Hummus-Inspired Southwest Dip

I brought together the Southwest flavors and textures that I love with the basics of the well-known Middle Eastern dip. Garbanzo beans are a great source of plant-based protein in this healthful vegan dip. Pair it with pita or tortilla chips or a medley of seasonal veggies.

By / Photography By | May 30, 2018

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 4 – 6 Serving(s)
  • 2 medium Anaheim chili peppers
  • 2 cans (15.5-ounce) garbanzo beans*
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 6 cloves fresh garlic
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1¼ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

To prepare peppers, hold them over open flame on your stove, and rotate with metal tongs until outside is charred all around. Place charred peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow peppers to cool. When cool, peel away skin. You might need to gently rub skin in a dish of warm water. Dice peppers into ¼-inch pieces and set aside.

Combine all ingredients, except chili peppers, in a food processer and pulse until a smooth paste is formed. Fold in chili peppers. Chill until ready to serve.

Garnish with additional sprigs of fresh cilantro and dusting of cayenne pepper, if desired.

*Drain liquid from 1 can of beans; keep liquid from second can. (Alternatively, use 3 cups cooked dried garbanzo beans and reserve 2/3 cup cooking liquid.)

Related Stories & Recipes

Food for a Song

During summer, communities in Ventura County throw open their doors and invite everyone to come to their party. These outdoor community concerts offer a wide range of music styles, feel-good vibes and...

Rosemary Roasted Walnuts

These spiced walnuts are based on a recipe I tasted many years ago; however, I gave it my own twist with the mustard powder. This “secret ingredient” leaves people trying to identify the familiar yet ...

Caramelized Onion Dip

With the corn syrup and flavor enhancers of a prepared onion soup mix absent, this updated version of the classic onion dip lets the sweetness of the onions shine against the creamy tang of crème fraî...

Home-Fried Potato Chips

Homemade potato chips are more work than buying a bag at the store, but we think the flavor is worth the extra effort.

Pink Lemonade Bars

This recipe was a concept suggested by my angel mother Barb Sanchez, who says the lemon-raspberry combo perfectly fits the summer theme and offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart. She’s right, o...

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 4 – 6 Serving(s)
  • 2 medium Anaheim chili peppers
  • 2 cans (15.5-ounce) garbanzo beans*
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 6 cloves fresh garlic
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1¼ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper