This is a variation of our hummus base recipe. Hummus is one of our favorite foods because it’s delicious, nutritious, easy to make, and incredibly versatile! We made this healthy turmeric hummus recipe as part of our colorful Thanksgiving menu and got rave reviews about its stunning appearance and exciting flavor!
Learn How to Make the Base Recipe
Three Must-Know Cooking Skills
For recipe success, learn how to:
Culinary Tips for the Best Turmeric Hummus
Some hummus recipes say to drizzle the olive oil in slowly for a better emulsion, but we couldn’t tell a difference either way. Place all of the ingredients in the blender at the same time and blend away!
To fix a grainy hummus, blend for longer, add 1-2 Tablespoons more oil, or warm the beans before blending.
For an even smoother texture, simmer the chickpeas in water before blending. Place drained and rinsed chickpeas in a saucepan, cover with water, and simmer until very soft. Drain and add to the blender with the remaining ingredients and blend.
If you prefer a thicker hummus, use ¼ cup of water. If you prefer a creamier, thinner consistency, use ½ cup.
When doubling or tripling the recipe, don’t increase the spices at first. Doubling the spices can create a bitter flavor! Taste after blending, then adjust spices to taste.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chickpeas: use 1 ½ cups homemade cooked chickpeas. Learn our three different ways to cook chickpeas from dry: Instant Pot, stovetop (traditional soak), or quick soak. Using cooked from dried chickpeas creates a creamier hummus!
- Tahini: substitute no-sugar-added sunflower or pumpkin seed butter.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: substitute avocado or canola oil, but note that the flavor will be different. You can also substitute an infused olive oil for more flavor.
- Lemon: substitute 1 Tablespoon bottled lemon juice.
- Garlic: substitute 1 teaspoon garlic flakes, ½ teaspoon granulated garlic, or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, but note the flavor will not be as strong.
- Turmeric: substitute ½ teaspoon fresh turmeric for a more pronounced flavor.
- Ginger: substitute ¼ teaspoon fresh ginger for a more pronounced ginger flavor.
- Cayenne: substitute crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder.
Recipe Variations
Add and adjust spices to your taste! There are so many other spices that would be delicious in this recipe – cumin, coriander, chili powder, and/or paprika work particularly well. Ethnic spice blends would also make great additions.
Some people ask if hummus is better with or without tahini, and we definitely say WITH! Tahini helps give hummus a smooth and creamy texture and mouthfeel. However, if you have a sesame allergy, sunflower butter, pumpkin seed butter, or a few more tablespoons of olive oil are some easy substitutions.
Want to make an even more colorful appetizer? Top your golden hummus with chopped cilantro or Italian parsley, finely diced red onion, crushed red pepper flakes, shredded carrots, and/or quartered cherry tomatoes.
Want some hummus recipe inspiration?
Use our hummus base recipe as a guide, then have fun exploring other flavors, ingredients, and textures!
Easy Golden Turmeric Hummus Equipment Recommendations
If you don’t have a good blender or food processor, we recommend purchasing one! An immersion blender also works for making creamy hummus. Although cheaper blenders will do an okay job, a high-powered blender definitely creates a smoother texture.
If a fancy blender or food processor isn’t within your budget, simply blend the mixture for longer, or simmer the chickpeas in water until very soft before blending for the best texture.
Health Benefits of Turmeric Hummus
This golden turmeric hummus recipe is packed with nutrients! According to research, hummus-consumers have reportedly higher intakes of many nutrients, including essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and fatty acids. Chickpeas, tahini, extra virgin olive oil, and turmeric are the star ingredients in this healthy hummus recipe.
Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans
Beans of all varieties are a great source of plant-based protein and are an important part of a plant-forward diet. They are also high in complex carbohydrates and fiber. These nutrients are all important for steady energy, satiety, blood flow, disease prevention, and digestion.
Tahini
Tahini is made from blended sesame seeds. Sesame seeds contain mono- and poly-unsaturated fats that may support heart health. Sesame seeds also contain fiber, phytonutrients, and plant-based protein – important nutrients for digestion, satiety, stable blood sugar, and cancer prevention.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean Diet. It contains high amounts of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols which may reduce inflammation. Additionally, certain nutrients require fat for absorption; using extra virgin olive oil in homemade hummus can help you get the most nutritional bang for your buck!
Turmeric
Turmeric has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce risks for many chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders. (6) Combine turmeric with black pepper to maximize absorption and effectiveness – black pepper increases turmeric bioavailability by 2000%!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this golden hummus as a colorful after-school snack or as the centerpiece of an appetizer spread. Serve with fresh vegetables, whole grain crackers, or whole wheat pita wedges. Turmeric hummus is also a great spread on sandwiches, wraps, and flatbreads. Make a turmeric hummus grain bowl by adding a dollop to cooked quinoa, fresh veggies, and chopped cilantro.
Storage Recommendations
Place the hummus in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 1 week.
Want more healthy snack and appetizer recipes?
Try out these favorites, and as always, adjust to YOUR taste!
Apple Cinnamon Granola Clusters
Dark Chocolate Covered Fruit Bites Base Recipe
Healthy Baked Oatmeal Cups Base Recipe
Turmeric Hummus
Ingredients
- 15-ounce can low-sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup tahini
- ¼ – ½ cup water
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced (~2 Tablespoons)
- 1-2 small garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Dash cayenne
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Start with ¼ cup water, then increase until desired consistency.
- Add salt to taste. Place in a serving bowl and top with garnishes to taste. Enjoy!
Notes
Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil Diced red onion Chopped cilantro or Italian parsley Crushed red pepper flakes Shredded carrots Quartered cherry tomatoes
This Post Has 4 Comments
This is some of my favorite hummus ever! I am definitely going to use this recipe in the future. So many options of what to dip! Amazing.
Yay! Glad you liked it! We love it in so many ways – sandwiches, wraps, salads, and dips!
I made this turmeric hummus for a dip night with co-workers and it was a hit! The tahini came through a bit strong with 1/4 cup so may opt for slightly less the next time I prepare this recipe. Otherwise, the flavors are spot on with the recommended portions.
Thanks for the review! Love that you are thinking of ways to adjust the flavor to your taste!