Hummus with red beans

Red Bean Hummus – A delicious and healthy recipe for culinary indulgence

It has often been said that simple and healthy dishes bring us the greatest joys. Today, I invite you to discover a recipe that combines tradition with innovation: red bean hummus. This dish is not only an excellent source of protein but also an explosion of flavors that will captivate you from the first spoonful. It is a recipe that can be made quickly, perfect for a snack or as an appetizer for a more festive meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes (in a pressure cooker)
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

The History of Hummus

Hummus has a long history, being appreciated for centuries in various cultures. It is usually associated with simple and natural ingredients such as chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil. This red bean hummus recipe brings tradition to life, adding a touch of innovation and an excellent nutritional combination.

Necessary Ingredients

For the hummus:
- 200 g dried chickpeas
- 3 garlic cloves (made into a paste)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tahini (sesame paste)
- 2 tablespoons of the water in which the chickpeas were boiled
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste

For the red beans:
- 200 g red beans (canned)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 leek (only the white part)
- Fresh thyme (or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Chickpeas

1. Start with the chickpeas: Soak the chickpeas in cold water overnight. Make sure the water exceeds the chickpeas by two palms, as they will absorb some of the water.

2. Boiling: In the morning, drain the chickpeas and rinse them well under cold running water. Place them in a pressure cooker, adding enough water (5-6 cm above the chickpeas). Boil over medium heat for about 40 minutes or until the beans are very soft.

3. Retaining the water: Once boiled, drain the chickpeas, but don’t forget to save a few tablespoons of the cooking water, as this will add creaminess to the hummus.

Making the Hummus

4. Blending: In a blender, combine the cooked chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and some of the reserved water. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. If the hummus is too thick, gradually add the chickpea water until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Seasoning: Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, adjusting the taste to your preferences. Mix again to incorporate the spices.

Preparing the Red Beans

6. Draining the beans: If using canned beans, drain them well and rinse under cold water. Let them drain for a few minutes.

7. Sautéing the leek: In a pan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the diagonally cut leek, stirring constantly until it becomes translucent (about 2-3 minutes).

8. Adding the beans: Add the red beans to the pan and let them heat for 2 minutes.

9. Seasoning: Remove the pan from heat and add the ground cumin, crushed and finely chopped garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine the flavors.

Assembling the Dish

10. Serving: On a large plate, place the hummus in the center and create a "basket" using a spoon. Add the warm red beans on top of the hummus.

11. Garnishing: Sprinkle some fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley on top and a dash of paprika for a more attractive appearance.

12. Enjoying: Serve the red bean hummus with warm pita bread or fresh cut vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers. This dish can also be an excellent filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Useful Tips

- Tahini: If you can’t find tahini, you can replace it with peanut butter or omit it altogether. The taste will be different, but still delicious.

- Chickpeas: If you want to save time, you can use canned chickpeas, but the dish will have a less creamy texture.

- Vegan option: All the ingredients in the recipe are vegan, so you can enjoy this red bean hummus without worries, regardless of your dietary style.

Nutritional Information

This red bean hummus recipe is an excellent nutritional choice. Chickpeas and red beans are rich in plant-based proteins, fiber, and essential nutrients, helping to maintain digestive health and control weight. One serving (about 150g) of red bean hummus contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of beans?
Of course! White beans or black beans are excellent alternatives.

2. How can I store the hummus?
You can store the hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

3. Can hummus be frozen?
Yes, hummus can be frozen. Make sure it is in an airtight container. Upon thawing, you may need to add a bit of olive oil or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

This red bean hummus is a versatile and easy-to-adapt recipe, perfect for a healthy snack or to impress guests. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices or flavors, such as chili or olives, to personalize your dish. Enjoy your meal!