Caramelised Onion Hummus Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 13, 2025

Discover the magic of combining the rich, sweet flavor of caramelised onions with the creamy, nutty goodness of traditional hummus in this delightful recipe. Caramelised onion hummus is an elevated twist on a classic Middle Eastern dip that will captivate your taste buds and impress your guests.

Whether you’re serving it at a casual gathering, adding a flavorful spread to your sandwiches, or simply enjoying a healthy snack, this recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky sweetness and savory depth.

Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious choice for everyone.

With simple pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this luscious dip in no time. Its velvety texture combined with the caramelised onions’ caramel notes creates a mouthwatering experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Ready to elevate your hummus game? Let’s dive into the recipe and explore why this caramelised onion hummus deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This caramelised onion hummus recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the slow-cooked onions bring a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that transforms ordinary hummus into something extraordinary.

Unlike store-bought varieties, this homemade version has a fresh, vibrant taste and smooth texture that is simply irresistible.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Use it as a dip for crunchy veggies, a spread on wraps and sandwiches, or a side for grilled dishes.

Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, making it a satisfying and healthy snack or appetizer. The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients that you likely already have at home.

Lastly, it’s an excellent option for those following vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets. The natural sweetness of caramelised onions means you don’t need to add sugar or artificial flavors, keeping this recipe wholesome and nutritious.

Ingredients

  • 2 large onions (yellow or white, thinly sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed)
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 3-4 tablespoons cold water (to adjust consistency)
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley, extra olive oil, or toasted pine nuts

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Food processor or high-speed blender
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Bowl for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelised. Be patient—this slow cooking develops the natural sweetness.
  2. Blend the hummus base: While the onions are caramelising, add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt to your food processor. Pulse a few times to mix the ingredients.
  3. Add caramelised onions: Once the onions are ready and slightly cooled, add about ¾ of them to the food processor. Reserve the remaining onions for garnish if desired.
  4. Process until smooth: Blend the mixture, gradually adding cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your preferred creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the salt, lemon juice, or spices as needed.
  5. Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil and top with the reserved caramelised onions. Garnish with chopped parsley or toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.
  6. Store leftovers: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen overnight for an even tastier dip.

Tips & Variations

For perfectly caramelised onions, cook them low and slow. Avoid raising the heat to rush the process, or they might burn and taste bitter.

Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the onions for a tangy twist. You can also swap plain chickpeas with roasted chickpeas for a nuttier flavor, or add roasted garlic instead of raw for a milder taste.

If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the ingredients less in the food processor. For a smoother hummus, blend longer and add more water or olive oil.

This recipe is also fantastic with a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley blended in for a fresh herbal note.

For a smoky depth, try incorporating a bit of chipotle chili powder instead of smoked paprika. You can also make this dip ahead of time; it tastes even better after resting in the fridge for several hours.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (approx.)
Calories 150 kcal
Protein 5 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g
Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Sodium 220 mg
Vitamin C 4 mg

Serving Suggestions

Caramelised onion hummus is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Serve it as an appetizer with warm pita bread, crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers, or artisan crackers for a healthy snack.

Use it as a flavorful spread on your favorite sandwiches or wraps to add a sweet-savory dimension. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to roasted vegetables, grilled tofu, or falafel.

For something different, dollop it on baked potatoes or mix it into grain bowls with quinoa or brown rice for a boost of flavor and nutrition. Its rich and creamy texture complements Mediterranean salads or even acts as a sauce for vegan grilled dishes.

Looking for more creative plant-based recipes? Check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or explore Black Bean Rice Burger Recipe Vegan Made Easy and Delicious for more tasty ideas.

Conclusion

Caramelised onion hummus is a delightful upgrade to the classic dip that adds a layer of sweet, smoky flavor and a luxurious creamy texture. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dip that’s not only delicious but also nourishing and suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a snack for yourself, or looking to add more plant-based meals to your menu, this recipe offers a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. The natural sweetness of caramelised onions combined with the earthy richness of chickpeas and tahini makes for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

Don’t forget to explore more easy and delicious vegan recipes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious to keep your culinary adventures exciting and wholesome.

📖 Recipe Card: Caramelised Onion Hummus

Description: A rich and creamy hummus infused with sweet caramelised onions for a flavorful twist. Perfect as a dip or spread for snacks and meals.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelised (about 25-30 minutes).
  3. In a food processor, combine caramelised onions, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Blend until smooth, adding water gradually to reach desired consistency.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve with pita bread or fresh vegetables.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g

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Marta K

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