Creamy Cilantro Chickpea Dip
This delightful Creamy Cilantro Chickpea Dip is inspired by my Greek friend's love for houmous, which has since become a staple in my kitchen. Its velvety texture and fresh flavors are perfect for enhancing your snack game. Made with wholesome chickpeas, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic, this dip not only brings out the best in crunchy vegetables like celery but also pairs wonderfully with pita bread, crackers, or as a sandwich spread. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, it's a great option for gatherings or a quick, healthy snack at home. Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with every bite!
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chickpeas
410 g (drained and rinsed)
Garlic
1 clove (peeled and crushed)
Tahini
3 tablespoons
Lemon
1/2 (juice of)
Fresh Coriander
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Begin by draining and rinsing the chickpeas under cold water to remove any excess salt and preservatives.
2
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, crushed garlic, tahini, lemon juice, chopped fresh coriander, and olive oil.
3
Blend the mixture on high speed until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
4
If the dip is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until you achieve your desired texture.
5
Taste the dip and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lemon juice or salt as preferred.
6
Once blended, transfer the houmous to a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
7
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Serve with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or your favorite snacks, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cilantro Chickpea Dip?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired houmous made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, and fresh coriander for a velvety and fresh flavor.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this Creamy Cilantro Chickpea Dip is entirely vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like chickpeas and tahini.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil, are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, fresh coriander, and olive oil.
How do I prepare the chickpeas?
You should drain and rinse the chickpeas under cold water to remove excess salt and preservatives before blending.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for one clove of garlic, peeled and crushed.
How much tahini should I use?
You will need three tablespoons of tahini for this dip.
What amount of lemon juice is required?
The recipe uses the juice of half a lemon.
How much fresh coriander is included?
Two tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander are used to give the dip its signature flavor.
What kind of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil.
What equipment is necessary to make this dip?
A food processor is required to blend the ingredients into a smooth and creamy consistency.
How do I achieve the right texture?
Blend the mixture on high speed, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is fully combined.
What if the dip is too thick?
If the dip is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, after blending, taste the dip and add more lemon juice or salt according to your preference.
How should I store the dip before serving?
Transfer the houmous to a serving bowl and cover it with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
How long should the dip chill?
It is recommended to chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why is chilling the dip important?
Chilling allows the various flavors of garlic, lemon, and coriander to meld together properly.
What are the best serving suggestions?
This dip pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables like celery, pita bread, crackers, or as a sandwich spread.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy snack option that is packed with nutrients from wholesome chickpeas and fresh ingredients.
What is the texture of this dip?
The dip has a velvety, smooth, and creamy texture.
Can I use this as a party appetizer?
Absolutely, it is a great option for gatherings and quick snacks at home.
Is the coriander fresh or dried?
This recipe specifically uses fresh coriander for an aromatic and zesty flavor.
Does this recipe contain tahini?
Yes, three tablespoons of tahini are used to provide the traditional houmous richness.
How many grams of chickpeas are used?
The recipe uses a standard 410g portion of chickpeas.
Is this recipe inspired by any specific cuisine?
It is inspired by Mediterranean and Greek culinary traditions.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
While the recipe calls for lemon, you can adjust the citrus level to your taste using more lemon or salt as needed.
What is the preparation time like?
The preparation is quick and easy, requiring only blending and a short chilling period.
Does it contain added sugar?
No, this recipe contains no added sugar.
What should the garlic be like before blending?
The garlic should be peeled and crushed to ensure it blends evenly into the dip.