Charred Leek and Roasted Garlic Hummus. There is something very socially inviting about hummus. It is inspired by a culture that envelops gathering and feasting. When I envision the Middle Eastern culture, I see very inviting people that love to share food, music, dance, among rich conversation.
Let's gather and share some time, conversation, and most of all this amazing hummus!
Song of the day: "Ode to Humanity" by Yanni.
Charred Leek and Roasted Garlic Hummus. This dip is a wonderful appetizer to serve when entertaining. The Christmas season is approaching, let's entertain!
It is so easy to make and within minutes you will have an appetizer that screams luscious, aromatic. However, the flavors are what get you from the first taste! Smoky meets nutty in the most smooth velvety way. That paprika olive oil gives you just enough of a lift to take your taste buds to heaven and your eyes to a vision of beauty.
It is the season
I fell in love with hummus the first time my palate was introduced to it. The smooth texture, its aromatic fragrance, and that unmistakable sesame, garlic, chickpea flavor had made me a fan.
Why, do you ask? Because I am a foodie, and experiencing culture through food is my passion. Today I am going to share that passion with you.
Time to gather the ingredients!
- Tahini
- Chickpeas
- E.v.o. oil
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Leeks
- Parsley
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Sour cream
I know you're thinking "sour cream"? Yes, it makes the hummus smoother and softer. Similarly, the acidic backdrop of this dairy marries well with all of the flavors of the dip.
Some grilling required
There is only one stage of cooking and that is to char the leeks, also to roast that bulb of garlic to a beautiful sweetness on the barbecue. The rest is easy breezy. Everything goes into a food processor with the olive oil added as you pulse.
When everything starts to come together, a taste is required, as a result, you may have to adjust the seasoning and consistency.
You may have to add more sour cream or lemon juice, equally some salt, and pepper. A nice finish of fresh parsley is always welcome.
Additionally, I made some paprika oil just because I love that rich color floating in the folds of this Charred Leek and Roasted Garlic Hummus.
A plug for Kitchen Aid
I have to say the Kitchen Aid food processor is a wonderful appliance. Firstly, the way it chops and purees to very amazing consistencies. Secondly, the ease of operation and the fact that you don't have to fight with the lid makes it a real winner in my books. Thirdly, the speed controls are really smooth and easy to operate. Lastly, I love it, and it is so easy to wash!
Grab some pita and dip into this Charred Leek and Roasted Garlic Hummus!
One thing that really strikes me is the presentation of this hummus. The beautiful texture of the puree is velvety and smooth.
I love the way that paprika oil has the freedom to rest in any fold that it wants. Those nice spikes of green color from the parsley break the natural colors of the hummus. The pebbles of fresh cracked pepper tell us that there will be a nice subtle bite.
The flavors and textures
Don't you just love the feel of warm pita at your fingertips? Even better when you dip it into the hummus and it is soft and smooth and you are not fighting to get some onto the pita?
That is what I am experiencing right now as my fingers grasp the pita and it slowly goes into the dip and out it comes with a wonderful dollop of the hummus.
OMG!
This is incredible, I taste the charred smokiness of the leeks. That roasted garlic comes in like a superhero offering a subtle sweetness to soothe that char. Chickpeas and tahini slide in with that nuttiness and texture, as that paprika oil lingers on every bite with a spice that is unmistakable. I have to say the lemon backdrop along with that fresh parsley bring in enough brightness to really enlighten each bite.
I better not forget the sour cream. Its acidic richness adds yet another level of flavor to the mix with its creaminess working magic to an already amazing hummus.
However, I don't want to forget the pita, slightly crisp and warm with that light starchy sustenance that I truly love!
Final Thoughts...........
We did share this Charred Leek and Roasted Garlic Hummus at a dinner party we went too. From the frequent spooning of the dip and the pita going at full throttle, I knew we had a real crowd pleaser!
Give this dish a try at your next party, I am sure you will hear those sounds of food pleasure!
Enjoy!
Song of the day: "Ode to Humanity" by Humanity.
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Charred Leek and Roasted Garlic Hummus
Charred Leek and Roasted Garlic Hummus. There is something very socially inviting about hummus. It is inspired by a culture that envelopes gathering and feasting. When I envision the Middle Eastern culture, I see a very inviting people that love to share food, music, dance, among rich conversation.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: serves 8-10 people 1x
Ingredients
Hummus:
- 2 leeks, washed and cut in half
- 796 ml tin of organic chickpeas
- 1 bulb of garlic
- 2 Tbsp Tahini
- ⅛ cup of e.v.o. oil
- Splash of lemon juice (1 -2 tablespoons)
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Pinch of paprika
- Tbsp of fresh chopped parsley
Paprika oil:
- 2-3 tablespoon e.v.o. oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Leeks:
- Pre-heat grill to around 400° F.
- Take leeks and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
- Sprinkle with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cracked pepper and toss well.
- Place on grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes a side.
- When grill marks and charred edges appear, take off grill and set aside to cool.
Roasted garlic:
- Drizzle garlic bulb with e.v.o. oil.
