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Spicy cilantro hummus is a creamy, zesty, and fiery twist on the classic chickpea dip.
You can definitely make spicy cilantro hummus at home with just a few simple ingredients and a food processor or blender.
Whether you’re a longtime hummus lover or just looking for a fun way to use up that bunch of cilantro sitting in your fridge, this recipe is a winner.
The jalapeño or serrano pepper brings the heat while fresh cilantro adds a bright, herby kick that pairs perfectly with creamy chickpeas and tahini.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make spicy cilantro hummus step by step, plus tips for getting the smoothest texture and adjusting the spice to your liking.
Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cilantro Hummus Recipe
Spicy cilantro hummus checks so many boxes that it’s hard not to love.
1. It’s Quick and Easy to Make
The best part about making spicy cilantro hummus is how fast it comes together.
You literally toss everything into a food processor and blend until smooth.
From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe ten minutes of hands-on work.
That’s it.
No cooking, no baking, no complicated techniques.
If you can push a button, you can make spicy cilantro hummus at home.
2. It’s Packed With Fresh Flavor
Classic hummus is delicious, but adding cilantro and spicy peppers takes it to a whole new level.
The cilantro brings a fresh, citrusy, slightly peppery note that balances beautifully with the nuttiness of tahini.
Meanwhile, the jalapeño or serrano pepper adds a warm, lingering heat that keeps you coming back for more.
Together, they make this spicy cilantro hummus taste like something you’d pay good money for at a fancy Mediterranean restaurant.
3. It’s Versatile and Healthy
Spicy cilantro hummus isn’t just a dip for chips.
You can spread it on sandwiches, wraps, and burgers.
You can thin it out with a little water or olive oil and use it as a salad dressing.
You can even serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or pita bread for a complete meal.
And because it’s made with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and fresh herbs, it’s rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Not bad for something that takes ten minutes to whip up.
Ingredients for Spicy Cilantro Hummus
Before you start blending, gather these ingredients for your spicy cilantro hummus:
1. Chickpeas
One 15-ounce can of chickpeas works perfectly for this recipe.
If you want the smoothest possible spicy cilantro hummus, peel the skins off the chickpeas before blending.
It’s a bit tedious, but the texture difference is honestly night and day.
You can also use dried chickpeas that you’ve soaked and cooked yourself if you prefer.
2. Fresh Cilantro
You’ll need about one packed cup of fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems.
Don’t use dried cilantro here.
It just won’t give you that same bright, fresh flavor that makes spicy cilantro hummus so good.
3. Tahini
A quarter cup of good-quality tahini is essential for creamy spicy cilantro hummus.
Look for tahini that’s smooth and pourable, not thick and chalky.
If your tahini is too thick, give it a good stir before measuring.
4. Spicy Peppers
One jalapeño or serrano pepper, roughly chopped, gives this spicy cilantro hummus a nice kick.
Leave the seeds in for more heat or remove them for a milder version.
You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you want extra spice.
5. Garlic, Lemon Juice, and Olive Oil
Two cloves of garlic, three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil round out the base.
Add a teaspoon of ground cumin, plus salt to taste.
How to Make Spicy Cilantro Hummus Step by Step
Here’s how to make spicy cilantro hummus that tastes incredible every single time.
1. Blend the Cilantro and Pepper First
Start by adding the cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic to your food processor.
Pulse until they’re finely chopped.
This ensures you don’t end up with big chunks of cilantro or pepper in your final dip.
2. Add the Chickpeas and Tahini
Next, add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, and salt.
Blend for a full minute, then scrape down the sides.
3. Stream in the Olive Oil
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
This helps the spicy cilantro hummus emulsify into a silky, smooth texture.
4. Adjust the Consistency
If your spicy cilantro hummus is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Taste and Adjust
Give it a taste.
Need more heat?
Add another pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
Want it brighter?
Squeeze in more lemon juice.
So, How Do You Make Spicy Cilantro Hummus?
Spicy cilantro hummus is made by blending fresh cilantro, spicy peppers, garlic, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth and creamy.
It’s a simple recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you serve it as a dip, spread, or dressing, this spicy cilantro hummus is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Give it a try and enjoy every spicy, herby bite.