If you crave a hummus twist that’s anything but ordinary, let me introduce you to the Savory Caramelised Onion Hummus Recipe. It brings together the creamy, nutty goodness of classic hummus with the deep, sweet richness of slow-cooked caramelised onions. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor that feel both comforting and sophisticated, making it a perfect snack, dip, or even a spread for your favorite sandwich. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your new go-to for entertaining or simply jazzing up your everyday meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Savory Caramelised Onion Hummus Recipe requires just a handful of ingredients that are simple but essential. Each one plays a unique role: from the hearty chickpeas providing a smooth base, to the aromatic garlic and fresh lemon juice that brighten the flavor, and of course the star, lovingly caramelised onions that add that signature sweet-savory punch.
- Canned Chickpeas: Drained and rinsed for a creamy and slightly nutty hummus base.
- Caramelised Onions: Slowly sautéed to golden perfection, they bring a rich, sweet depth.
- Garlic: Minced fresh cloves add a fragrant and spicy kick.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin is best, adding smoothness and a fruity note.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness beautifully.
- Tahini: Stirred well and blended in for that velvety, nutty undertone.
- Salt: Adjust to elevate every ingredient’s flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy aroma that ties everything together.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for a fresh, colorful garnish that pops.
How to Make Savory Caramelised Onion Hummus Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
The first step is gathering everything you need: canned chickpeas, caramelised onions, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, salt, cumin, and parsley. Having all ingredients ready helps the process flow smoothly and keeps you motivated as the magic happens.
Step 2: Caramelise the Onions
Slice your onions thinly and heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and stir occasionally. Patience is key here because slow cooking the onions for about 20 to 30 minutes brings out their natural sweetness and achieves that luxurious golden-brown color that defines this recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Chickpeas
While the onions work their magic, drain and rinse your canned chickpeas under cold water. This step helps wash away excess sodium and keeps your hummus tasting fresh and light.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Food Processor
Once your onions are perfectly caramelised and slightly cooled, save a small handful for garnish if you like. Add the remaining caramelised onions, chickpeas, minced garlic, tahini, fresh lemon juice, ground cumin, and salt into a food processor. Pulse a few times to start blending everything together.
Step 5: Add Olive Oil and Adjust Consistency
With the processor running, drizzle in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. If the hummus feels too thick, add a little water in small amounts until you reach your preferred creamy texture. This step is all about balancing richness and smoothness.
Step 6: Taste and Final Blend
Always taste your hummus before the final blend. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if necessary, then blend again briefly to incorporate those tweaks perfectly. This attention to detail makes all the difference in flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your luscious hummus to a beautiful serving bowl. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and add the reserved caramelised onions for that irresistible finishing touch. It’s ready to wow your guests or elevate your snack time.
How to Serve Savory Caramelised Onion Hummus Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top not only adds a flash of green but also lifts the flavor with its slight peppery brightness. Don’t forget those reserved caramelised onions—they add texture and a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy hummus.
Side Dishes
This hummus pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, crisp vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers, or crunchy crackers. It’s versatile enough to be both an elegant appetizer at a party or a casual afternoon snack with friends.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling your hummus in a shallow bowl and topping it with a drizzle of chili-infused olive oil for a spicy twist. Or serve it alongside roasted veggies or grilled meats for a Mediterranean-inspired plate that feels special and vibrant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy it without any rush.
Freezing
You can freeze the hummus in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture might slightly change after freezing, so it’s best used in cooked dishes or spreads rather than a fresh dip.
Reheating
Since this hummus is best served cool or at room temperature, let frozen portions thaw overnight in the fridge. Stir it well before serving to bring the creamy texture back to life.
FAQs
Can I use raw onions instead of caramelised ones?
Raw onions will add a sharp, pungent flavor rather than the sweet, mellow taste that caramelised onions provide. For the signature depth in this Savory Caramelised Onion Hummus Recipe, caramelising is key.
Is tahini necessary in this recipe?
While tahini adds that nutty, creamy note that classic hummus is known for, you can reduce or omit it if needed. However, it will slightly change the texture and flavor profile.
Can I make this hummus vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan, as all ingredients come from plant sources. Just be sure your toppings or sides align with your dietary preferences.
How long does it take to caramelise the onions?
Caramelising onions is a slow process, usually around 20 to 30 minutes over medium-low heat. This slow cook develops their rich sweetness, essential for the hummus’s signature flavor.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
A blender can work, but you might need to scrape the sides more frequently. For the best smooth texture, a food processor is really the way to go.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Caramelised Onion Hummus Recipe is truly a delightful way to transform a simple classic into something spectacular. Its rich, layered flavors and creamy texture make it a standout choice whether you’re hosting or simply treating yourself. Give it a try—you’ll find it hard to go back to plain hummus again!
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Savory Caramelised Onion Hummus Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Savory Caramelised Onion Hummus is a delicious twist on the classic Middle Eastern dip, featuring deeply caramelised onions that add a rich, sweet flavor. Blended with creamy chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and a hint of cumin, this hummus is perfect as a spread, dip, or snack. Garnished with fresh parsley and extra caramelised onions, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and packed with savory goodness.
Ingredients
Hummus Base
- 1 can (15 oz) Canned Chickpeas (Drain and rinse before use)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 tablespoons Tahini (Stir well before measuring)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- to taste Salt (Adjust according to preference)
Caramelised Onions
- 2 medium Onions (Sliced thinly and sautéed until golden brown)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin recommended, divided use)
Garnish
- to taste Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
- Reserved caramelised onions
Instructions
- Gather ingredients: Collect canned chickpeas, onions, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, salt, cumin, and parsley to prepare for the recipe.
- Slice and sauté onions: Thinly slice the onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Caramelise onions: Cook the onions slowly for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and soft, being careful to prevent burning.
- Prepare chickpeas: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and canning liquid.
- Cool onions: Let the caramelised onions cool slightly. Reserve some onions for garnish if desired.
- Combine ingredients: In a food processor, add chickpeas, caramelised onions, minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, ground cumin, and salt.
- Process hummus: Pulse the ingredients to start blending, then drizzle in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil while processing. Add water gradually if the hummus is too thick to achieve desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Sample the hummus and adjust seasoning if necessary. Blend again briefly to incorporate any changes.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and top with reserved caramelised onions for garnish.
- Enjoy: Serve with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or crackers. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Notes
- Slowly caramelising the onions is key to developing deep flavor; do not rush this step by increasing heat.
- Add water gradually to control hummus texture and avoid it becoming too runny.
- Reserved caramelised onions add a lovely garnish and extra flavor and texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice and good quality tahini and olive oil for the best taste.
- Can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Adjust salt and cumin to your preference to balance flavors.