- Season with salt and cracked pepper.
- Place on grill with leeks and cook for about 10-15 minutes.
- Take off grill and squeeze out the garlic from the pods, set aside to cool.
Hummus:
- Place chickpeas, garlic, tahini, leeks, sour cream into the food processor.
- Pulse until mixture starts to become smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil until mixture is just about at the desired consistency.
- Spoon in lemon juice and pulse till well incorporated.
Paprika oil:
- Whisk paprika, olive oil, and salt in a ramekin until well mixed.
Garnish:
- Take hummus from the food processor and spoon into a bowl.
- Drizzle paprika oil over top.
- Finish with some freshly cracked black pepper and chopped parsley.
- Ready to serve with cut up warm pita.
Enjoy!
Notes
Any type of grilled charred vegetable could be used with this hummus.
If you don't want the sour cream, substitute with more lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: leeks, grilling, roasted garlic, tahini, sour cream, paprika, humus, chickpeas, e.v.o. oil, parsley, lemon, nutritious
When I am not cooking, I enjoy playing musical instruments, singing, writing. I have learned over the years to live in gratitude and enjoy the moment.
Sherri says
I am a huge hummus fan! This looks amazing; love the idea of the leeks and I'll have to try it with sour cream! Looks stunning! 🙂
★★★★★
Thanks Sherri. The sour cream really lightens the weight of hummus and I love that creamy velvety consistency. Easy for dipping. The charred leeks were truly a huge success in this dip.
Happy cooking!
loreto
Kelly Anthony says
What a gorgeous appetizer! Leeks are so under-used, I think. Love the combination of flavors here. Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Thank you Kelly. I agree leeks are under rated but I absolutely love the flavor they bring to the table. The char that appeared due to grilling really enhanced this hummus. A must try.
Happy cooking!
loreto
Dominique | Perchance to Cook says
Garlic hummus is my favorite hummus flavor! I also love leeks so I'm thinking that this addition is going to make this my new favorite. This hummus looks amazing!
Thank you! Roasted garlic and the charred leeks are a match made in heaven add in the basic hummus foundation and we have found Babylon!
Cheers!
loreto
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I love all of the different flavours of hummus you can make!! This one looks so tasty!
★★★★★
Thank you, I am thinking on what other flavor hummus I can make now. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm..........
Loreto
Kiki Johnson says
I love how versatile hummus is! I have never seen a version with leek before - and then charred, which brings out all the sweetness and adds some smokiness! LOVE! Cannot wait to try this gorgeous recipe!
★★★★★
Thank you, You have said all the right things to describe this hummus, smoky sweet, add in creamy and smooth and we have it down pat. Wait till you actually taste it. I am drooling myself here, lol.
Cheers!
Loreto
Jennifer says
I've always wanted to make my own hummus, this might just inspire me to do so! Looks so good!
Thank you. I am so happy that we inspired you to make this hummus. That's our mission to get people creating good food!
Happy Hummus making!
Loreto
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
I'm a big hummus fan and love making my own so I'm always looking for different variations. This one sounds wonderful!
★★★★★
Thank you, that's the beauty of hummus so versatile and many ways to go on the flavor train. Perfect party food!
Cheers!
loreto
Jessica (Swanky Recipes) says
I'm going to need to make a big ole batch of this for game day. We have family traveling into town for Thanksgiving and we'll also be watching the game. I don't feel like frying chicken wings so this low key recipe will be great to make ahead of time!
★★★★★
Oh yes I like the way you think. This hummus is perfect game day snack, whether with tortilla chips crackers or the classic pita bread it will win the crowds approval with its texture and flavor! Thanks for commenting.
Loreto
Tammy says
I LOVE fresh hummus and this sounds absolutely perfect!! It looks so unbelievably creamy..craving this right now!
★★★★★
Thank you, It is very creamy. With the addition of sour cream it lightens the hummus and keeps it creamy. The charred leek add a nice subtle smokiness to the mix!
Cheers!
loreto
Mackenzie Ryan says
I love to eat hummus and I'm always looking for new ways to change up the flavors. Between the paprika oil and the charred leek, I'm not sure what I'm the most excited about. I bet that the smoky flavor from the grill elevates this recipe so much!
Hi Mackenzie, yes I would have to say that charring those leeks add such a wonderful flavor to hummus. Add in the roasted garlic and we have a purely delightful dip to munch on. Thank you!
Cheers!
loreto
Karyl Henry says
I don't think I've ever had leek before, but I love that you charred it before adding to the hummus. What a great way to impart more flavor into the finished dish. Looks fabulous
Thank you Karyl. The leek on the grill gets so sweet and smoky. Perfect accompaniment to the nutty sesame flavor of hummus.
I sure hope you get to try this!
Loreto
Des says
Hummus is a great tasting, healthy, and easy way to snack. This one sounds fantastic with the addition of leek.
★★★★★
Thank you! I agree Hummus is truly a healthy and delicious snack or appetizer. I even like to dip carrots in hummus. So so good!
Cheers!
loreto