Hummus with Spiced Chickpeas

This Hummus with Spiced Chickpeas is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic Middle Eastern dip. Smooth homemade hummus is topped with warm, crispy chickpeas tossed in aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic. Served with pita, veggies, or as part of a mezze platter, this dish is satisfying, protein-rich, and bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- For the hummus:
- 15 oz chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 4 tbsp cold water as needed for texture
- Salt to taste
- For the spiced chickpeas:
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder optional
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For garnish:
- 1 tbsp olive oil for drizzling
- 1 tsp sesame seeds or chopped parsley
- Pinch of paprika or sumac
- Warm pita bread or fresh vegetables for serving
Method
- Make the hummus base: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until thick and mostly smooth.
- Adjust texture: With the motor running, slowly add 2–4 tablespoons of cold water, one spoon at a time, until the hummus reaches a creamy, silky consistency. Scrape down the sides as needed. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if desired.
- Prepare the spiced chickpeas: Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chickpeas and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and slightly crispy.
- Add spices: Sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the chickpeas. Stir to coat evenly and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted. Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Spread the hummus into a shallow serving bowl, using the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern in the center.
- Add toppings: Spoon the warm spiced chickpeas over the hummus. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds, parsley, or a pinch of paprika or sumac for color.
- Serve: Serve immediately with warm pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and bell pepper.
Notes
For extra creaminess, peel the chickpeas before blending — it takes a few minutes but makes a noticeable difference.
You can store leftover hummus in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
For a smoky twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of roasted red pepper or harissa to the hummus base.
You can store leftover hummus in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
For a smoky twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of roasted red pepper or harissa to the hummus base.
