Of Heartbreak and Hummus
September 23, 2010 at 11:15 am | Posted in Baking / Cooking, Food | 68 CommentsIt’s a long standing joke that if I favor some sort of store-bought comestible, and especially if I’m head-over-heels in love with it, then that’s pretty much the kiss of death for that particular product, and sometimes even the entire brand. One day I’ll announce to a friend with overflowing enthusiasm that I’ve found the best vegan wafer cookies right at our rinky dink, nothing special grocery store, or the most amazing artisanal bread at an oft-overlooked bakery, and BOOM- Just like that, not a trace of that delicious treasure shall ever seen seen again. Over and over, throughout my 21 years, has this pattern tormented my palate. Finding something so good, so utterly unsurpassed in every possible way, and then having it practically ripped right off your posed fork? It’s the worst sort of torture, leaving a craving permanently unfulfilled like that.
Thus, my saga of The Pizza Hummus should shock exactly no one. Discovered at a food trade show well over a year ago, where thousands of new, novel edibles are unveiled, this simple twist on the standard garbanzo mash was what I remembered best. Utterly brilliant- Everyone loves both pizza and hummus, after all- Why hadn’t I thought this up? Like an addict craving their next fix, I was champing at the bit for this new flavor to be available in stores, riffling through the hummus section thoroughly at every grocery expedition just to make sure I hadn’t overlooked it.
Weeks passed. Months crept by. The hummus never even broke into the marketplace, and I never heard of it again, like a bad boyfriend who “forgot” to call. What a way to play with a girl’s heart.
Despite the drama, there is a happy and very delicious ending to this tale. Finally growing frustrated at my pathetic dependence on some anonymous company to tame my taste buds, I took to the kitchen and did what I do best: Experiment, make a mess, and taste, taste, taste. Whether it’s exactly like the original inspiration may never be determined, but who needs whats-his-name when I have an even hotter dish on my hands now.
Saturated with rich, umami flavor, it’s like a roasted tomato puree, voluptuous “cheese” sauce, and the creamiest hummus possible all wrapped up in one spreadable, dip-able package. Just a touch of red pepper flake lends a faint, piquant bite, exactly the way a good slice ought to. The only thing missing is perhaps a paper-thin, crunchy crust, but just stock up on your favorite crackers, and it’s a done deal.
Pizza Hummus
1/2 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Not Packed in Oil), Roughly Chopped
3 Cloves Roasted Garlic
1 15-Ounce Can Chickpeas, Rinsed and Drained
3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1/3 Cup Nutritional Yeast
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley
1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
1 Tablespoon Barley Miso Paste
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
Pinch Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 – 3/4 Teaspoon Salt
Place your dried, chopped tomatoes in a small bowl, and pour in boiling water to cover. Let soak and rehydrate for about 10 minutes before proceeding, or else they’ll be too hard to blend properly.
Once nicely softened and plumped up, drain the tomatoes but reserve the water they were soaking in. Move the tomato piece into your food processor or blender- The more power you can bring to the party, the better, because that will only get the hummus smoother in the end. Add in the roasted garlic, and pulse briefly just to break down the two to a coarse pulp and make them easier to incorporate later. Follow that with all of the other ingredients, and make sure you start with just 1/4 teaspoon of salt now so that you can adjust it to taste later. Let the motor run until everything is mostly combined; it will probably look pretty dry. Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and then with the motor running, begin to stream in the reserved tomato water, until it reaches a consistency you’re happy with. Taste, add more salt if needed, and then let the machine run for another 5 – 10 minutes, until the hummus is velvety smooth and creamy.
To serve, top with an additional drizzle of oil- Trust me on this one, it really completes the whole “pizza” effect!
And for more variety, try topping it with your favorite pizza add-ons, such as finely chopped vegan pepperoni, sliced olives, roasted red peppers, sauteed mushrooms, or anything else you like on your pie!
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Way to take matters into your own hands! The hummus sounds delicious.
