Red Lentil Hummus

Over the past few years hummus has really come to the spotlight in mainstream culture. You can find it on almost any menu, in every grocery store and even as a to-go snack in those expensive airport food/magazine shops. I’m very happy about this because hummus is amazing.

I think one of the reasons this Middle Eastern treat has become so ubiquitous is because it’s very cost effective. The primary ingredient is the inexpensive chickpea, and process for making it is very simple. Both of these things make it easy to mass produce, and that might be why a lot of places are offering it up as an alternative to the standard chips and salsa or guacamole on their appetizer menus (though salsa and guac are both still favorites of mine).

Hummus is relatively low-calorie, too, at about 560 per cup of the average commercial-made recipe. However, with this recipe for Red Lentil Hummus I’ve managed to keep the same amazing flavors you’ve come to expect, but with fewer calories—about 480 per cup. That’s not a significant decrease in a single two tablespoon serving, but it adds up over time. The protein content isn’t quite as high—it’s about half of its chickpea counterpart. Still, there are a few grams in there to add to your daily count.

This recipe is really simple. I’ve added a few ingredients that give it a little bit of its own flavor while keeping the hummus taste, but it still only takes five minutes to make.

So if you’re a fan of hummus, and I’m guessing you are, check this recipe out for a little different take on it. I think you’ll really like it. And be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below!

Print

No ratings yet

Red Lentil Hummus

This simple hummus recipe replaces chickpeas with red lentils for a unique taste that is both flavorful and low on calories.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer/Snack

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Yield: 0 About 2 cups

Author: The Nut-Free Vegan

Ingredients

• ¼ cup tahini
• Juice from 1 large lemon
• 1.5 cups red lentils cooked
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• ½ tsp. coconut aminos or soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
• ½ tsp. cumin
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 –5 Tbsp. water
• Dash of paprika

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to food processor or blender and begin to mix. Add water 1 Tbsp. at a time until a smooth consistency is produced. Garnish with paprika and serve.

Notes

This recipe is gluten-free.

Nutrition

Serving: 2g