If you ask me, artichoke hummus is a game-changer for snack time.
This Mediterranean-inspired dip combines the nutty goodness of chickpeas with tender artichoke hearts for a fresh spin on classic hummus. The smooth, creamy texture gets an extra boost from tahini and olive oil, while lemon juice adds just the right amount of zing.
It’s blended until silky smooth with garlic and a pinch of cumin that gives it that authentic hummus flavor we all know and love. A sprinkle of paprika and fresh parsley on top makes it look as good as it tastes.
It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both filling and healthy, perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to afternoon snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Artichoke Hummus
- Quick preparation – This hummus comes together in just 10-15 minutes – simply dump the ingredients in your food processor and blend until smooth.
- Nutritious snack option – Packed with protein from chickpeas and healthy fats from tahini, this hummus makes a filling snack that keeps you satisfied between meals.
- Simple ingredients – You only need a handful of basic ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store, and most are pantry staples you might already have.
- Make-ahead friendly – This hummus stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute entertaining.
What Kind of Artichoke Hearts Should I Use?
For hummus, you’ll want to use canned or jarred artichoke hearts rather than fresh ones since they’re already cooked and tender. Both marinated and plain artichoke hearts will work in this recipe – if using marinated ones, you might want to give them a quick rinse to control the flavor. Water-packed artichoke hearts are great if you want the pure artichoke taste to shine through, while marinated ones can add an extra layer of flavor from the herbs and oil they’re packed in. Just make sure to drain them well before adding to your hummus to prevent it from becoming too watery.
Options for Substitutions
This hummus recipe can be adapted with several easy swaps if you’re missing ingredients:
- Chickpeas: While chickpeas are the foundation of traditional hummus and hard to replace, you can use white beans (like cannellini) in a pinch. The texture will be slightly different, but still creamy and good.
- Tahini: Tahini is pretty important for authentic hummus flavor, but if you’re out, try using unsweetened sunflower seed butter or cashew butter. You’ll get a different but still tasty result. Just note that the flavor will change quite a bit.
- Artichoke hearts: Fresh or frozen artichoke hearts work just as well as canned. If you can’t find artichokes, try using roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different spin on the recipe.
- Fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice works if you don’t have fresh lemons. In a bind, you can also use lime juice or apple cider vinegar – start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
- Fresh garlic: If you’re out of fresh garlic, use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove. Just add it with the other dry seasonings.
- Parsley: Feel free to skip the parsley or swap it with other herbs like cilantro, chives, or dill for garnish.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest mistake when making hummus is not removing the chickpea skins, which can make your dip grainy instead of silky smooth – take an extra 5 minutes to pop them off by gently pinching each chickpea between your fingers. Another common error is using tahini straight from the jar without stirring it first – the oil naturally separates, so give it a good mix to create that perfect creamy consistency. When it comes to the artichokes, make sure to drain and pat them dry thoroughly, as excess liquid can make your hummus too runny and dilute the flavors. For the smoothest results, process the chickpeas and tahini first until they form a paste, then gradually add the remaining ingredients while the food processor is running – this method ensures everything blends evenly without overworking the mixture.
What to Serve With Artichoke Hummus?
This creamy artichoke hummus is perfect for setting out at parties or keeping in the fridge for healthy snacking throughout the week. The classic way to serve it is with a variety of fresh veggies like cucumber slices, baby carrots, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for dipping. For a Mediterranean-style spread, add some warm pita bread, pita chips, or flatbread alongside some olives and feta cheese. If you’re making it part of lunch, try spreading it on your favorite sandwich or wrapping it up in lettuce leaves with sliced vegetables for a light meal.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: This artichoke hummus stays good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the hummus before putting the lid on – this helps prevent that dry film from forming on top and keeps it fresh longer.
Freeze: You can freeze portions of this hummus in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just leave a little space at the top since it might expand slightly. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Serve: Once you’re ready to enjoy your thawed hummus, give it a good stir to bring back its creamy texture. If it seems a bit thick, you can thin it out with a splash of olive oil or a little water. Don’t forget to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving – the flavors come through better when it’s not super cold!
Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
Cooking Time | 0-0 minutes |
Total Time | 10-15 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 35-40 g
- Fat: 50-55 g
- Carbohydrates: 75-80 g
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas (14 ounces)
- 1 can artichoke hearts (14 ounces)
- 1/2 cup sesame paste (tahini)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped for garnish
Step 1: Prepare and Blend Ingredients
Gather your ingredients, which include chickpeas, artichokes, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, salt, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
Add all these ingredients into a food processor.
Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Make sure to taste the puree and adjust the seasoning if necessary, to suit your preferences.
Step 2: Transfer and Garnish
Once your mixture is well-blended and seasoned, transfer it into a serving bowl.
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top for added flavor and a touch of richness.
Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Present the finished dish alongside crudités or gluten-free pita chips.
This delectable dip can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or as an appetizer, perfect for any gathering or a simple, tasty treat at home.