Tandoori Hummus Recipe
Tandoori Hummus - a delicious Indian twist on the classic, seasoned with garam masala spice and garlic. This healthy homemade hummus is vegan, easy to make, and has the best flavor! Serve with naan or pita and raita!
How to Make the Best Tandoori Hummus
This tandoori hummus brings the warm, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine to your favorite creamy dip. The combination of garam masala, cumin, and garlic transforms classic hummus into something truly special—perfect for anyone who loves bold, spiced flavors.
What sets this recipe apart is the optional tempering oil, known as tadka in Indian cooking. When you pour that sizzling mixture of toasted fennel, mustard, and cumin seeds over the hummus, it creates an incredible aroma and adds layers of complexity that you won’t find in store-bought versions. The curry leaves, if you can find them, add an authentic touch that takes this dip to the next level.
Serve this tandoori hummus with warm naan bread, crispy pita chips, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It also makes an excellent spread for wraps and sandwiches, adding a creamy, spiced element that pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or proteins.
Tandoori Hummus
Tandoori Hummus - a delicious Indian twist on the classic, seasoned with garam masala spice and garlic. This healthy homemade hummus is vegan, easy to make, and has the best flavor! Serve with naan or pita and raita!
Ingredients
Hummus Base
Tempering Oil (Optional)
Instructions
Make the Hummus
- Place the lemon juice, garlic and salt in a food processor and blend until combined. Add tahini paste and water, blend until smooth. With motor running, drizzle in olive oil slowly to incorporate, blending until creamy.
- Add the chickpeas and blend until extra smooth, about 3-5 minutes. The hummus should be slightly runny (pourable) so feel free to add a little more water if needed.
- Add cumin, pepper and garam masala spice (starting conservatively). Blend, taste and adjust salt and garam masala spice to your liking.
- For added creaminess, stir in 2-3 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional).
Make the Tempering Oil and Serve
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add fennel seeds, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and optional curry leaves. Swirl and toast until seeds just begin to pop, then turn heat off.
- Make a circular well in the hummus with the back of a spoon and pour the tempering oil into the well. Scatter with fresh cilantro or pumpkin seeds for color.
- Serve with naan bread, pita bread or veggies. This is also tasty rolled up into wraps!
Notes
- Make sure your tahini paste tastes fresh, not rancid—this makes a big difference in the final flavor.
- Start with 1 teaspoon of garam masala and add more to taste, up to 3 teaspoons for a stronger spice flavor.
- The tempering oil is optional but adds an authentic Indian touch and beautiful presentation.
