Halftime Hummus Platter Veggies (Printable)
A vibrant, easy-to-assemble platter of creamy hummus and crisp, colorful vegetables, perfect for any gathering or game day snack.
# What You Need:
→ Hummus Base
01 - 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and thoroughly rinsed
02 - 1/4 cup tahini
03 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water
→ Fresh Vegetables
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
11 - 1 cup baby carrots
12 - 1 cup assorted bell pepper strips (red, yellow, or orange)
13 - 1 cup sugar snap peas
14 - 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
→ Garnishes
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
16 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
17 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - In the bowl of a food processor, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, tahini, 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, and salt. Process the mixture until it forms a smooth paste, stopping periodically to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Gradually incorporate 2 to 3 tablespoons of cold water, adding one tablespoon at a time, until the hummus reaches your desired creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
02 - Transfer the freshly prepared hummus to a large serving plate or a shallow bowl. Using the back of a spoon, create an aesthetically pleasing swirl pattern on the surface of the hummus.
03 - Lightly drizzle a small amount of additional extra-virgin olive oil over the hummus. Sprinkle evenly with the smoked paprika and the finely chopped fresh parsley. If desired, scatter the toasted pine nuts over the top for an added textural element.
04 - Artfully arrange the prepared fresh vegetables, such as halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, baby carrots, bell pepper strips, sugar snap peas, and sliced radishes, around the perimeter of the hummus. Create distinct sections for a vibrant and colorful presentation.
05 - Present the Halftime Hummus Platter immediately as a refreshing and healthful appetizer or snack, perfect for sharing.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It's your secret weapon for looking effortlessly put-together, even when you've got zero time.
- This platter is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that sneakily provides healthy goodness without anyone feeling deprived.
02 -
- The secret to truly silky hummus is adding that cold water slowly; too much too fast and you risk a gritty texture.
- Always use fresh lemon juice; the bright acidity is what elevates the whole flavor profile beyond compare.
03 -
- For an ultra-smooth hummus, peel the chickpeas before blending; it's a bit of extra effort but yields an incredibly luxurious texture.
- Blend a tiny ice cube or two into your hummus at the very end; it miraculously makes it even lighter and fluffier.