Chocolate hummus—sounds crazy, right? But trust me, this creamy delight is like a cozy hug for your taste buds, blending the richness of chocolate with the velvety smoothness of chickpeas. Remember that time when you tried putting peanut butter on celery and it just worked? This is that, but on a whole new level—perfect for dipping strawberries or just eating by the spoonful when no one’s watching.
Steps
- Gather your ingredients: garbanzo beans (or black beans), maple syrup, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, water, and a pinch of salt. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them first.
- Place the beans, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and cocoa powder into a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend the mixture until it’s smooth, which should take about 30 to 60 seconds. Slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste the hummus and adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup if desired. Blend again briefly to mix.
- Transfer the chocolate hummus to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy it straight away or allow it to chill for a firmer consistency before serving.
Ingredients
- Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) – canned or cooked from dry, approximately 1 can or equivalent.
- Maple Syrup – 3 ½ tablespoons, with additional to taste.
- Vanilla Extract – about 1 teaspoon.
- Cocoa Powder – unsweetened, around ¼ cup.
- Water – added 1 tablespoon at a time to achieve desired consistency.
- Salt – a small pinch, adjust if using canned beans with salt already added.
FAQ
- Can you purchase chocolate hummus from stores?
- Yes, chocolate hummus is available from a variety of brands, including Sabra, Trader Joe’s, HEB, Boar’s Head, and ALDI, among others.
- Is Sabra chocolate hummus considered healthy?
- Sabra chocolate hummus contains soybean oil and preservatives. If you prefer to avoid these ingredients, you can make homemade chocolate hummus in under five minutes using a simple recipe without preservatives.
- How should chocolate hummus be stored?
- Chocolate hummus should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving, noting that the texture may change slightly when frozen.
- What are some ways to enjoy chocolate hummus?
- Chocolate hummus can be used as a dip for fresh fruit, spread on toast, mixed into overnight oats, or even as a frosting for cakes and brownies. It pairs well with items like pita chips, graham crackers, and pretzels.
- What variations can be made to the chocolate hummus recipe?
- You can customize the chocolate hummus by adding ingredients like chocolate chips for a richer flavor, peppermint or almond extract for a twist, cinnamon and cayenne for a spicy kick, or even Nutella or peanut butter for a nutty taste.
Tips
- For a creamier chocolate hummus, consider removing the skins from the garbanzo beans. Simply pinch the beans between your thumb and index finger to peel off the skin before blending.
- If using canned beans that contain added salt, reduce the additional salt in the recipe to just a pinch to avoid an overly salty flavor.
- Experiment with different flavor variations by incorporating ingredients like peppermint extract for a minty twist, or almond extract and shredded coconut for an almond joy version.
- For an enhanced brownie flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the hummus after blending, or try drizzling caramel and a sprinkle of salt on top for a decadent salted caramel brownie hummus.
Equipment
- High-Speed Blender or Food Processor: Essential for blending the ingredients into a smooth hummus.
- Airtight Storage Container: Useful for storing the hummus in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
