How Cilantro Elevates Traditional Hummus to a Whole New Level

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Looking to add a delicious and unique twist to your hummus game? Look no further than cilantro hummus! 

This simple recipe takes the classic hummus recipe and infuses it with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. 

The combination of fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and optional jalapenos creates a mouthwatering dip that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. 

No joke, I snagged the recipe from my friend at one of her parties! 

Whether you’re a cilantro lover or just looking to switch up your hummus routine, this recipe is a must-try. 

Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also packs a nutritious punch, thanks to the protein-rich chickpeas, nourishing tahini, and antioxidant-loaded cilantro. 

So grab your food processor and get ready to whip up a batch of cilantro hummus that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

What is Hummus? 

Hummus, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, is a creamy dip or spread made primarily from cooked chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), tahini (sesame seed paste), garlic, and lemon juice. 

Hummus has gained popularity worldwide for its creamy texture, rich flavors, and nutritional value.

It is a staple food for our family, especially with 3 little ones running around, they are always hungry!

I don’t think one could ever get tired of hummus but there comes a time when you need to change things up a bit, ya know?

Various adaptations and flavor combinations have emerged, and one of the most exciting additions to hummus is cilantro.

History of Hummus

Hummus has a rich history dating back thousands of years. 

It is believed to have originated in Egypt and spread throughout the region, becoming a beloved dish in countries like Lebanon, Israel, and Syria. 

Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, has a long history of culinary use in many cultures. 

It is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for thousands of years. 

With its vibrant green color and unique taste, cilantro has found its way into a variety of dishes, from salsas to curries. 

Now, it’s making its mark on hummus, bringing a fresh twist to this beloved dip.

Common Q&A for Hummus:

Is hummus vegan-friendly? 

Yes, hummus is plant-based and suitable for vegans and vegetarians. 

I highly recommend trying hummus if you are going plant-based, it can effortlessly provide lots of protein and nutrition to your diet!

Can hummus be made from scratch? 

Absolutely! Making hummus from scratch allows you to control the flavors and ingredients, resulting in a personalized and delicious creation. 

This is actually the only way I eat hummus these days (thanks to my Instant Pot!).

You can jump to the scratch recipe here.

How long does hummus last? 

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade hummus can last up to one week.

Can I freeze hummus/cilantro hummus?

Yes, you can! If you end up with too much, you can always freeze it for a later time in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. 

Cilantro’s Unique Flavor Profile

Cilantro is known for its bold and distinctive flavor profile. 

Some describe it as citrusy, while others perceive it as slightly soapy. 

This polarizing herb adds a fresh and aromatic element to dishes, making it a perfect complement to hummus. 

Its bright green color also adds visual appeal, making the hummus not only delicious but also visually enticing.

Health Benefits of Cilantro

Beyond its flavor-enhancing properties, cilantro also offers a range of health benefits. 

It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.

 Additionally, cilantro is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against harmful free radicals. 

It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in digestion. 

By adding cilantro to your hummus, you not only elevate the taste but also boost its nutritional value.

Health Benefits of Chickpeas:

The main ingredient in hummus, chickpeas, is a nutritional powerhouse. 

It is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, chickpeas offer a range of health benefits. 

They support digestion, promote heart health, stabilize blood sugar levels, and even aid in weight management.

 Incorporating chickpeas into your diet is a fantastic way to enhance your overall well-being.

Sesame Tahini: A Nutrient-Rich Ingredient:

Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, aids in the velvety base for hummus. 

This nutritious paste is a wonderful source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. 

Including tahini in your diet promotes bone health, boosts energy levels, and nourishes your skin and hair.

The combination of chickpeas and tahini can provide the energy needed for any homemaker!

The Power of Garlic:

Garlic, with its pungent aroma and distinct flavor, plays a vital role in hummus. 

Aside from adding a delicious kick, garlic possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties. 

It also supports cardiovascular health and aids in reducing inflammation. 

Don’t hesitate to embrace garlic in this delightful recipe, however, caution: It can be overdone!

I am a true garlic lover and I typically add more garlic than what a recipe calls for.

I tried it once with a traditional hummus recipe and it was pretty spicy, so much so that my littles did not want to touch it. Lesson learned.

Cumin in Cilantro Hummus: A Spice with a Rich History:

Cumin, an aromatic spice with earthy and nutty undertones, adds depth to the flavor profile of hummus. 

This spice has been revered for centuries and is believed to aid digestion, improve immunity, and provide relief from respiratory disorders.

 In my cilantro hummus, cumin enhances the fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean influences.

However, I can’t take credit for this secret ingredient addition. 

One of my good friends introduced me to these combinations and I’ll tell ya, we never went back to the old classic recipe since! 

Cilantro Hummus: The Fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean Food Cultures:

Mexican and Mediterranean food cultures share several similarities. 

Both emphasize fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the art of communal dining. 

The blending of these two culinary worlds creates a unique fusion that celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of global cuisine. 

My cilantro hummus recipe beautifully combines the traditional elements of hummus with the herbal and zesty essence of Mexican cuisine.

Have you ever tried hummus with minced meat or shawarma? 

Another Mexican fusion hack you can try with hummus is to swap out the shawarma meat with your choice of taco meat (asada, pollo, al pastor) yum, yum yum!

Cilantro Hummus Fusion of Different Cuisines Around the World

As cilantro hummus gains popularity, it has started to merge with other cuisines, creating exciting fusion dishes that combine the best of both worlds. 

Here are a few examples of how cilantro hummus has been incorporated into different culinary traditions:

1. **Mexican-Inspired Cilantro Hummus**: Combine the flavors of cilantro hummus with Mexican ingredients like jalapenos, lime juice, and avocado to create a zesty and vibrant dip. Serve it with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.

