Basil Hummus: Creamy Appetizer with Fresh Basil

Ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with this delightful basil appetizer! Packed with basil leaves and topped with torn burrata and juicy balsamic tomatoes, this creamy-dreamy fresh basil hummus recipe is the perfect dip for pita chips, vegetables, crackers, and more. Easy to make and bursting with summer flavors, its a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

📝 Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) Can Cooked Chickpeas ((or 1 heaping cup dried chickpeas)(SEE NOTES))
• 2 Cloves Garlic (- peeled)
• 3 TBS Tahini
• 2 TBS Fresh Lemon Juice ((from 1 small lemon))
• 1/2 heaping tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/8 to 1/4 tsp Chili Powder (- to taste)
• 1 Cup Fresh Basil Leaves (- packed (about 17 grams or .6 ounces))
• To Taste Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• To Taste Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Optional Toppings: Marinated Tomato Salad (Burrata Cheese, Fresh Basil, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes)
• Serving Suggestion: Pita Chips (Crostini, Fresh Veggies)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Cook Garbanzo Beans and Garlic: Empty the can of garbanzo beans along with their liquid into a microwave-safe bowl. Add the cloves of garlic and cover the bowl with a lid, leaving the lid slightly cracked open on the side to form a vent. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high power for 4-6 minutes, or until the beans are very soft. Drain beans and garlic clove, reserving all the liquid. Set everything aside. (Tip: This step is optional; however, it is one of the keys to creating a super smooth dip.) (Note: Cook time will depend upon the strength of your microwave. You can also do this on the stove-top in a small saucepan if you prefer.)
2. 2Start Basil Hummus: Pour 7 tablespoons of aquafaba (reserved chickpea water) into the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the softened garlic cloves, tahini, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and chili powder. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and scant ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Process for 1 minute. Stop and use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl. Then continue to process for an additional minute, or until the mixture is smooth in consistency. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl again before proceeding.
3. 3Add the Softened Chickpeas: Add the softened chickpeas to the food processor and process again until the hummus is very smooth, about 3 minutes. Then, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
4. 4Add Fresh Basil Leaves: Add the fresh basil leaves to the food processor and pulse until roughly chopped.
5. 5Stream in Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Stream in Oil and Adjust for Taste and Consistency: With the food processor running, slowly stream in the tablespoon of olive oil. Once combined, stop the motor. Use a spoon to taste the basil hummus and adjust for taste and consistency by adding more seasonings for flavor, and more aquafaba or ice-cold water (one tablespoon at a time) for a thinner dip.
6. 6Garnish and Serve: Transfer the basil hummus to a large serving bowl and top with marinated tomato salad, torn burrata cheese, fresh basil leaves, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Serve with crostini, pita chips, roasted garlic toasts, or your favorite dippers and enjoy!