This is a far cry from the recipe I used for years. I was so picky, you see. My hummus had to have just the right amount of tahini paste–too much or too little, it wouldn’t be good enough for me. I was also somewhat of a hummus purist. For me, there was no need to add other ingredients like roasted garlic, eggplant or even sun-dried tomatoes to make a classic better. This has been my go-to recipe for quite some time and I’ve never felt the need to find another.
Hummus is very easy to make at home with pantry staples and takes only minutes to whip together. I’d never made a habit of buying the tubs from the store until I discovered one particular brand whose classic hummus was one I found myself returning to again and again. Time has been costly lately and out of a desire to keep the larder stocked with healthy snacks for me and my husband, I’ve resorted to store-bought…but only that one brand.
But yesterday I had time and I was craving something new. Since falling in love with this sun-dried tomato dip, I’ve been keeping large jars of sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil in the pantry. But I didn’t have roasted garlic at the ready so I decided to break from habit, convinced all the while that I wouldn’t at all be happy with tampering with my classic hummus. I took the jar of tahini paste out of the refrigerator and, not surprisingly, it was past its sell-by date.
Hmmm, what to do.
Fueled by a spark of inspiration (and doubt) I threw the ingredients into the food processor. If I didn’t like it, my husband might, right? I was counting on that to keep from wasting the ingredients.
As it turns-out, this sun-dried tomato hummus was just as cheery in my mouth as it looked in the bowl. The sun-dried tomato flavor was prominent without being so bold as to overpower the chickpeas. And the substitution I made? I used a little almond butter in place of the tahini and it worked. The almonds lent a bit of welcome sweetness–feel free to use tahini if you have it. I think I may be changing my tune about classic hummus. I still love it but I’m finding that there’s room for variety.

Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus
Ingredients
- 2 15- oz cans garbanzo beans chickpeas, drained
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil but drained
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 heaping teaspoons almond butter use tahini if you have it
- 1/2 cup olive oil plus about 2 more tablespoons
- salt to taste
- paprika for garnish
Instructions
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Process the garbanzo beans, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cayenne powder and almond butter (or tahini) in a food processor until somewhat smooth. With the motor running, add the olive oil and continue to process until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice and add salt to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with paprika. Serve with pita chips or vegetables.
Sounds delicious and very creative! Love that deep red color!
I eat hummus almost every day, either on my sandwich at lunch, or as an afternoon snack with pita chips and carrots. This looks like a winner!
Oh Jean – this is simply mouthwateringly delicious! I can just imagine dipping multiple pita chips and carrots into this delightful dip. I have never made hummus and always buy it from Trader Joe’s but I just know handmade would be divine. 🙂
I adore hummus – of every kind. This recipe sound perfect! I’m a huge fan of tahini, but the idea of using almond butter sounds too good to pass up. 🙂
I have my recipe for a classic hummus that I make over and over. But your twist on it looks so marvelous, I’ll be adding sun dried tomatoes and a pinch of cayenne to my next batch 🙂
My daughter and I love hummus but this is a nice twist on it. I have all these ingredients currently stocked In my kitchen so I think I will whip up a batch. Nice recipe!
I love sun-dried tomatoes! This hummus sounds amazing!
I loooove me some hummus! And these beautiful flavors are making me smile from ear to ear!
You and I both had sun-dried tomatoes on our minds this week! 🙂
This looks sooo good. I love hummus and I can only imagine that sun-dried tomatoes would make it that much better,
A scrumptious hummus and tasty combination! So summery…
Cheers,
Rosa
Beautiful color and I like the idea of sun dried tomatoes! I actually started leaving tahini out of my hummus because I would buy it, use it once, and by the time I made hummus again, it would be past the use-by date – we never missed it, but almond butter is a great substitute.
Beautiful! I have to try this recipe Jean, my husband would love it with toasted pita chips!
I’m sure this is a great hummus for any pita chip, veggies or a sandwich. Great flavors and eye appealing.
I LOVE love love hummus. Garlic or roasted peppers are my favorite versions but love the idea of sun-dried tomato hummus! Can’t wait to try it Jean! Wonder if my picky eater will turn her little nose away ..
I love hummus, but more than that, I love sun dried tomatoes. This is a great combination that I haven’t tried but already know how amazing it is… Must try!!!!!!
Yep, will be making this asap!!! Adore hummus…and buy a tomato hummus from Trader Joe’s all the time! Thanks for sharing, Jean!
I’m totally with you – I was a hummus purist too, always sticking with the traditional recipe. But lately I’ve become more adventurous: also using almond butter (as well as other mix-ins) because I always have it in my house and don’t usually have tahini. 🙂
I want to dive into this hummus w/a bag full of pita chips…my absolute favorite snack these days!:)
I am a new hummus convert – and this sounds like a great flavor!
Love the addition of the almond butter!!! Great idea. I’ve had one experience trying to make Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus, but I did something wrong. Never really explored what it was, but we didn’t eat any of it. You’ve inspired me to try again!
Hmm. Well I’m still super picky and wished I liked hummus. If I did, I’m sure I’d love this! 🙂