Easy & Healthy Cilantro Jalapeño Edamame Hummus Recipe: A Zesty Plant-Based Dip

Dive into a world of vibrant flavors with our irresistible Edamame Hummus! This isn’t your traditional chickpea-based dip; it’s a fresh, exciting spin that replaces chickpeas with nutrient-rich edamame and infuses it with the bold flavors of zesty jalapeño and aromatic cilantro. The result is a creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious spread that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Perfect for quick snacks, impressive appetizers, or even as a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps, this plant-based dip offers a refreshing alternative to classic hummus while being incredibly easy to make.

This recipe was first shared in January 2018 and has since been lovingly updated with new photos, enhanced text, valuable reader tips, and minor recipe adjustments to ensure the best possible experience. We understand the love for classic hummus, but we’re here to inspire you to explore new and exciting flavor combinations that can elevate your snacking game.

In our household, hummus is practically a food group! We make it so often that getting creative with ingredients has become a weekend ritual. While we adore the simplicity of traditional hummus, experimenting with different bases and flavor profiles keeps things exciting. Here are a few of our other favorite hummus recipes we whip up regularly:

• Roasted Beet Hummus with White Beans
• Black Bean Hummus Bowls
• Arugula Hummus

And, of course, this incredibly popular cilantro jalapeño edamame hummus, which brings a unique zest and a touch of heat that’s simply irresistible!

Why Choose Edamame for Your Hummus?

While chickpeas are the traditional base for hummus, edamame offers a fantastic alternative with its own set of benefits and a distinct flavor profile. Edamame, young soybeans, are packed with plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K, folate, and iron. They provide a slightly sweeter, nuttier flavor compared to chickpeas, resulting in a uniquely fresh and vibrant green hummus. This chickpea-free option is not only delicious but also perfect for those looking for a different texture or simply wanting to experiment beyond the traditional. It’s a wonderful way to add more variety and nutrients to your diet!

Key Ingredients for This Zesty Edamame Hummus

Crafting this flavorful edamame hummus requires a blend of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving its signature taste and creamy texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:

• Edamame: The star of the show! We use frozen shelled edamame for convenience. Simply defrosting them in hot water for a few minutes is all the prep they need. Edamame provides a wonderful creamy base that is naturally sweet and nutty, offering a delightful alternative to chickpeas.
• Jalapeño: For that perfect touch of heat and a vibrant kick! The recipe calls for a quarter of a jalapeño, seeded and chopped, to provide a moderate spice level. If you’re a heat-seeker, feel free to increase the amount. For a milder version, use less or completely omit it. Remember to remove the seeds and white membrane for less heat, as that’s where most of the capsaicin resides.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is crucial for this hummus, lending a bright, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy flavor that beautifully complements the jalapeño. Its fresh aroma transforms the dip into something truly special and invigorating.
• Tahini: An indispensable ingredient in any hummus recipe. Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, contributes to the characteristic creamy texture and a subtle, earthy, nutty depth of flavor. While its taste can be strong on its own, when blended correctly, it provides that essential authentic hummus richness.
• Garlic: Two cloves of fresh garlic are used here to add a pungent, savory layer. The amount can be adjusted based on your preference for a stronger or milder garlic flavor. Fresh garlic is always recommended for the best taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Mixed into the hummus for smoothness and drizzled generously over top just before serving for added richness and a beautiful sheen. A good quality olive oil significantly enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Water: This liquid gold helps achieve the light, airy, and creamy consistency we all love in hummus. Start with 4 tablespoons and gradually add more, one tablespoon at a time, until your desired texture is reached. It’s better to add slowly than to make it too thin!
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire dip, adding a tangy zest that perfectly balances the cilantro and cuts through the heat of the jalapeño, especially if you opt for a spicier version. It also enhances the overall freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Start with the recommended amounts and then taste and adjust to your personal preference. A good pinch of salt can bring all the flavors together.

Simple Steps to Making Creamy Edamame Hummus

Creating this delicious edamame hummus is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the magic of your food processor. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly smooth and flavorful dip:

1. Prepare the Edamame: Begin by cooking your frozen shelled edamame. Most packages recommend simmering them in hot water for 3-4 minutes on the stovetop until tender-crisp. Alternatively, you can steam them.
2. Cool Down: Once cooked, drain the edamame thoroughly. It’s important to let it cool slightly before adding it to your food processor. This prevents the heat from cooking the other fresh ingredients and ensures a better texture.
3. Blend All Ingredients: Add the slightly cooled edamame along with all the remaining ingredients—cilantro, lemon juice, tahini, jalapeño, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper—to your food processor bowl. Hold back on adding the water at this stage.
4. Process to Perfection: Secure the lid and start processing the ingredients on high speed. Allow them to blend together until a thick paste forms.
5. Achieve Creaminess: With the food processor still running, begin adding the water one tablespoon at a time through the feed tube. Continue processing and adding water until you reach your desired consistency. You might need to stop the food processor a few times to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly blended and smooth.
6. Serve or Chill: Once your hummus is perfectly creamy, scoop it into a serving bowl. You can serve it immediately, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, extra chopped cilantro, and jalapeño. For an even richer, more integrated flavor, chill the hummus in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Versatile Serving Ideas for Your Edamame Hummus

