If you love a spicy dip you have to try this easy Harissa Hummus recipe. Chickpeas are blitzed to creamy perfection with harissa sauce, garlic, lemon juice, tahini and olive oil to make the best homemade harissa hummus you will ever taste. Coming together in just minutes, this easy appetizer is also gluten free, dairy free and vegan.

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What I love most about this traditional hummus is that it's based on the flavors of middle eastern cuisine. The addition of harissa to the hummus, creates just the right amount of chili pepper heat, without being excessively spicy.
A proper homemade harissa hummus will taste better than any store bought hummus. And you know exactly what's going into it to.
Not only does this creamy hummus taste amazing, but it's good for you to. I am always amazed how much raw vegetables my kids will get through if I serve a bowl of hummus alongside them.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Spicy Go-To Hummus Recipe
- Harissa Hummus Ingredients
- How to Make This Harissa Dip- Step-By-Step
- The secret to Smooth Hummus
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Variations & Substitutions for Spicy Hummus
- Tips & Tricks For Making Traditional Hummus
- Pin This Harissa Hummus Recipe For Later
- What Do You Think?!
- More Easy Appetizer Recipe Ideas
- Printable Recipe
- Harissa Hummus
- Reader Comments & Ratings
Why You'll Love This Spicy Go-To Hummus Recipe
- Prep time is minimal, used canned chickpeas and you have this spicy hummus whipped together in just 10 minutes.
- Hummus is good for you and makes a great healthy snack or light lunch for the kids, just add some raw veggie sticks, like carrot and cucumber.
- Make a batch of hummus for easy lunches on the go. Simply add to your sandwiches and salads.
- Hummus stores really well in the refrigerator, making this a great make ahead dish.
- Harissa hummus is suitable for vegan, dairy free and gluten free diets.
- Looking for some other veggie appetizers? Try these recipes:
Harissa Hummus Ingredients
Find the full list and quantities in the recipe card below.
Chickpeas - for ease I have used canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), however, you can also use dried chickpeas. Just soak them overnight in cold water then boil them the next day for 45-60 minutes until they have softened. Then allow to cool a little before using in this hummus.
Tahini - there are two types of tahini, light and dark. I have used light here, but you can use dark if you prefer, it comes down to personal preference. Light tahini is made with hulled sesame seeds and has a milder flavor and a creamier texture. Whereas dark tahini is made with unhulled seeds, has a richer flavor and contains more fiber.
Harissa - I have used harissa sauce (paste), but you can also use powdered harissa seasoning. See my notes below for harissa sauce vs seasoning.
Olive Oil - I like to use extra virgin olive oil as it has a lovely nutty flavor which works perfectly in this harissa recipe.
How to Make This Harissa Dip- Step-By-Step
Find the full printable recipe below.
Blend drained chickpeas, peeled garlic, lemon juice, harissa sauce, tahini and salt into a food processor until it starts to come together - around 30 seconds.
Add olive oil and blend again then add water and continue blending until the hummus becomes really smooth and creamy - at least another minute.
Taste to check for seasoning, flavour balance and consistency. Add more salt, lemon juice and/or harissa if needed. Add more water for a thinner hummus.
Blend for longer if needed and if not, serve!
The secret to Smooth Hummus
The most important thing to do is to make sure you blend the hummus for long enough. It's that simple. Keep blending and scraping the bowl down for at least 3 minutes as it really does take time to come together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harissa?
Harissa is a hot chili paste that originates from North Africa. Chili peppers are combined with olive oil, herbs and some mild spices to make a paste that is spicy, but not searingly hot. It is common ingredients used in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine and can be added to a whole variety of dishes.
Can I use Harissa Seasoning instead of Harissa Sauce
Yes, absolutely. Harissa seasoning is a dried version of harissa sauce, containing the same ingredients. Harissa sauce (or paste) is more traditionally used in North Africa. You can use either in this recipe, I recommend using what you can get your hands on easily in your local store. Some harissa sauces can be really expensive to buy online.
If using harissa seasoning, just add some water, olive oil, or a combination of both, to make it into a thick paste first, before adding to the hummus.
What is a good substitute for harissa paste?
You can substitute harissa paste with hot sauce since it will provide the required heat. Whatever you have in the kitchen will work - Tabasco, Cholula, Sriracha, Sambal Oleck, or even Korean Gochujang. Just make sure you adjust the amount you use according to your heat tolerance. I like to add hot sauce slowly since you can always add more - but you can't remove it once it's mixed in!
Variations & Substitutions for Spicy Hummus
- Top the hummus with a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Sprinkle over some smoked paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Scatter over some toasted seeds and nuts before serving. Pine nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, would be perfect.
- Chili heat not your thing? No problem just leave out the harissa sauce, you will still have a great tasting traditional hummus.
- Blitz up some roasted red peppers, with the skin removed, then blitz again into the hummus to make a spicy red pepper hummus.
Tips & Tricks For Making Traditional Hummus
It's really important to taste the hummus before serving, so you have the chance to adjust the flavors. If you like it a little more on the sour side, add more lemon juice. If you prefer it really spicy, stir through some extra harissa sauce.
I don't usually stipulate the amount of salt in recipes as it comes down to personal taste. But, I have here since proper seasoning is so important for hummus. But if you like yours less salty feel free to use less, or add it slowly and stop and taste before adding more.
How To Serve Creamy Hummus
Hummus makes a great addition to any sharing platter or mezze board, just add a slide of warm pita and some of your favorite fresh vegetables. I like my hummus with green olives and raw carrot and cucumber sticks which are perfect for dipping.
It also works great in a sandwich or spread on top of some warm toast. Or how about my Baked Potato Toasts with Hummus for a great appetizer or light lunch.
How to store Homemade Hummus?
Once made, store this hummus in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 4-5 days. Just give it a good stir to combine again before serving.
You can also freeze hummus. I often make a double batch, enjoying some now and saving some for a quick and easy lunch another day. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.
Pin This Harissa Hummus Recipe For Later
What Do You Think?!
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More Easy Appetizer Recipe Ideas
Printable Recipe
Harissa Hummus
Ingredients
- 31 oz Canned Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans - 1 can = 15.5oz, drained
- 1 clove Garlic - peeled
- 3 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Harissa Sauce - adjust to taste
- ¼ cup Tahini
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- ¼ cup Water
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
Optional to Serve
- Paprika
- Olive Oil
Instructions
- Add the drained chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, harissa, tahini and salt into a food processor.
- Blend until hummus is starting to come together (around 30 seconds.)
- Add the olive oil and blend again.
- Add the water and keep blending until the hummus becomes really smooth and creamy, at least another minute.
- Taste to check for seasoning, flavour balance and consistency. Add more salt, lemon juice and/or harissa if needed. Add more water for a thinner hummus.
- Blend for longer if needed - if not, serve!
Jayne says
Great spin on hummus.
Jo Keohane says
Thanks for commenting, we love this spicy kick.