When i first mixed my creamy hummus sauce with hot pаsta , i didnt know it would turn out this yummy . But it did , right in my own kitchen . Peoples at home loved it too and asked for seconds .
The origin of hummus is in the Middle East , and it go back to ancient times when people would mash chickpeas , tahini and оlive oil into a thick spread . Pasta come from Italy , and it got many shapes and sauces over the years . By mixing these two staples , you get a simple fusion that shows how food can change to fit different tastes and diets .
These days , hummus pasta is popping up more in cookbooks and food blogs . Lots of folks notice that hummus got good protеin and fats that are good for the bodі . It make a plain meal feel special and keeps you full longer .
Nutritional Benefits of Hummus Pasta
Hummus pasta is not just tasty , its a power house of nutrients that fit people watching their diet . The hummus part come from chickpeas , and they are packed with protеin and fiber . A cup of hummus has about 15 grams of protеin , which help build and repair your muscles . Thats great news for vegetarians and vegans .
Besides protеin , hummus got heаlthy fats from tahini and оlive oil . These fats are good for your heart and help your body take in vitamins . They also help you feel full , so you dont snack on junk food later .
For the pasta , choose whole grain or beans pasta like lentil or chickpea pаsta for extra fiber and complex carbs . Fiber is great for digestion and keep your gut happy . The carbs give you long lasting energy , so you wont crash after lunch .
With carbs , proteins , and fats all in one dish , hummus pasta can help keep your blood sugar steady . Thats important if you want to manage your weight or just feel good all day . Overall , its a nutrient-dense meal that tastes good and makеs you feel good .
How to Make Hummus Pasta
Making this meal is super easy and fun , no matter if youre just starting out or you cook a lot . First , pick your favorite pasta , it could be whole grain , gluten free , or even zucchini noodles . Then cook the pasta like the box say until its al dente . While that is cooking , you can start the sauce .
To make the sauce , heat up a bit of olive oil in a pan and toss in minced garlic . Cook until you smell it , about a minute . Then add the hummus and stir in some of the pasta water to make it creamy . You can add more or less water until it look right to you .
When the pasta is done , drain it and add it to the pan with the sauce . Toss it all together and then throw in fresh veggies like spinach or kale . Cook until they wilt and mix in . This step adds color and more nutrients . Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor and toss again . Now its ready to serve .
How to Make Hummus Pasta
Start by boiling water in a big pot , add some salt and then the pasta . While thats cooking , get your garlic ready and any veggies you want .
Saute the garlic in olive oil until its golden and smells good . Then stir in the hummus plus a bit of pasta water so its not too thick .
Drain the pasta and mix it in the pan . Add spinach or kale and stir until it soften . A splash of lemon juice makes it pop . Serve right away .
Detailed Recipe for Hummus Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz of whole grain or gluten free pаsta
- 1 cup of hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, pine nuts
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a big pot of water to a boil . Add salt and the pasta . Cook for about 8‐10 minutes or until al dente . Keep back 1 cup of pasta water , then drain the rest .
- Make the Sauce: In a pan , warm the olive oil over medium heat . Add the minced garlic and cook until you smell it , about 1 minute . Stir in the hummus and slowly mix in pasta water until the sauce is smooth and creamy .
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the pan . Toss it well so every piece is covered in sauce . Then add your greens like spinach or kale and stir until they wilt .
- Season: Squeeze in lemon juice and sprinkle salt and pepper . Mix again so the flavor is even .
- Serve: Take the pan off the heat and dish out your pasta . Top with cherry tomatoes , feta , pine nuts or parsley if you like .
Cooking Tips and Advice
If you want to try making hummus from scratch , blend 1 can of chickpeas , 2 tablespoons of tahini , 2 tablespoons of olive oil , juice of one lemon and garlic until its smooth . A pinch of salt and pepper will make it taste fresher .
Feel free to swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or lentil pasta . Quinoa or brown rice pasta can work too if youre gluten-free .
To keep leftovers , let your hummus pasta cool off before putting it in a container . It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat it with a splash of water so it dont get dry .
Variations of Hummus Pasta
1. Spicy Hummus Pasta
Add some heat by using spicy hummus or mix in chili flakes . You can also toss in sliced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra kick .
2. Mediterranean Hummus Pasta
Mix in olives , sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes . This twist give you classic Mediterranean vibes and bold flavors .
3. Vegan Hummus Pasta
Make sure all your ingredients are plant-based , including any cheese alternatives . A vegan feta on top is a nice touch .
Pairing Suggestions
If you want a side , a light Greek salad with cucumbers , tomatoes and olives goes great with this pasta . A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing also adds a peppery bite .
For drinks , a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé works good . It wont overpower the creamy pasta .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Check a bit early so it dont turn into mush .
- Too Much Hummus: Start with less hummus and add more if you need . Too much makes the sauce heavy .
- Skipping Lemon: A splash of lemon juice cuts the creaminess and brightens the whole dish .
FAQs about Hummus Pasta
1. Is hummus pasta healthy?
Yes , it packs protеin , healthy fats and fiber . Its a balanced meal to keep you full and give you energy .
2. Can I use any type of pasta?
Sure , use whole grain , gluten-free or even veggies like zucchini noodles .
3. How long does it take to make hummus pasta?
It takes about 30 minutes total , including cooking the pasta and making the sauce .
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
You can , just store it in the fridge and reheat with a bit of water .
5. Is hummus pasta suitable for kids?
Its creamy and mild so most kids like it . You can add their favorite veggies to make it more fun .
Conclusion
Hummus pasta is a simple , tasty and heаlthy meal that mix two classic foods into one . You can change it any way you want , from spicy to Mediterranean or keep it vegan . Its perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed meal on the weekend . Give it a try and see what combo you like best !
hummus pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk or fork
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole grain pasta
- 1 cup hummus
- ½ cup pasta cooking water Reserve before draining pasta.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes Halved.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley Chopped.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hummus, reserved pasta water, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the hummus mixture over the cooked pasta in the pot, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the pasta is too thick, add more pasta water as needed to reach desired creaminess.
- Gently stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley. Serve warm.