2. **Asian-Inspired Cilantro Hummus**: Infuse cilantro hummus with Asian flavors like ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. This fusion dip pairs well with rice crackers or as a spread for sushi rolls.

3. **Mediterranean-Inspired Cilantro Hummus**: Mix cilantro hummus with Mediterranean ingredients such as olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. 

This Mediterranean twist adds a burst of flavor to an already delicious dip.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Options for Cilantro Hummus

Cilantro hummus opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to serving and pairing options.

 Its vibrant flavor and versatility make it a perfect addition to various dishes. 

Here are some serving suggestions and pairing options to inspire your culinary adventures:

1. **Dip with Pita Bread or Vegetables**: Serve cilantro hummus with warm pita bread or a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. The creamy texture and zesty flavors of the hummus pair beautifully with the crunchiness of the vegetables (or chips if you really want to have fun!).

2. **Spread for Sandwiches and Wraps**: 

Use cilantro hummus as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. It adds a refreshing and tangy kick to any filling, be it roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or falafel.

Be sure to try my 2-ingredient flour tortilla recipe to make the softest chewy flour tortillas for your wraps!

3. **Topping for Salads**: Drizzle cilantro hummus over salads as a flavorful dressing. Its creamy texture and herbaceous taste add depth and complexity to simple green salads or grain-based salads.

4. **Accompaniment to Grilled Meats**: 

Pair cilantro hummus with grilled meats such as chicken, lamb, or beef (remember I mentioned shawarma or Mexican taco meat?)

The cilantro’s citrusy undertones complement the smoky flavors of the grilled meats, creating a harmonious combination.

5. **Top Hummus with Pico de Gallo**

I bet you never heard of this combination! Check out my Pico de Gallo with Cauliflower recipe to add some zing to your cilantro hummus, I promise you won’t regret it!

How to Cook Chickpeas from Scratch

Canned Chickpeas are super convenient to use when in a pinch but from-scratch chickpeas have a vibrant fresh flavor to them. 

They are super simple to make (especially if using an Instant Pot!) Just remember to take the time to soak them the night before!

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• water

Tools You May Need

• Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
• Pot

Instructions Using Instant Pot (my preferred method):

1. Soak your chickpeas at room temperature overnight with 6 cups of water. Use the instant pot insert for less dishes.
2. Drain and rinse soaked chickpeas.
3. Add back to the pot and add 4-6 cups water.
4. Pressure cook high for 15-20 mins.
5. Let pressure naturally come down or manually release pressure after 5-10mins.
6. Taste one to make sure they are thoroughly cooked, they should melt in your mouth with no crush at all. Your cooked chickpeas are ready for use!

Instructions Using Stovetop:

1. Soak your chickpeas at room temperature overnight with 6 cups of water. Use the pot you’re going to boil them in for less dishes.
2. Drain and rinse soaked chickpeas.
3. Add back to the pot and add 8 cups water and cover with a lid.
4. Bring to a rolling boil, remove the lid, and skim off any foam. Boil for 10-15 mins while skimming the foam off of the top every 5 mins.
5. Replace the lid and bring down to a simmer for 25-30 mins until chickpeas are very soft yet hold their shape.
6. Taste one to make sure they are thoroughly cooked, they should melt in your mouth with no crunch at all. Your cooked chickpeas are ready for use!

Traditional Hummus Recipe

Before we dive into the cilantro hummus recipe, let’s start with the classic version of hummus. This basic recipe serves as a solid foundation for any hummus variation you want to create.

Ingredients:

Tools You May Need

• Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
• Pot
• Food Processor (recommended), Bullet Blender, Stick Blender, or Blender
• Lemon Juicer
• Knife

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a splash of chickpea liquid up to 1/4 cup if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

4. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil.

5. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs.

6. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or any other accompaniments of your choice.

Cilantro Hummus Recipe

Now, let’s move on to the star of the show: cilantro hummus. This recipe takes the classic hummus to new heights with the addition of fresh cilantro.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 1 batch of traditional hummus (see above)
• 1 bunch of fresh cilantro leaves chopped
• 1/8 cup of fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (optional for added heat)

Tools You May Need

• Food Processor (recommended), Bullet Blender, Stick Blender, or Blender
• Lemon Juicer
• Knife

Instructions:

1. Prepare the traditional hummus recipe as mentioned above.

2. Add the fresh cilantro leaves and make sure they are chopped or they could potentially wrap around blades and bust the motor, jalapeno (if using), cumin, and lime juice to the food processor.

3. Blend until the cilantro is well incorporated and the hummus has a vibrant green color.

4. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5. Transfer the cilantro hummus to a serving bowl.

6. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with additional cilantro leaves.

7. Serve with your favorite dippers or use it as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.

Cilantro Hummus Recipe Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic cilantro hummus recipe, feel free to experiment with different flavor variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. **Roasted Red Pepper Cilantro Hummus**: Add roasted red peppers to the cilantro hummus for a smoky and slightly sweet twist. Simply blend the roasted red peppers with the other ingredients until smooth.

2. **Spicy Cilantro Hummus**: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a minced serrano pepper with the seeds or habanero to the cilantro hummus. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

3. **Cilantro Lime Hummus**: Increase the amount of lime juice in the cilantro hummus for a more pronounced citrusy flavor. You can also add a pinch of lime zest for an extra burst of freshness.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Hummus with Cilantro

Cilantro brings a whole new dimension to traditional hummus, transforming it into a vibrant and flavorful dip or spread. 

Its unique taste and health benefits make cilantro-infused hummus a game-changer for hummus enthusiasts worldwide. 

Whether you prefer the classic combination or want to explore exciting fusion variations, cilantro hummus is sure to impress. 

So the next time you’re craving hummus, don’t settle for ordinary. Give it a cilantro twist and take your hummus game to new heights!