Caramelized Shallots Hummus

Caramelized shallots make the best hummus I ever tasted, believe me. This hummus is so addicting you will eat it by the spoonful! Plus, it is loaded with protein and healthy fats. That makes it, in my opinion, the king of dips!

📘 What is Hummus

Hummus, or houmous, is a Middle-Eastern dip that consists of mashed chickpeas combined with tahini (white sesame butter), garlic, lemon juice, and occasionally spices. Its origin is still unclear, but some records written in the 13th century in Egypt mention a similar recipe.

🧅 Ingredient Notes

This hummus recipe requires a handful of ingredients. Here is what you will need:

• Shallots – Shallots are a key ingredient in this recipe, bringing a natural sweetness and a hint of sharpness.
• Maple syrup – The addition of maple syrup brings even more caramel flavor. You can replace the maple syrup with coconut sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
• Wine – Preferably white wine. If you are avoiding alcohol, replace it with water.
• Balsamic vinegar – For extra sweetness and a hint of tartness.
• Spices – A generous pinch of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cumin.
• Chickpeas – To make this recipe quicker and easier, I went with canned and cooked chickpeas. If you prefer to cook the chickpeas from scratch, I’m also sharing the method below.
• Tahini – For richness and nuttiness. Use tahini made from white sesame seeds, not to be confused with the one made from toasted sesame seeds.
• Garlic
• Lemon juice – Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.

🥣 How To Make Caramelized Shallots Hummus

This recipe consists of two different steps: preparing the caramelized shallots and then making the hummus.

Caramelized Shallots

1. Sauté the minced shallots in oil for 1 minute in a small pot.
2. Season with salt, and add the maple syrup. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the shallots are soft.
3. Next, deglaze with white wine, and balsamic vinegar, and add the spices.
4. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes.
5. Remove from heat once no liquid remains and set aside.

Hummus

1. Drain and rinse the cooked chickpeas. Add them to the bowl of a food processor or blender.
2. Add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and water, and process for about 30 seconds, or until smooth.
3. Next, add about 3/4 of the caramelized shallots (keep 1/4 to stir into the hummus later). Process for another 30 seconds, or until smooth.
4. Transfer to a serving plate and stir in the reserved caramelized shallots. You can then top it with toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and/or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil!

You can serve this hummus at room temperature, but I personally prefer it cold. It tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge!

🥯 What To Serve It With

While hummus is traditionally served with pita or flatbread, you can also serve it with tortilla chips, herb crackers, or raw vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, or even cucumber.

It makes a great accompaniment to falafels as well!

💬 FAQ

I try to always have hummus in my fridge. It’s great for a light dinner, a quick snack, or an appetizer. It can also be used as a replacement for mayonnaise, and it’s delicious in sandwiches or with roasted vegetables.

You got it, hummus is super versatile. This caramelized shallots hummus is, without a doubt, a crowd-pleaser!

🥖 More Delicious Dip Recipes

• Guacamole with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Roasted Asparagus Dip

Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe