Sometimes you just need to cut loose! Maybe it’s Friday, or maybe there’s a holiday party around the corner… or maybe you just gotta carve out some time in your day to relax and take a mental mini-vacay. We’ve all been there. And at those times, it’s not uncommon to want something a little out of the box.
That’s why we decided to give you the skinny on a great idea that will not only keep you nourished, but entertain your taste buds as well: spicy hummus! When it comes to our favorite dip, there are plenty of ways to get a bit crazy without sacrificing all the health benefits we’ve come to love about hummus. Also, keep reading for a bonus spicy hummus recipe that will be your next party hit!
What makes hummus spicy?
Before we turn you loose with a spicy hummus recipe, it’s good to know a thing or two about capsaicin. This naturally occurring compound is the source of “heat” in nearly all pepper varieties. The concentration level of capsaicin in peppers results in anything from a mild jalapeño zest, to the gut-wrenching, tear-jerking spiciness of the ghost pepper or the Carolina reaper. As you learn how to make spicy hummus, it’s best to make sure you know how much heat you’re adding!!
We would be remiss if we didn’t also mention that capsaicin intake is associated with a number of health benefits as well:
- Eating spicy foods triggers a mild inflammatory response, which repairs cell damage due to chronic or acute injury.
- Capsaicin provides pain relief, which is most evident in treating cluster headaches and psoriasis.
- Spicier foods reduce the risk of diabetes, and can aid in weight loss by reducing appetite.
- Capsaicin also has been found effective in both fighting and preventing various types of cancer, including lung, PEL, gastric, and breast cancer.
How to make spicy hummus
If you are looking to make some spicy hummus, we will show you how. But if you’re tired out and just want a quick and spicy snack, look no further than HOPE Hummus. Our Spicy Avocado, Jalapeño Cilantro, and Sriracha flavors all bring some heat to the table, for when you just want to grab something and eat.
However, you home chefs may want to craft your own concoctions, so here are a couple great ingredients for a hotter hummus:
Fresh, Fried, or Roasted Jalapeños
One of the milder peppers on the market, the jalapeño is great to stir into your hummus for more zest. Obviously it will work well with our Jalapeño Cilantro or Spicy Avocado hummus, but it is also a great addition to Original or Thai Coconut Curry flavors as well. For roasted jalapeños, cut the pepper into thin coins and roast at 375ºF for 10-15 minutes. To fry jalapeños (our favorite!), just throw those coins into a small frying pan with a healthy dose of olive oil, and cook on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes or until browned—but leave a window open, or you’ll be coughing the night away!
Cayenne Pepper
One of the classic spices for adding some zing to your recipe, cayenne pepper pairs great with Red Pepper or Sriracha hummus—especially if you use high-quality cayenne, which offers more heat in relation to its other flavors. Make sure to taste test as you add it, however; depending on their level of heat, certain cayenne powders can pack quite the punch, and overpower your other flavors!
Bonus Treat: Try Our New Favorite Spicy Hummus Recipe!
For a taste treat that is zesty, filling and delicious, try out our Spicy Vegan Hummus Cornbread! A perfect side dish for the holiday potluck season, this scrumptious bread contains both cayenne pepper and Red Pepper hummus to spice up your meal. Plus, with a prep time of under an hour, it’s the perfect thing to stick in the oven while you’re chatting with guests.
We always love giving and getting great ideas! If you have a spicy hummus variation you’d like to share, please do and we will add it to our list! And as always, cheers and happy eating!
