Jalapeno Hummus

Unapologetically bold and ideally creamy, this jalapeno hummus is the ultimate flavor-packed dip that's smooth, a little spicy, a touch tangy, and totally irresistible. Made with chickpeas, pickled jalapeños, pungent garlic, robust Tex-Mex seasonings, and a touch of rich cream cheese, this spicy hummus with jalapenos is the perfect party dip or everyday snack. Best of all, you need just basic ingredients and 15 minutes to make it!

📝 Ingredients

• 15-ounce can Garbanzo Beans (– don’t drain or rinse)
• 2-3 cloves Garlic ( – peeled)
• 3 TBS Tahini (– well stirred)
• 2 TBS Fresh Lime Juice ((substitute: lemon juice))
• 3/4 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• to taste Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper
• 4 ounces Block-Style Cream Cheese (– cut into cubes & at room temperature)
• 1/2 Cup Sliced Pickled Jalapeños (-drained (jarred, canned, or homemade)(about 2.75 ounces) (SEE NOTES))
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves ( – gently packed)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Soften Chickpeas and Garlic: Dump the can of chickpeas along with the liquid into a microwave-safe bowl. Then add the cloves of garlic. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high power for 5-6 minutes, or until chickpeas are very soft. Drain chickpeas, reserving all the liquid. Set chickpeas aside. (Note: This step is optional, however it is one of the keys to achieving the absolute silkiest hummus texture possible. 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 Jalapeño Dip: Pour 6 TBS of chickpea water into the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender. Add in the garlic cloves, tahini, lime juice, cumin and paprika. Season with ¾-1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Process for 1 minute. Stop and scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl. Continue to process for an additional minute, or until the tahini mixture is smooth in consistency.
3. 3Add Cream Cheese and Jalapeños: Add the softened cream cheese and the jalapeño peppers to the bowl. Cover and process until the mixture is very smooth, about 1 ½ to 2 minutes. Then scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl before proceeding.
4. 4Add Softened Chickpeas and Cilantro: Add the softened chickpeas and cilantro to the bowl. Cover and process the mixture for 3 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Continue to process for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until a super-smooth, ultra-creamy jalapeno dip forms.
5. 5Taste and Adjust Hummus Dip: Taste and Adjust Consistency and Flavor: Taste the jalapeno dip and adjust the flavor and consistency as needed by adding more salt, seasonings, or lime juice for flavor and adding more chickpea water, extra virgin olive oil, or even the jalapeno pickle liquid for a thinner consistency.
6. 6Serve Jalapeño Hummus: Transfer the jalapeno dip with cream cheese to a serving bowl or plate. Drizzle with EVOO (optional) and garnish with more jalapeños and cilantro, if using.Serve with crudité, pita chips, and crackers, on wraps and sandwiches, plus more!