A Silky, Flavorful Spread Made in the 72-oz Pitcher or Nutri Ninja Cup
This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is a Mediterranean-inspired snack that blends up in minutes using the Ninja BL642 countertop and personal blender combo. Its 1500-watt motor and Auto-iQ Blend function easily whip chickpeas, tahini, and roasted peppers into a smooth, airy dip that rivals anything you’ll find in a store, minus the preservatives.
If you’re researching which blender handles thick dips and creamy spreads best, check out our in-depth reviews of high-performance blenders for home and pros with detailed performance testing.
Table of Contents
Ingredients (Yields 2 Cups)
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 large roasted red pepper (or ½ cup jarred, drained)
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons water (as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Ingredients
If using canned chickpeas, rinse well to remove excess sodium. Pat the roasted red pepper dry. Mince the garlic and juice the lemon.
2. Load the Blender
In the 72-oz pitcher or Nutri Ninja® cup, add the chickpeas, roasted pepper, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Add 1–2 tablespoons of water to start.
3. Blend
Use the “Puree” or “Dip” Auto-iQ setting if available, or pulse to begin, then blend on medium until smooth. Scrape down sides if needed. Add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time to reach the desired creaminess.
4. Serve
Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika or chopped parsley. Serve with pita chips, veggies, or use as a sandwich spread.
If you love savory starters, try this refreshing gazpacho recipe made in the Ninja Mega Kitchen System, a chilled soup that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Substitutions and Variations
| Ingredient | Swap Options |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas | White beans or cooked lentils |
| Tahini | Peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or Greek yogurt |
| Roasted Red Pepper | Sun-dried tomatoes, cooked beets, or jalapeños for spice |
| Lemon Juice | Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp) or lime juice |
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before use.
- Meal Prep Tip: Use small jars or silicone molds to freeze single-serve hummus cups.
Looking for more ideas? Browse our all-in-one blender recipe collection covering dips, sauces, soups, and nutrient-packed smoothies.
Nutritional Info (Per ¼ Cup)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Vitamin A & C: High (from red pepper)
Why the Ninja BL642 Is Perfect for This Recipe
Most blenders struggle with thick dips, but the Ninja BL642’s Total Crushing blades and Auto-iQ programs make hummus silky-smooth every time. Whether you’re making a party-sized batch in the 72-oz pitcher or a smaller serving in the Nutri Ninja cup, the results are consistently creamy and emulsified.
For detailed specs, see our hands-on review of the Ninja BL642 countertop and personal blender combo, where we test its versatility across dips, smoothies, and frozen blends.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but cook them thoroughly until very soft. You’ll need about 1½ cups cooked.
Is tahini necessary?
It adds authentic flavor and creaminess, but you can skip or swap it.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add a dash of cayenne or blend in roasted jalapeños.
Will this work in the personal cup?
Yes, but don’t overfill; it’s best for small batches. Pulse and shake between blends for best results.
Is it vegan and gluten-free?
Yes to both, assuming your tahini and spices are clean-label.
Keep Your Blender in Peak Shape
After making thick dips like hummus, it’s important to deep-clean your blender to avoid buildup. Follow our blender maintenance tips for tackling thick dips like hummus without residue to keep your BL642 running smoothly for years.
