Spinach hummus is a delicious twist on the classic Middle Eastern dip, combining the rich creaminess of chickpeas with the nutritious goodness of fresh spinach. This green hummus is vibrant, healthy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for snacking with crackers, fresh veggies, or spreading on sandwiches. Making spinach hummus at home is simple, quick, and lets you control the ingredients to keep it fresh and wholesome. In this recipe, you will learn how to create smooth and tasty spinach hummus in just five easy steps.
Step 1: Prepare fresh spinach leaves
Start by washing about one cup of fresh spinach leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Use tender, young spinach for the best taste and texture. After washing, blanch the spinach by boiling it in hot water for just one minute. This softens the leaves and reduces bitterness. Drain the spinach immediately and plunge it into cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve its bright green color. Squeeze out excess water gently and chop the spinach finely before using it in the hummus.
Step 2: Gather and rinse cooked chickpeas
Chickpeas are the base of any hummus, and using cooked or canned chickpeas makes the process easier. Take one and a half cups of cooked chickpeas, rinsing them well if using canned to remove excess salt or preservatives. If you have dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and boil until soft. Using fresh, well-cooked chickpeas ensures a creamy texture for the hummus. Drain the chickpeas well before blending.
Step 3: Blend spinach, chickpeas, and tahini together
In a food processor or blender, combine the blanched and chopped spinach with the cooked chickpeas. Add three tablespoons of tahini, which gives the hummus its characteristic nutty flavor. Include the juice of one lemon to add freshness and tang. Add two cloves of garlic for aroma and a pinch of salt to taste. Blend everything until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. If the hummus is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or olive oil to reach your preferred consistency.
Step 4: Adjust seasoning and add olive oil
Taste the spinach hummus and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon juice for tanginess or salt to enhance flavor. To make the hummus richer and smoother, drizzle two tablespoons of good-quality olive oil while blending. This not only improves texture but also adds healthy fats. Blend again briefly to incorporate the oil evenly. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Step 5: Serve spinach hummus with garnish and accompaniments
Transfer the creamy spinach hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle some paprika or roasted cumin powder for extra flavor and visual appeal. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or coriander leaves. Spinach hummus pairs wonderfully with pita bread, vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers, or crackers. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to three days.
Homemade spinach hummus is a nutritious and flavorful dip that’s easy to prepare and versatile in use. Combining the health benefits of spinach with the protein and fiber from chickpeas, this creamy dip is perfect for healthy snacking or party platters. The five simple steps make it accessible even for beginners, and customizing the flavors to your taste is effortless. Try this recipe at home and enjoy a fresh, vibrant, and wholesome twist on classic hummus any day of the week.