This cilantro jalapeño edamame hummus is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Its fresh, spicy, and creamy profile makes it a fantastic addition to almost any meal or snack:

• Classic Dip: Serve it with an assortment of fresh-cut vegetables like celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks. It’s also fantastic with pita bread, naan, tortilla chips, pretzels, or your favorite crackers.
• Sandwich & Wrap Spread: Ditch the mayonnaise! This hummus makes a flavorful and healthy spread for sandwiches and wraps, adding moisture, protein, and a vibrant kick. Try it with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or tofu.
• Salad Dressing Alternative: Thin it out slightly with a little extra water or lemon juice, and use it as a creamy, zesty salad dressing for a plant-based boost.
• Grain Bowls: Dollop a generous spoonful into your favorite grain bowl alongside quinoa, brown rice, roasted veggies, and a protein source for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Appetizer Platter: Incorporate it into a larger mezze or charcuterie board alongside olives, cheeses, nuts, and other dips for an impressive spread.
• Topping for Mains: A dollop of edamame hummus can elevate grilled fish, chicken, or plant-based protein, adding a fresh and creamy element.
• Garnish with Flair: For an extra touch, drizzle with a little more olive oil, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, a few thinly sliced jalapeño rings, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for visual appeal and an extra flavor burst.

Health Benefits of This Flavorful Dip

Beyond its delicious taste, this edamame hummus is a powerhouse of nutrition, making it a guilt-free indulgence:

• Rich in Plant-Based Protein: Edamame is an excellent source of complete protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, making this dip perfect for vegans and vegetarians.
• High in Fiber: Both edamame and tahini contribute significant dietary fiber, aiding digestion, promoting satiety, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Healthy Fats: Extra virgin olive oil and tahini provide beneficial monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are important for heart health and nutrient absorption.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Edamame is rich in Vitamin K, folate, iron, and magnesium. Cilantro and lemon juice add a boost of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and jalapeño are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
• Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free: This recipe is suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences, making it an inclusive option for gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edamame Hummus

Recipe Tips and Handy Substitutions for Edamame Hummus

Here are some helpful tips and clever substitutions to ensure your edamame hummus turns out perfectly every time, tailored to your taste and dietary needs:

• Cilantro Alternatives: Not a fan of cilantro? You’re not alone! Many people have a genetic predisposition that makes cilantro taste like soap. If that’s you, don’t worry! Fresh parsley is a fantastic alternative that will still provide a fresh, herbaceous note. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious. You could also try a blend of parsley and mint for a different kind of freshness.
• Tahini Substitutes: Tahini provides a unique nutty depth, but if you don’t have it or prefer a different flavor, sunflower seed butter or even a very light, creamy almond butter can work as a substitute. They offer a similar creamy texture but will impart a distinct flavor. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.
• Adjusting Consistency: The beauty of homemade hummus is controlling the texture. For an extra light and fluffy hummus, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired creaminess. For a thicker, denser hummus (great for spreading!), use less water initially and only add more if necessary.
• Blender vs. Food Processor: While a food processor is ideal for achieving a perfectly smooth hummus, a high-speed blender can also be used. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides more frequently, and possibly add a tiny bit more liquid (water or lemon juice) to help the blades create that creamy consistency.
• Spice Level Control: The amount of jalapeño in the recipe provides a moderate, zesty kick. To increase the heat, add more jalapeño, including some of the seeds and white membrane. For a much milder version, remove all seeds and membrane, or even use a less spicy pepper like a deseeded bell pepper for a hint of flavor without the heat.
• Flavor Boosting: Consider adding a pinch of ground cumin for an earthy depth, or a small amount of ginger for an unexpected twist. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a lovely color and subtle smokiness.
• Optional Toppings: I love to serve this hummus with a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh jalapeño and cilantro for visual appeal and an extra burst of fresh flavor. These toppings are completely optional but highly recommended for an elevated presentation and taste experience.

Craving More Jalapeño? Explore These Spicy Recipes!

If you’ve fallen in love with the zesty kick of jalapeño in this hummus, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other delicious recipes that put this vibrant pepper to good use:

• Jalapeño Vinaigrette
• Spicy Turkey Jalapeño Burgers
• Creamy Jalapeño Dip
• Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this unique Edamame Hummus with Cilantro and Jalapeño. It’s a fantastic way to add a fresh, healthy, and flavorful twist to your regular snack rotation. If you try this recipe, we’d absolutely love to hear what you think! Please share your comments and feedback below.

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