Comment by veganhomemade— September 23, 2010 #
hi there! glutard here!
do you think the recipe would suffer from a lack of barley? or mayhaps something would work in its place …
thank you muchly (I used to have a food blog but since grad school has consumed my life I have failed at updating. ever.
- Laura
Comment by Laura C— September 23, 2010 #
I hear you. This has happened to my favourite chocolate, that I even reviewed on my blog. Note to self: never ever do a product review again.
I bet your pizza hummus is much better than any store bought product.
Comment by mihl— September 23, 2010 #
Mmm… this looks SO GOOD. I can’t to try it! Hopefully this will cure my insatiable pizza cravings whenever they come ’round.
Comment by amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler— September 23, 2010 #
How funny, I heard about this hummus a year ago and have been checking the shelves ever since! I also took matters into my own hands at one point and made my own; it was pretty good. Similar to yours, but you’re probably better at recipe making so I’ll try this one out! :)
Comment by Amy— September 23, 2010 #
OH MY GOSH. This looks AMAZING! Seriously, what a fabulous combination of flavors. I would never have thought of pizza hummus, but now that you’ve introduced it to me I’m going to have to make it. YUM!
Comment by The Voracious Vegan— September 23, 2010 #
Pizza hummus is definitely not something I’d heard of until this exact moment, but it’s an interesting fusion that looks and sounds rather delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Tiffany— September 23, 2010 #
I wish I read this before I went to the supermarket, cuz now I have to go back. I am making this tomorrow for my friend coming over, it sounds awesome!
Comment by Sal— September 23, 2010 #
Looks really good!
Comment by Cherine— September 23, 2010 #
I am so very excited to make this (w/gf miso)…. the fams is in for a treat! Thank you!
Comment by Allyson— September 23, 2010 #
Oh yum, that looks fantastic!
Comment by Oiyi— September 23, 2010 #
Actually I was champing at the bit for the pizza hummas as well and like 2-3 weeks ago I found one of my local stores. I was not that impressed. I bet yours is a ton better.
Comment by Joe— September 23, 2010 #
haha so basically I should try to hide my favorite products from you lest they disappear immediately. This hummus sounds awesome! I can see why it haunted you for so long. I need to try it!
Comment by Joanne— September 23, 2010 #
I love putting hummus on my pizza, and this one makes a little more sense then regular hummus. I will try this the next time I make a pizza. yum yum!
Comment by Rikki Cupcake— September 23, 2010 #
I thought I was the only one who had that experience with products getting taken off the shelves once I discover that I love them! haha. it sucks :(
Comment by Ali - YumVeggieBurger— September 23, 2010 #
So inventive and I can taste this as a spread in a wrap.
Comment by JoLynn-dreaminitvegan— September 23, 2010 #
You have a new lens for your camera? ;)
Beautiful as always and original:)
Comment by VeganPower— September 23, 2010 #
Good for you for taking matters into your own hands!! How annoying is that, when something delicious vanishes?? I’m STILL mourning the disappearance of crispy M&M’s (and yes, that was like 10 years ago hahaha). The hummus looks great, I’ll definitely have to give that a try!
Comment by Sara— September 23, 2010 #
Yum – this sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it. :)
Comment by Textual Bulldog— September 23, 2010 #
Wow! Those flavours sound amazing! I never see nutritional yeast used in anything, so this is definitely going on my to make list!
Comment by Elizabeth— September 23, 2010 #
sounds absolutely perfect!
Comment by sophia— September 23, 2010 #
This is funny! Mr. Wing-It is also the kiss of death for his favorite products! I get a little worried whenever he likes something that I like as well, because I know that soon enough that product will be discontinued. *sigh*
Your pizza hummus looks delicious! Thank you for the recipe! :)
Comment by River (Wing-It Vegan)— September 23, 2010 #
That looks like a more awesome and fancy version of a dip I used to make – thanks for sharing the recipe!
