Mediterranean Hummus, Hummus with Za’atar Spiced Sautéed Chickpeas, and Hummus with Kalamata Olives and Caramelized Garlic
It doesn’t get easier than this – three simple ways to elevate your favorite store-bought hummus. These game day worthy dips are loaded with flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes.
We have one of the biggest snacking events coming up this Sunday and have I got an appetizer recipe for you. Well, three appetizer recipes to be exact.
When I’m entertaining and time is tight, I love taking a store-bought convenience item and elevating it. The three hummus recipes below provide a perfect example of what I mean. Simply start with store-bought hummus (I really like Garden Fresh Gourmet Classic Premium Hummus) and add your favorite toppings. Served with whole wheat pita bread, whole grain crackers and a variety of fresh vegetables, these hummus dips offer a healthier snack option for your “big game” party.
For hummus elevation #1, I created a Mediterranean-inspired dip. For the toppings I chose diced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced grape tomatoes and red onion, and minced fresh dill. It’s simple and fresh, and the flavor combination is off the charts delicious. The topping ideas for this elevated dip are many. No grape tomatoes on hand? Use diced red bell pepper or sliced sundried tomatoes instead. If a cucumber isn’t in your refrigerator, chop up a couple of marinated artichoke hearts. And, if you’re out of red onion, use thinly sliced green onion or fresh chives.
Hummus elevation #2 involves sautéing chickpeas in olive oil along with za’atar. Pronounced zah-tar, this classic Middle Eastern spice blend is typically a mixture of toasted sesame seeds, thyme, marjoram, sumac, and salt. At the grocery store, you’ll find this seasoning blend in the spice aisle. When sautéing the chickpeas, keep the heat on low. This low and slow cooking method keeps the za’atar spice blend from burning and becoming bitter. It also allows the chickpeas to maintain a soft interior and slightly crunchy exterior. Be sure to pour the za’atar infused olive oil remaining in the pan over the hummus for maximum flavor.
Last but not least, hummus elevation #3 combines briny kalamata olives, caramelized garlic slices, and savory everything bagel seasoning. Just like the sautéed chickpeas in the previous recipe, use the low and slow sautéing method to caramelize the garlic slices. Caramelizing the garlic causes the flavor to mellow and become almost sweet.
Keep a close eye on the garlic and stir frequently to prevent the slices from burning. Allow the garlic to cool before adding it to the hummus and be sure to drizzle the garlic infused olive oil from the pan over this delicious dip.
Full disclosure: I did not receive payment or free product from any company mentioned in this article.
To your health,
Darlene
Follow Recipes Made Healthy on Instagram
MEDITERRANEAN HUMMUS
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: about 2 tablespoons
Prep: 10 minutes
Ready: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 (10 ounce) container plain hummus (such as Garden Fresh Gourmet Classic Premium Hummus)
1/4 cup diced seedless cucumber
3 tablespoons feta cheese crumbles
1 to 2 thinly sliced grape tomatoes
1 to 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion
1 to 2 teaspoons minced fresh dill
DIRECTIONS
Spread hummus into a serving bowl (or leave in original container) and top with cucumber, feta cheese, tomato slices, red onion slices, and minced dill.
Serve with assorted vegetables, whole wheat pita bread wedges, and whole grain crackers.
Nutrition Information per Serving (hummus dip only)
67 Calories, 4 g Total fat, 1 g Saturated fat, 0 g Trans fat, 1 mg Cholesterol, 160 mg Sodium, 6 g Total carbohydrate, 2 g Dietary fiber, 0 g Total sugars, 0 g Added sugars, 3 g Protein, 0 mcg (0%) Vitamin D, 24 mg (2%) Calcium, 1 mg (6%) Iron, 88 mg (2%) Potassium
© 2024 RECIPES MADE HEALTHY BY DARLENE ZIMMERMAN, MS, RD LLC
HUMMUS with ZA’ATAR SPICED SAUTEED CHICKPEAS
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: about 2 tablespoons
Prep: 5 minutes
Ready: 25 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon za’atar
1 (10 ounce) container plain hummus (such as Garden Fresh Gourmet Classic Premium Hummus)
1 to 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
DIRECTIONS
Place drained and rinsed chickpeas on paper towel and dry well. To a small skillet, add olive oil, chickpeas, and za’atar. Over low heat, sauté chickpeas 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often. Remove pan from heat and allow chickpeas to cool.
Spread hummus into a serving bowl (or leave in original container) and top with chickpeas and remaining oil and za’atar from pan. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with assorted vegetables, whole wheat pita bread wedges, and whole grain crackers.
Nutrition Information per Serving (hummus dip only)
82 Calories, 5 g Total fat, 1 g Saturated fat, 0 g Trans fat, 0 mg Cholesterol, 172 mg Sodium, 6 g Total carbohydrate, 2 g Dietary fiber, 0 g Total sugars, 0 g Added sugars, 3 g Protein, 0 mcg (0%) Vitamin D, 15 mg (2%) Calcium, 1 mg (6%) Iron, 82 mg (2%) Potassium
© 2024 RECIPES MADE HEALTHY BY DARLENE ZIMMERMAN, MS, RD LLC
HUMMUS with KALAMATA OLIVES and CARAMELIZED GARLIC
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: about 2 tablespoons
Prep: 5 minutes
Ready: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 to 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 (10 ounce) container plain hummus (such as Garden Fresh Gourmet Classic Premium Hummus)
1/4 cup whole kalamata olives, diced
1/2 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
DIRECTIONS
To a small skillet, add olive oil and garlic slices. Over low heat, sauté garlic until golden brown, stirring often (this process should take 20 to 25 minutes). Remove pan from heat and allow garlic slices to cool.
Spread hummus into a serving bowl (or leave in original container). Top hummus with diced olives, garlic slices, and garlic-infused oil from pan. Sprinkle top of hummus dip with everything bagel seasoning. Serve with assorted vegetables, whole wheat pita bread wedges, and whole grain crackers.
Nutrition Information per Serving (hummus dip only)
86 Calories, 6 g Total fat, 1 g Saturated fat, 0 g Trans fat, 0 mg Cholesterol, 211 mg Sodium, 6 g Total carbohydrate, 2 g Dietary fiber, 0 g Total sugars, 0 g Added sugars, 3 g Protein, 0 mcg (0%) Vitamin D, 16 mg (2%) Calcium, 1 mg (6%) Iron, 87 mg (2%) Potassium
© 2024 RECIPES MADE HEALTHY BY DARLENE ZIMMERMAN, MS, RD LLC
Stacey, they really were so easy to put together. The flavor combinations you could come up with are endless. Thanks so much for the comment!!!
Wow! These are beautiful & somewhat easy to throw together. Thank you. 😊 I can’t wait to try this ♥️