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Caramelized Onion Hummus Recipe

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3.9 from 90 reviews

This Caramelized Onion Hummus is a rich and flavorful twist on the classic Middle Eastern dip. Sweet, slowly caramelized onions blend seamlessly with creamy tahini, tangy red wine vinegar, and smooth chickpeas to create a luscious spread perfect for snacking or entertaining. The method involves gently caramelizing onions on the stovetop before combining them in a food processor, yielding a silky hummus with a deep, savory-sweet profile.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 medium onions (about 2 cups, sliced)
  • 1 tbsp salted butter

Hummus Base

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1-2 tbsp water (plus additional as needed)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (good quality)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp fine sea salt (plus additional to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 can (19 oz) chickpeas (rinsed and drained; about 1 and 1/2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Melt the butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook uncovered, stirring every 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and turn golden brown and caramelized. This process takes approximately 30 minutes. If the onions begin browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low. Once caramelized, set the onions aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare Hummus Mixture: In a food processor bowl, add the caramelized onions, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish, along with the tahini, red wine vinegar, olive oil, 1 tablespoon of water, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Initial Blend: Blend these ingredients for about one minute until fully combined and creamy.
  4. Add Chickpeas and Process: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the food processor and process for another minute. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  5. Smooth to Desired Consistency: Repeat the blending for 2-3 more cycles until the hummus is smooth and creamy. If the mixture appears too thick, add additional water one tablespoon at a time and pulse until the desired consistency is reached.
  6. Season to Taste: Taste the hummus and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
  7. Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and top with the reserved caramelized onions and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for garnish. Enjoy with pita bread, vegetables, or as a flavorful spread.

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions requires patience but developing the deep sweetness is key to this recipe’s flavor.
  • Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the hummus and garnish.
  • Adjust water quantity carefully to reach your preferred hummus thickness.
  • This hummus keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian