- In a food processor, blend cooked chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, minced garlic, and cumin until smooth.
- Add avocado, salt, and pepper. Blend again until creamy. Adjust consistency with reserved chickpea water if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or salt as desired.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika.
- Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley. Serve with tortilla chips, pita bread, or as a sandwich spread.
- Calories:220 kcal25%
- Energy:920 kJ22%
- Protein:5 g28%
- Carbohydrates:18 mg40%
- Sugar:2 mg8%
- Salt:300 g25%
- Fat:16 g20%
Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh
Creamy Avocado Chickpea Dip Recipe – Easy Olive Oil & Tahini Blend
Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s become a total staple in my kitchen. Seriously, this Creamy Avocado Chickpea Dip is so good, it disappears within minutes whenever I make it. It’s perfect for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or even a light lunch with some warm pita bread. Plus, it’s unbelievably easy to whip up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dip is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the creamy avocado, nutty tahini, and warm cumin. It’s also super healthy, packed with good fats and plant-based protein. And honestly? It just feels good to eat something so vibrant and fresh. You’ll love how quickly it comes together – perfect for when those snack cravings hit!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy dip:
- 1 medium Ripe Avocado
- 1 cup Cooked Chickpeas
- 1 tbsp Tahini
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1-2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 clove Garlic Clove
- 0.5 tsp Cumin Powder
- Salt as needed
- 0.125 tsp Pepper Powder
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference.
Avocado Selection & Ripeness
You want an avocado that yields to gentle pressure, but isn’t mushy. Think Goldilocks – just right! A perfectly ripe avocado will blend beautifully and give you that super creamy texture we’re after.
Chickpea Preparation – Canned vs. Homemade
I usually use canned chickpeas for convenience (about 150g drained weight). But if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade are fantastic too! If using dried chickpeas, make sure they’re cooked until very tender.
The Role of Tahini: Sesame Paste Varieties
Tahini is a key player here, adding a lovely nutty depth. You can find different types of tahini – some are lighter in color, others are darker. Both work well, but I prefer a good quality, smooth tahini.
Olive Oil Choices: Extra Virgin vs. Refined
I like to use extra virgin olive oil for its flavor, but a refined olive oil will also work if you prefer a milder taste. About 30ml is perfect.
Cumin Powder: Regional Variations & Freshness
Cumin is such a warm, inviting spice. I recommend using a fresh batch of cumin powder for the best flavor. You can also lightly toast the cumin seeds and grind them yourself for an even more intense aroma!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get dipping!
- First, toss the cooked chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, minced garlic, and cumin powder into your food processor. Blend away until everything is beautifully smooth.
- Now, add the avocado pulp, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper powder. Blend again until it’s super creamy – like a cloud! If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved chickpea water (the liquid from the can) to loosen it up.
- Give it a taste! This is where you can really make it your own. Add more lemon juice for a brighter flavor, or a little more salt if needed.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with paprika powder for a pop of color.
- Finally, garnish with some fresh coriander or parsley leaves. It looks so pretty! Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Expert Tips
Want to take your avocado chickpea dip to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tricks:
Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture
Don’t be afraid to blend for a little longer! A smooth, creamy texture is the goal. Adding a little chickpea water really helps.
Balancing Flavors: Lemon Juice & Salt
Lemon juice is your friend! It brightens everything up and balances the richness of the avocado and tahini. Salt is crucial too – it really brings all the flavors together.
Preventing Browning: Keeping the Dip Fresh
Avocado can brown quickly. To prevent this, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dip before refrigerating. A squeeze of extra lemon juice also helps!
Variations
This dip is a blank canvas for your creativity!
Vegan Adaptation (Naturally Vegan!)
Good news – this recipe is already vegan! No changes needed.
Gluten-Free Adaptation (Naturally Gluten-Free!)
Yep, this one’s naturally gluten-free too. Just make sure your dippers are gluten-free as well.
Spice Level Adjustment: Adding Chili Flakes or Cayenne Pepper
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the food processor. My friend, Priya, loves adding a finely chopped green chili for a real kick!
Festival Adaptation: Serving with Diwali Farsan or Eid Snacks
During festivals, I love serving this dip with crispy Diwali farsan or savory Eid snacks. It’s a fun and unexpected twist!
Serving Suggestions
Okay, so what do you actually eat with this dip?
- Tortilla chips (a classic!)
- Pita bread (warm and fluffy is best)
- Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, cucumber)
- Crackers
- Spread it on sandwiches or wraps
- Use it as a sauce for grilled chicken or fish
Storage Instructions
Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Remember to press plastic wrap onto the surface to prevent browning.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
What is the best way to store leftover avocado chickpea dip?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that the color might change slightly due to oxidation. The lemon juice and plastic wrap trick will help minimize this.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned? What adjustments do I need to make?
Absolutely! You’ll need about ¾ cup of dried chickpeas, cooked until very tender. Make sure to drain them well before using.
What can I serve with this dip besides tortilla chips and pita bread?
So many things! Veggie sticks, crackers, or even spread it on a sandwich. Get creative!
Is tahini essential for this recipe? Can I substitute it with anything?
Tahini adds a unique flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can try substituting it with sunflower seed butter or even a little extra olive oil. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!
Enjoy! I really hope you give this Creamy Avocado Chickpea Dip a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below!