This simple creamy hummus has just the right amount of kick from spicy and flavorful harissa. Perfect for an everyday snack or even a game day dip, and it is oh so delicious as a spread for sandwiches, wraps and on salads! This easy hummus is better than store bought and I love how the spice level is customizable, we love spice in my house so I love to use hot harissa in ours!

As a busy mom of three teenagers, I am often working to find healthy and nutritious snacks for my kiddos.  I try to make sure the snacks they eat have a great balance of carbs, protein and fats to keep them going during swim, tennis, and nordic ski practice.  By making this hummus over the weekend, I guarantee that my family has a delicious whole food snack throughout the week when we are busy running all over the Twin Cities.

Why Chickpeas are So Good for You!

The humble little chickpea is one of my favorite legumes!  I love to add them to soups, roast them, make hummus with them and sprout them for salads!  Loaded with nutrients, you can’t go wrong with this powerhouse little bean.

Aside from having several vitamins, minerals, balanced macros (CHO, protein, fats), fiber, and antioxidants, these little nuggets have many health benefits!

Due to the awesome protein, fat and fiber content, chickpeas have a low glycemic index and may help to regulate blood sugar, and will keep you full and satisfied longer.  As a great source of plant protein, chickpeas contain certain amino acids that help to support health [1]:

• Histidine: necessary for the production of histamine and also plays a role in nervous system health
  
• Valine: necessary in energy production as well as muscle growth and repair
  
• Phenylalanine: building block for neurotransmitters like dopamine and epinephrine (adrenaline), and in the production of other amino acids.
  
• Leucine: necessary in stimulating wound healing, muscle repair, and blood sugar regulation.
  
• Isoleucine:  necessary in immune function and energy regulation.
  

So grab some chickpeas and let’s get cooking!

Spicy Harissa Hummus Ingredients

Makes 4-6 Servings

15oz can Chickpeas, drained or 2 cups of sprouted and cooked

2 Tbsp Filtered Water

1/2 cup Unsalted Creamy Tahini

2 Cloves Garlic, peeled

1/2 cup Harissa (spicy or mild)

1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice

1 Tbsp Coconut Aminos

1 tsp Fine Sea Salt

Pine Nuts for garnish (opt)

How to Make Spicy Harissa Hummus

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas if you are using a canned version.

2. Add all of the ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. 

3.  If needed, add 1 Tbsp of water at a time and process until it resembles your desired consistency.

4. Transfer to a clean bowl and top with a dollop of harissa and some pine nuts! 

5.  Serve with fresh cut veggie sticks, pita chips, crackers or use on sandwiches, wraps and salads!

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FAQs

Q: My hummus is a bit runny, can I make it thicker?

A: One way to thicken it would be to add more chickpeas.

Q: My hummus is too chunky and not smooth, why?

A: Add some more filtered water, a little at a time and keep processing until smooth and creamy.

Q: My hummus separated, is that normal?

A: Yes, natural separation can happen with you have homemade foods made without stabilizers and emulsifying agents.  Just give it a good stir and enjoy!

If you like this recipe, check these out!

Easy Smoky Baba Ganoush:  I love to make this when I make fresh hummus so we have two healthy, gluten free and delicious dips to choose from!  This flavorful baba ganoush is a delicious creamy dip with fresh veggie sticks or soft pita bread. 

Savory Blue Cheese Dip:  I don’t know about you but I love a chunky and creamy blue cheese dip.  This recipe is so delicious and easy to make you won’t even consider store bought again!

Roasted Rosemary Cashews: Sweet cashews and earthy rosemary are gorgeously paired together in this simple and addictive snack.  These are the perfect snack to have on hand when paired with fresh fruit or veggie sticks to keep you energized and satisfied.

I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. – Amy

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