Craving a delicious dip for weeknight dinner? Try this easy homemade hummus made with grilled corn and creamy chickpeas, perfect for a quick family favorite – Save for later

Flavorful Street Corn Hummus Recipe

Introduction

This Flavorful Street Corn Hummus Recipe is a vibrant and delicious twist on traditional hummus, incorporating the sweet and smoky flavors of street corn into a creamy, dip-able treat. What makes this recipe stand out is not just its unique flavor profile, but also its ease of preparation and the use of everyday ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. It’s a perfect example of how creativity in the kitchen can lead to impressive results with minimal effort, making it an ideal dish for both beginners and seasoned cooks looking to spice up their appetizer or snack game.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of chickpeas, street corn, garlic, and spices creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both familiar and exciting. The ingredients are easily accessible, making this recipe convenient for anyone to try.
Ease of preparation: The preparation involves simple steps like blending and mixing, which can be accomplished with basic kitchen tools, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the end result is a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing, perfect for serving at gatherings or parties.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include chickpeas, street corn (or regular corn as a substitute), tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. For the street corn flavor, you’ll also need mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients; for example, Greek yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version, and feta cheese can substitute cotija cheese. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and the ability to adjust ingredients based on personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, and if using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. Chop the cilantro, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine the chickpeas, street corn kernels, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend on high speed until you get a smooth and creamy texture, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
Step 3: To give your hummus the street corn flavor, mix in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You can add more lemon juice, salt, or chili powder to taste.
Step 4: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with additional cilantro, chili powder, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetables for a delicious and unique snack or appetizer.

Handy Tips

For a lighter consistency, you can add a little water or lemon juice to the hummus while blending. Be cautious not to add too much, as it can become too thin.
If you’re having trouble getting the desired smoothness, make sure your chickpeas are well-drained and consider peeling them for an even creamier texture.
Experiment with different types of hot peppers or spices to give your hummus an extra kick of heat.

Heat Control

While this recipe doesn’t require cooking, if you’re grilling corn to achieve that smoky street corn flavor, make sure to cook it over medium heat, turning frequently, until it’s lightly charred. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on your grill and the corn’s freshness.

Crunch Factor

To achieve a nice crunch factor, serve your hummus with crispy tortilla chips or toasted pita bread. You can also top the hummus with crunchy elements like toasted pine nuts, chopped fresh vegetables, or even crispy bacon for added texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For an extra creamy hummus, soak the chickpeas in water for a few hours before cooking them. This step can be skipped if using canned chickpeas.
Use a high-quality tahini for the best flavor. Some brands can be quite bitter, so it’s worth investing in a good one.
Keep your hummus fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and giving it a good stir before serving.

Storage Tips

Leftover hummus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a stir before serving, and consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to revive the flavors.
For longer storage, hummus can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir.
When storing, use airtight containers to prevent absorption of other flavors from the fridge.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This hummus makes a wonderful gift, especially when packaged in a decorative jar or container. Consider adding a bag of tortilla chips or pita bread for a complete gift. You can also include a small jar of olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-themed gift basket. Top it off with a ribbon and a handwritten note for a personal touch.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cumin, smoked paprika, or ground coriander to give your hummus a unique twist.
🌟 Creative toppings: Experiment with different toppings like diced tomatoes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or sliced olives to add texture and flavor.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: Substitute chickpeas with edamame or black beans for a different nutritional profile and flavor.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your hummus is too thick, add a little water or lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add more chickpeas or tahini.
Ingredient replacements: Don’t have tahini? Try using peanut butter or almond butter as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Over/undercooking signs: Since this recipe doesn’t involve cooking (unless grilling corn), focus on blending times. Over-blending can make the hummus too thin and airy.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, hummus can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to serve.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and proceed with the instructions. You might need to blend the mixture in batches depending on the size of your blender.

Conclusion

This Flavorful Street Corn Hummus Recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their snack or appetizer game. With its unique blend of flavors, ease of preparation, and flexibility in ingredients, it’s a recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone. Feel free to experiment with different spices, toppings, and ingredient swaps to make it your own. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t hesitate to share your creations and adaptations with friends and family!

Creamy Flavorful Street Corn Hummus Recipe