory oleic acid along with antioxidants and vitamin E.
- Garlic - Contains compounds like allicin that have antibacterial and antiviral effects.
Eating hummus made with these wholesome real food ingredients is a nourishing way to get essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, plant protein, and healthy fats.
So dip in and enjoy all the nutritional goodness!
FAQ
Can I use raw almond butter?
Yes, raw almond butter works well in hummus. It has a very mild flavor that lets the chickpeas and lemon shine.
Does almond butter need to be refrigerated?
Once opened, it's best to store almond butter in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Can I replace the olive oil with avocado oil?
Absolutely! Avocado oil has a mild flavor like olive oil. Substitute an equal amount in the recipe.
Can I make hummus without garlic?
You can omit the garlic if needed. The hummus won't have as much depth of flavor, but it will still taste good.
Can I use canned or dried chickpeas?
Either canned or cooked dried chickpeas can be used. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas before using.
Is almond butter hummus gluten-free?
Yes, traditional hummus made with chickpeas, tahini/almond butter, lemon, and olive oil contains no gluten ingredients.
Can I freeze leftover hummus?
Definitely - hummus freezes very well. Thaw in the fridge before using and stir vigorously to blend.
How long does hummus last in the fridge?
Properly stored hummus will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator depending on the freshness of the ingredients.
What is the best way to serve almond butter hummus?
Some tasty serving suggestions are with pita chips, crackers, raw vegetables, on sandwiches, or stuffed into a bell pepper!
Conclusion
Almond butter hummus is a nutritious and delicious spin on traditional hummus. With its smooth nutty flavor, it makes the perfect plant-based snack or sandwich spread.
The combination of protein-packed chickpeas and antioxidant-rich almond butter provides ample nutrition. And it's simple to make this recipe at home in just a few minutes.
Flavor it however you like - try additions like roasted red pepper, pesto, curry, or maple cinnamon. You can also serve it in many ways - with pita and veggies, on toast, or stuffed into a bell pepper.
So next time you want an easy, healthy appetizer or sandwich topping, give nutty almond butter hummus a try!