Hummus, that creamy, dreamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, is a staple in many households. It’s a fantastic dip, a healthy snack, and a versatile ingredient. But what happens when you find yourself with leftover hummus staring back at you from the fridge? Fear not! Leftover hummus is a treasure trove of culinary possibilities. This article will explore a multitude of creative and delicious ways to use up that extra hummus, transforming it from a potential waste product into the star of your next meal.
Hummus as a Flavor Booster for Savory Dishes
Hummus isn’t just for dipping pita bread. Its rich flavor profile and creamy texture make it an excellent addition to a variety of savory dishes, adding depth and complexity.
Elevating Your Sandwiches and Wraps
Forget mayonnaise or mustard! Hummus is a fantastic spread for sandwiches and wraps. It adds moisture, flavor, and a healthy dose of protein and fiber.
Spread a generous layer of hummus on your favorite bread or tortilla. Try it with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, sliced turkey, or even just some fresh lettuce and tomato. The possibilities are endless. Hummus pairs especially well with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
For a veggie wrap, hummus can act as the primary source of flavor and moisture, holding everything together and preventing a dry, crumbly mess. Its creamy texture complements crunchy vegetables perfectly.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different flavors of hummus! Roasted red pepper hummus adds a smoky sweetness, while spicy hummus gives your sandwich a kick.
Supercharging Your Soups and Stews
Believe it or not, a dollop of hummus can transform a bland soup or stew into a culinary masterpiece.
Stir a spoonful or two of hummus into your favorite soup or stew just before serving. The hummus will dissolve into the broth, adding a creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor. This works particularly well with vegetable soups, lentil soups, and tomato soups.
You can also use hummus as a garnish for soups and stews. Swirl a small amount on top of the soup for a beautiful presentation and an extra burst of flavor. Consider topping it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.
Important Note: Be sure to stir the hummus in well to prevent it from clumping. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Hummus as a Sauce for Pasta and Noodles
Think outside the box! Hummus can be a delicious and unexpected sauce for pasta and noodles.
For a quick and easy pasta sauce, simply thin out the hummus with a little bit of pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and your favorite vegetables or protein. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or some fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Hummus also works well as a sauce for noodles. Try it with soba noodles, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles. The creamy texture of the hummus coats the noodles beautifully, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish. Add some grilled shrimp or tofu for a complete meal.
Flavor Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your hummus pasta sauce for a brighter, bolder flavor.
Hummus in Egg Dishes
Hummus can add a unique and savory touch to your favorite egg dishes.
Spread a layer of hummus on the bottom of your omelet or frittata before adding your fillings. The hummus will add a creamy texture and a savory flavor that complements the eggs perfectly. Try it with spinach, mushrooms, feta cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes.
You can also use hummus as a topping for scrambled eggs or fried eggs. Simply dollop a spoonful of hummus on top of the eggs and sprinkle with some fresh herbs or spices.
Breakfast Bonus: Spread hummus on toast and top with a fried egg for a quick and easy breakfast that’s packed with protein and flavor.
Hummus as a Marinade
For flavorful and tender meat and vegetables, try using hummus as a marinade.
Coat your chicken, fish, or vegetables with a layer of hummus and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. The hummus will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
The acid in the lemon juice and the spices in the hummus will create a delicious crust on the meat or vegetables when they are cooked.
Marinade Magic: Add a little bit of olive oil, lemon juice, or garlic to your hummus marinade for even more flavor.
Hummus in Baking and Desserts? Yes, Really!
While it might sound unusual, hummus can be used in baking, adding moisture, a subtle nutty flavor, and even a surprising nutritional boost to your baked goods.
Hummus in Bread and Muffins
Adding hummus to bread and muffin recipes can create a softer, more moist texture.
Substitute some of the butter or oil in your favorite bread or muffin recipe with hummus. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. The hummus will add a subtle nutty flavor and a moist, tender crumb to your baked goods.
Hummus works especially well in savory breads and muffins. Try it with zucchini bread, cornbread, or even pizza dough.
Baking Secret: Use plain, unflavored hummus for best results in baking.
Hummus in Cookies and Brownies
Believe it or not, hummus can even be used in cookies and brownies!
Substitute some of the butter or oil in your favorite cookie or brownie recipe with hummus. The hummus will add moisture and a subtle nutty flavor to your baked goods.
Hummus works particularly well in chocolate cookies and brownies. The rich flavor of the chocolate masks the taste of the hummus, creating a surprisingly delicious and healthy treat.
Sweet Surprise: Try adding some chocolate chips or nuts to your hummus cookies or brownies for even more flavor and texture.
Hummus as a Frosting Alternative
For a healthier and lower-sugar frosting alternative, try using hummus.
Blend hummus with a small amount of sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, and a touch of vanilla extract. Spread the mixture on cakes, cupcakes, or cookies for a surprisingly delicious and healthy frosting.
Hummus frosting is best suited for flavors that complement its savory notes, such as carrot cake or spice cake.
Frosting Fun: Experiment with different flavor combinations by adding cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even a pinch of sea salt to your hummus frosting.
Hummus as a Healthy Snack and Dip Enhancer
Of course, we can’t forget hummus’s primary purpose: as a healthy and delicious snack and dip. But even in this area, there are ways to elevate your hummus game.
Creative Dipping Options
Think beyond pita bread! Hummus is delicious with a variety of dippers.
