Traditional hummus gets a flavor boost from fragrant basil pesto to create this delicious twist on the popular dip.
When my friend Brandy asked if I wanted to join her to celebrate my friend Rachel’s 30th Birthday it took me all of 3 seconds to say YES! With a theme as perfect as “Drinks & Little Bites” I would be hard-pressed to say no. :)
Even though I know Rachel loves popcorn, I also know that she loves Lebanese food. You see, she lives outside of Detroit in the Lebanese food mecca of the country. To say that I’m jealous would be a complete understatement. Of course, I knew that I had to make hummus because not only is it one of her favorite snacks but we also shared a funny hummus experience that I’ll never forget. Grab the popcorn, it’s time for a quick story…
Last fall, Rachel and I were working our butts off preparing to host the first ever Taste of Michigan blogging conference. Before the luncheon, I was scheduled to demonstrate my Great Aunt Vieve’s Classic Hummus with Toasted Pine Nuts recipe using a beautiful KitchenAid food processor.
Guess what I forgot to bring to a live hummus cooking demonstration? Chickpeas. Guess what the restaurant didn’t have in their pantry for me to borrow? Chickpeas. Awesome. Guess who doesn’t love spur-of-the-moment surprises during an event she has spent 43,418,308 hours planning? My girl Rachel. ;)
Fortunately, she kept me as a friend anyway and the rest is history. Happy 30th Rachel!!! xoxo
Your pita bread is waiting.
Basil Pesto Hummus
Ingredients
- 15 oz can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- ¼ cup prepared pesto
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional garnish)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and spread pine nuts in even layer on a baking pan. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until browned; let cool.
- In a food processor or high speed blender, pulse together chickpeas, pesto, olive oil, lemon juice and salt.
- Puree mixture until smooth and creamy then spread on a platter and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and minced basil.
I made a bunch of pesto to freeze last week, and pulled some out to make this fabulous hummus!! Loved it!
Oh good!! Perfect time of year to do that!!
What an awesome recipe to bring to a birthday party! Love the idea of combining basil pesto with hummus!
I don’t know why I never thought to combine them before!!
Hummus with pesto mixed in pretty much sounds like the best thing EVER. I’m making this ASAP!
Liz,
Hummus without tahini?! Now I know what to do when I’m all set to make hummus but realize at the last minute that I’m all out of, not chick peas, but tahini.
Thanks!
And Happy Birthday, Rachel!
Exactly! This is perfect for that!
Love the flavors in this hummus! Delicious!
Thanks Julia – it felt weird to stray from the classic but this worked!
Nice recipe, Liz. Happy 30th to Rachel. Enjoy – it goes fast!
Thanks Liz!
That looks like a cool twist to hummus! I usually don’t like other manipulated versions of hummus. Specially when there’s no hummus (chick peas) in it!!
I think it will be cool too to use cilantro instead of basil and lime instead of lemon. And hey! I have to add cumin. Usually chick peas or any peas cause some gases we believe that you get rid of it by cumin.
Thank you very much for the recipe :)
I don’t normally like manipulated hummus versions either but this was a natural fit. Love your suggestions too!
I love hummus, I can’t wait to try this out!!
Thanks sista!! Hope you’re having a great trip!
Yay for fancy hummus! <3 And Hapy B-day, Rach! xo
I love that you’ve had my hummus!!! xo
First of all, I hate that photo of me, lol. But moving on from my fat pregger face, thank you SO much for being a part of this party! Wish we could all celebrate in person. This hummus looks amazing. xo
PS: I wasn’t even mad about the Taste of MI hummus craziness. It was hysterical…after all that planning. Too funny.
I hope you enjoyed the birthday surprise!! Wish it was a real party!! xo
Pass me some pita, I’m ready to dig in! I really love the the pesto addition….such a tasty change up my classic hummus!
Passing you pita right now!!
I will gladly drink the party cocktails for you since you can’t right now. ha ha I am a good friend like that. I adore hummus and can’t wait to make this. I am going to go hide my basil plants from my kids right now… ha ha
Thank you for taking one for team and having a drink for me!! xo
I so wished to attend the Taste of Michigan with you and Rachel, what a fun event. I had to laugh about the chickpeas, that sounds like something that would happen to me!
I love pesto and I’m pretty sure I could devour this whole dish of hummus!
Oh man I couldn’t believe I forgot the chickpeas! I’m such a dope. :)
You are such a nice friend, Liz! This basil pesto hummus looks and sounds incredible! I am always supper excited when the words basil pesto are included in a dish. YUM!
Thank you Tieghan!!! We are in pesto heaven right now so it just made sense!! :)
Of course you had to make hummus! Looks delicious! Happy Birthday to Rachel!
You know I can’t resist another hummus recipe!! TGIF!