March 29, 2024

AmericanHummus

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Lentil Hummus (Creamy Dip Recipe)

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Enjoy all the classic flavors of hummus but with a twist with this tangy, creamy, and savory lentil hummus! This lentil dip is flavorful, nutrient-dense, and perfect for enjoying as an appetizer or snack with crackers, bread, and crudites!

lentil hummus with homemade flatbread

Creamy & Delicious Lentil Dip

Usually, I’m busy using lentils to whip up cozy, comforting lentil recipes like lentil dahl, lentil bolognese, lentil soup, and lentil stew. However, having made a roasted garlic white bean dip earlier this year, I decided to turn to other pulses for creamy dip ideas and came up with this lentil-y twist on a classic. Aka lentil hummus!

With tahini, garlic, lemon, and cumin, this lentil dip hits all the flavor points of classic hummus but with an even more savory, earthy flavor thanks to swapping chickpeas for lentils. Plus, you can use brown, green, or red lentils based on your desired color and flavor, and can even use canned lentils in a pinch.

Like my classic hummus recipe, you can make this lentil dip recipe oil-free, if you prefer. The results are a light, healthy, bright, tangy, garlicky, creamy-smooth dip perfect for dipping and spreading. And all you need to do is cook the lentils, then throw everything in a blender until smooth. Add some water to reach your desired consistency, and voilà.

Best of all, while both lentils and chickpeas are rich in fiber, resistant starch, plant-based protein, and several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, lentils still have the edge. For example, they contain 18 grams of protein per cup of cooked lentils, compared to the 15 grams found in chickpeas. They also contain higher levels of iron and B vitamins. So, let’s get blending!

Hummus isn’t the only dish I’ve transformed with lentils. Why not also check out my lentil recipes for 2-ingredient lentil tortillas or lentil protein bread?

horizontal shot of lentil hummus

The Ingredients

Rely on 8 simple, inexpensive, pantry-friendly ingredients to pull together this lentil hummus recipe.

  • Lentils: You can use brown (as I did), green, or red lentils. However, note that red lentils take half the time to cook until soft.
  • Vegetable broth or water: To cook the lentils. Use regular or reduced sodium.
  • Bay leaves (optional): To add to the lentils while they cook for extra aromatic depth.
  • Tahini: This is a must-have ingredient for ‘hummus’ and adds a rich, creamy, slightly bitter flavor. However, if you can’t find any, you could use cashew butter or sunflower seed butter, though the flavor will obviously differ.
  • Lemon juice: (or lime juice) It’s best to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Add a small amount of lemon zest for even more zingy flavor.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must-have in hummus, including this lentil version. Adjust the amount to taste.
  • Cumin: Ground cumin is a classic addition to hummus and works well in this lentil spread.
  • Salt & black pepper: To season, to taste.
  • Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley is a great garnish. Cilantro would also work.
  • Water: To thin the lentil hummus.

What Else Could I Add? You might enjoy adding subtle smokiness with smoked paprika, chili/cayenne or red pepper flakes for spice, or add depth to red lentil hummus with tomato paste or sun-dried tomatoes. You could also garnish the lentil dip with sweet paprika.

For the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information, read the recipe card below.

ingredients for creamy dip

How to Make Lentil Hummus?

Preparing this lentil dip recipe is super simple and requires just a few steps. Before starting, rinse the lentils and sort through them to remove any pebbles or debris.

  • First, follow the package instructions to cook the lentils in a medium saucepan until tender. For more flavor, cook them in vegetable stock with 1-2 bay leaves.
  • Then, drain and transfer the lentils and all the remaining ingredients (except the parsley) to a blender and blend until the dip is smooth and creamy. Add the water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Taste the dip and adjust any of the elements to your liking. i.e., more salt or pepper, lemon/lime juice, garlic, cumin, etc.
  • Finally, transfer the lentil hummus to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley and an optional drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

lentil spread before and after blending

How to Store?

Store: Store any leftover lentil hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Add some water to the dip if it thickens too much as it chills.

Freeze: Allow the dip to cool entirely and then freeze in an airtight container (or individually portioned in an ice cube tray) or Ziplock bag/s for up to 4 months. Drizzling a thin layer of olive oil over the dip can help to maintain its freshness for the maximum period.

Thaw the dip in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying it again. If the texture or flavor has changed, re-blend it until smooth and add extra lemon/lime or seasonings. Enjoy!

Dip from lentils in bowl with flatbread

Serving Recommendations

Just like regular hummus and similar dips, this lentil dip recipe pairs wonderfully with:

You can also enjoy this as lentil spread within sandwiches, bagels, and wraps or as part of a nutrient-dense salad bowl.

creamy lentil dip in bowl

FAQs

Can I use a food processor?

Technically, yes, but the lentil dip won’t become as smooth as when using a blender.

Can I use canned lentils?

Using canned lentils should work, but it will be less flavorful (as I like to cook the dried lentils in veg stock with 1-2 bay leaves).

Can I enjoy lentil hummus warm?

Yes, it tastes delicious when served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

flatbread dipped into spread made with lentils

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Adjust the consistency: The amount of water you add will determine the thickness of the dip.
  • Tweak the ratios: The final ‘taste test’ is the perfect time to tweak any ingredients to make the dip fit your flavor palette perfectly.
  • Using a low-speed vs. high-speed blender: While the lower-speed option will work, a high-speed blender will make the creamiest, smoothest, silkiest results.

More Vegan Dip Recipes

If you try this easy, healthy lentil hummus recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan #elavegan – I love seeing them.

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lentil hummus with homemade naan

Lentil Hummus Recipe

Enjoy all the classic flavors of hummus but with a twist with this tangy, creamy, and savory lentil hummus! This lentil dip is flavorful, nutrient-dense, and perfect for enjoying as an appetizer or snack with crackers, bread, and crudites!

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Course Appetizer, Dip

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings 4

Calories 187 kcal

Ingredients 

  • 2/3 cup (130 g) dried lentils (see notes)
  • 3 Tbsp (48 g) tahini
  • 1 handful of chopped parsley
  • 3 Tbsp lime juice or lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves halved
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Approx. 6 Tbsp water (depending on desired consistency)

Instructions 

  • First, follow the package instructions to cook the lentils in a medium saucepan until tender. For more flavor, cook them in vegetable stock with 1-2 bay leaves.

  • Then, drain and transfer the lentils and all the remaining ingredients (except the parsley) to a blender and blend until the dip is smooth and creamy. Add the water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

  • Taste the dip and adjust any of the elements to your liking. i.e., more salt or pepper, lemon/lime juice, garlic, cumin, etc.

  • Finally, transfer the lentil hummus to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley and an optional drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Serve with naan, crackers, or vegetable sticks, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Lentils: I used 130 g dry brown lentils (equivalent to about 360 g cooked), but you can use red or green lentils. Green/brown lentils take almost twice as long to cook compared to red lentils. I always cook lentils in vegetable broth with 1-2 bay leaves, for more flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Lentil Hummus Recipe

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically

Pinterest Collage creamy lentil hummus

Pinterest Collage creamy lentil hummus