Try dipping vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and broccoli into hummus. The creamy hummus complements the crunchy vegetables perfectly, making for a healthy and satisfying snack.
You can also dip crackers, pretzels, or even apple slices into hummus. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
Dipping Delight: For a more substantial snack, try dipping grilled chicken or shrimp into hummus.
Elevating Your Hummus Platter
Turn your hummus into a beautiful and delicious platter for parties or gatherings.
Arrange the hummus in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with paprika, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Surround the hummus with a variety of dippers, such as pita bread, vegetables, crackers, and olives.
You can also add other dips and spreads to your platter, such as baba ghanoush, tzatziki sauce, or tapenade.
Platter Perfection: Get creative with your presentation! Use different sized bowls and platters to create visual interest.
Flavoring Your Leftover Hummus
Give your leftover hummus a makeover with some simple flavor additions.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of garlic powder, or a sprinkle of cumin to enhance the existing flavors of the hummus.
You can also add some chopped herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or dill. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Flavor Fusion: Experiment with different flavor combinations to create your own signature hummus blend. Consider ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts.
Storing Leftover Hummus for Later Use
Proper storage is key to preserving the freshness and flavor of your leftover hummus.
Store leftover hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Hummus will typically last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
To prevent the hummus from drying out, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before storing it.
Storage Solution: Label the container with the date so you know when the hummus was made.
In conclusion, leftover hummus is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of creative and delicious ways. From savory dishes to baked goods to healthy snacks, the possibilities are endless. So, the next time you find yourself with extra hummus, don’t throw it away! Get creative and experiment with these ideas to transform it into something truly special. The key is to embrace the unique flavor and texture of hummus and let your culinary imagination run wild.
Can I use leftover hummus as a sandwich spread?
Absolutely! Hummus makes a fantastic and healthy alternative to mayonnaise or other creamy spreads on sandwiches and wraps. Its creamy texture and savory flavor enhance any sandwich, from classic veggie combos to turkey or chicken.
To use hummus as a spread, simply apply a thin layer to both slices of bread or the inside of your wrap. Combine it with your favorite fillings like lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sprouts, and your choice of protein. For added flavor, consider a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of spices.
Can I bake with leftover hummus?
Yes, hummus can be a surprising and effective ingredient in baking, especially in savory applications. It adds moisture and a subtle depth of flavor to bread, muffins, and even cookies, particularly those with a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean influence. It’s a great way to boost the nutritional value of your baked goods, adding fiber and protein.
When baking with hummus, remember that it adds moisture, so you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients in your recipe accordingly. Start by substituting a portion of the butter or oil with an equal amount of hummus. Recipes for hummus bread or savory muffins are a great place to begin experimenting with this technique.
Is hummus a good base for sauces?
Hummus works wonderfully as a base for various sauces, adding creaminess, body, and flavor. Its versatility allows it to be incorporated into pasta sauces, salad dressings, and even dipping sauces for vegetables or grilled meats. It’s a simple way to create a flavorful and healthy sauce without using heavy cream or excessive oil.
To create a hummus-based sauce, simply thin the hummus with a bit of water, lemon juice, or olive oil to reach your desired consistency. Add seasonings like garlic, herbs, spices, or a touch of hot sauce to customize the flavor. For a pasta sauce, sauté some vegetables and then stir in the thinned hummus. For a salad dressing, whisk the hummus with vinegar, oil, and spices.
Can I add hummus to my scrambled eggs?
Adding hummus to scrambled eggs is an unconventional but delicious way to add creaminess and flavor. It elevates the basic scrambled eggs into a more substantial and interesting dish. The hummus infuses the eggs with a subtle nutty flavor and contributes to a smoother texture.
To incorporate hummus into your scrambled eggs, simply add a spoonful or two to the eggs while they are cooking. Stir it in gently until it is fully incorporated and the eggs are cooked to your liking. Be mindful not to add too much, as it can make the eggs dense. Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.
How can I use hummus as a pizza topping?
Hummus makes an excellent and unexpected pizza topping, offering a unique flavor profile compared to traditional tomato sauce. Spread a thin layer of hummus onto your pizza dough instead of tomato sauce, then add your favorite toppings such as vegetables, cheese, and protein. This provides a healthier and more flavorful alternative.
Consider pairing hummus with toppings like roasted red peppers, spinach, olives, feta cheese, and grilled chicken or lamb for a Mediterranean-inspired pizza. You can also drizzle olive oil and sprinkle with herbs after baking. The hummus adds a creamy and nutty base that complements a wide range of flavors.
Can I use hummus to make stuffed vegetables?
Yes, hummus is a fantastic ingredient for stuffing vegetables. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it an ideal filling for bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, or even mushrooms. Stuffed vegetables offer a healthy and satisfying meal, and hummus adds a unique twist to this classic dish.
To make stuffed vegetables with hummus, hollow out your chosen vegetables and mix the hummus with cooked grains like quinoa or rice, chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices. Fill the vegetables with the mixture and bake until tender. You can top with cheese or breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.
Is hummus a good side dish for grilled meats?
Hummus is an excellent and versatile side dish to complement grilled meats. Its creamy texture and savory flavor provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of grilled meats like chicken, lamb, beef, or fish. The combination offers a balanced and satisfying meal that is both healthy and flavorful.
Serve hummus alongside your grilled meat as a dipping sauce or spread. You can also add a dollop of hummus to a plate of grilled vegetables. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, or some chopped herbs for an added touch of flavor and presentation.