Loaded Hummus with Roasted Tomatoes and Mushrooms

Homemade hummus is infinitely better than the shop-bought kind. This loaded hummus is topped with ras el hanout roasted tomatoes and mushrooms and it’s so incredibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a satisfying snack, this loaded hummus recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Ingredients
• The Magic of Homemade Hummus
• North African and Mediterranean Flavours
• The Perfect Roast: Tomatoes and Mushrooms
• Making It Ahead

Introduction

Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Loaded Hummus is an elevated version of the classic hummus that combines creamy, homemade hummus with the rich flavours of ras el hanout roasted tomatoes and mushrooms. This recipe is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a delicious and healthy snack. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special, starting with a breakdown of the ingredients.

Key Ingredients

• Baby Plum or Cherry Tomatoes: These small tomatoes roast beautifully, becoming sweet and intense in flavour.
• Oyster Mushrooms or Specialty Mushroom Mix: Adds a rich, earthy taste and meaty texture to the dish.
• Onion: Thinly sliced and roasted to add a sweet, caramelised flavour.
• Garlic: Smashed and roasted to infuse the dish with a deep, aromatic flavour.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Used for roasting the vegetables and blending the hummus, adding a rich, fruity flavour.
• Ras El Hanout: A North African spice blend that gives the roasted vegetables a warm, aromatic flavour.
• Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped and used as a garnish for a fresh, herby finish.
• Warm Flatbreads: Served alongside the hummus for dipping.
• Chickpeas: The base of the hummus, providing a creamy and nutritious foundation.
• Chickpea Water: Reserved from the tin, this helps to achieve the perfect consistency for the hummus.
• Good-Quality Tahini: Adds a rich, nutty flavour and creamy texture to the hummus.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent kick to the hummus.
• Lemon Juice: Provides acidity and brightness to balance the flavours.
• Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and depth to the hummus.

The Magic of Homemade Hummus

Homemade hummus is a world apart from the store-bought versions. By making it yourself, you can control the texture and flavour, resulting in a creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced dip. The key to great hummus lies in the quality of the ingredients, especially the tahini and chickpeas.

To achieve the perfect smooth consistency, blend the hummus ingredients in a high-powered blender or food processor. Taste the hummus and adjust the lemon juice, salt, and garlic to your preference. High-quality tahini is crucial; it should be smooth, pourable, and not bitter. Avoid supermarket own-brand tahini and opt for Middle-Eastern versions like Baracke, Al Nakhil, Al Taj, and Belazu.

North African and Mediterranean Flavours

This recipe is a beautiful fusion of North African and Mediterranean flavours. The use of ras el hanout brings a touch of North African cuisine, while the hummus and roasted vegetables are classic Mediterranean elements. This blend of flavours and techniques showcases how culinary traditions can be combined to create something truly special. The aromatic spices of ras el hanout combined with the creamy hummus and fresh vegetables create a dish that is both rich and familiar, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Ras el hanout is a North African spice blend that typically includes a mix of spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves. This blend adds a warm, aromatic flavour to the roasted vegetables, elevating the entire dish. Its name means “top of the shop” in Arabic, indicating the best spices the seller has to offer. Using ras el hanout in this recipe brings a unique and rich flavour that pairs beautifully with the creamy hummus and roasted vegetables. The complexity of this spice blend transforms simple roasted vegetables into a gourmet topping for your hummus.

The Perfect Roast: Tomatoes and Mushrooms

Roasting tomatoes and mushrooms brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavours. The high heat of the oven caramelises the vegetables, adding depth and complexity to the dish. The addition of ras el hanout during roasting infuses the vegetables with a warm, aromatic spice, making them the perfect topping for the creamy hummus. The combination of caramelised onions, roasted garlic, and tender mushrooms creates a rich and satisfying texture that complements the smooth hummus perfectly.

Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and add a rich, umami flavour to any dish. In this recipe, the mushrooms are roasted until they are tender and slightly crispy, providing a wonderful texture contrast to the smooth hummus. I recommend oyster mushrooms for their delicate flavour and meaty texture, but a mix of specialty mushrooms can also be used for added complexity. Whether you use oyster mushrooms, shiitake, or a mix, the result is a deliciously savoury topping that enhances the overall dish.

Making It Ahead

This dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining. The hummus can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The roasted vegetables can also be prepared ahead and reheated just before serving. This allows you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. Simply assemble the dish when ready to serve, ensuring that everything is fresh and warm.

Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Loaded Hummus is a delicious and impressive dish that brings together the best of North African and Mediterranean cuisines. The creamy, homemade hummus topped with sweet, caramelised vegetables and aromatic spices is sure to be a hit with everyone. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy every bite of this flavourful and satisfying dip.