Red Meat Allergy Friendly Spicy Harissa Hummus
Creamy, smoky, and just the right amount of fiery, this hummus is the kind of dip that disappears fast at any table. The base comes together with chickpeas, silky tahini, fresh lemon juice, and a generous pour of olive oil — all blended until impossibly smooth using a splash of reserved chickpea liquid for that ultra-creamy finish. What really sets it apart is the homemade harissa swirled right into the center: dried red chiles toasted in a skillet, then blended with smoked paprika, coriander, caraway, and turmeric into a deeply fragrant, rust-colored paste. For anyone navigating a red meat allergy, this dish is a genuinely satisfying, protein-rich option that delivers bold, complex flavor without any of the usual worry — every single ingredient here is plant-based and straightforward. It's the kind of recipe that proves you don't need to compromise on depth or excitement to eat safely. Finish it with a drizzle of good olive oil and a scatter of sesame seeds, and it looks as impressive as it tastes.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the hummus
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained, liquid reserved
- ⅓ cup tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
For the harissa
- 3 dried red chiles (such as guajillo or new mexico), stems and seeds removed
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground caraway
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the dried chiles in a small skillet over medium heat and toast, turning once, until fragrant and slightly darkened, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a small bowl, cover with boiling water, and soak for 10 minutes until softened. Drain and pat dry.
- 2
Transfer the soaked chiles to the food processor along with the smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground caraway, ground turmeric, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Process until a coarse paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed, about 30 seconds. Transfer the harissa paste to a small bowl and set aside. Wipe out the food processor bowl.
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