Comment by kala— September 23, 2010 #
Never heard of it, but I HAVE to try it!! It sounds amazing :)
Comment by Tanya— September 23, 2010 #
Ah, see now for *me*, this special talent of yours to make treats disappear is brilliant! ‘Cause then you make it yourself and I get to try it too, whereas if you simply bought it over in America with my over here in Australia… well, I think you get my point :D
Comment by Hannah— September 23, 2010 #
Love this post! Your writing style is so fun. And pizza hummus sounds so intrigueing!
Comment by megan @ whatmegansmaking— September 23, 2010 #
tribe pizza hummus… Price Chopper started stocking it about a year ago in upstate NY!
Comment by carrie— September 23, 2010 #
Pizza hummus! What a great idea! And somehow, I’m sure they work beautifully together. Glad you didn’t give up and decided to create this yourself (because we can all now benefit)! :)
Comment by Ricki— September 23, 2010 #
Tribe has been selling Pizza Hummus for a while, I bought some in July I think, makes a great topping for Lightly salted Rice Cakes.
But the homemade version is probably much better.
Comment by Tucker— September 23, 2010 #
Wow! I can imagine just how the flavors would dance on my tongue and delight my tastebuds. This is something I must try IMMEDIATELY.
Comment by Crystal (That Vegan Blog)— September 23, 2010 #
I had the Tribe pizza hummus recently. It was good, but your recipe looks amazing! I’ll have to try this.
Comment by Rachel (tea and chocolate)— September 23, 2010 #
wow! This hummus sounds absolutely amazing!
Comment by Anh— September 24, 2010 #
I have a similar afflicition, the ‘point-at-it-and-it-disappears’-disorder. Mine however is not related to food, but more to remarkable things around the house or on the street and only occurs when in the presence of others.
Whenever this ailment plays up, there is a set way of it playing out:
1) I see something strange (e.g. a duck walking up to a cat, a guy picking his nose in the car, a strangely shaped cloud, etc.)
2) I point it out to the person(s) I’m with at the time.
3) The moment they turn their heads to look at it, it disappears. Either the curious behaviour stops, or something like a big truck pulls up and hides the scene.
Hence, I’ve stopped pointing at things.
The hummus looks absolutely gorgeous btw, will definitely give it a try!
Comment by Kristel— September 24, 2010 #
Oh, I just love your new beau! I so need to have a date with this one! Looks so good. And good for you replicating and surpassing at home.
Comment by Lori— September 24, 2010 #
I had also been waiting nearly a year when I heard of this creation and finally I JUST found it last week! I don’t know if you’re still in Mass, but I found it at Shaws in Southern Mass. Died of joy when I found it :)
Comment by Jen— September 24, 2010 #
What a creation!!
Interesting that you used miso paste- I certainly wouldn’t have thought of that in recreating a pizza flavour.
I am sure that this is better than any store-bought hummus.
Comment by Sarah B @ Bake + Bike— September 24, 2010 #
Well I am sold… This is just looking so good! I’ve yet to create a hummus myself that I truly like but yours looks like it might just do the trick!
Comment by Simone— September 24, 2010 #
Oh, man! I’ve used hummus as a substitute for cheese on pizza ever since I first went vegan. How did I never think of something this simple and ingenious? You’re a wonder Hannah, a bloody wonder. :D
Comment by Greenling— September 24, 2010 #
If that’s just not the most delicious food post I’ve seen this week, well….it is! I’m so in to making hummus right now and bread…think this will be added to my repertoire this weekend! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Comment by Jen @ Lita's World— September 24, 2010 #
OMG … this is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good!! I am right now eating this on toasted sourdough bread.
Hannah … this is your all time TOP TOP recipe!!
And so neat that just this past week, my CSA ended out their season giving each member a bag of their own homemade sun dried organic tomatoes. I’d never seen sun dried tomatoes that were not packed in oil, and wasn’t sure what I’d do with them, so I just tossed them in the freezer.
Then along comes your recipe …… !!
Comment by Brenda W.— September 24, 2010 #
such a good idea, i bet it would go great with pita chips.
Comment by rachel— September 24, 2010 #
What a great sounding recipe! Oh my…I’m all over this one!
Comment by Chere Michelle— September 25, 2010 #
OMG, that happens to me all the time. I thought I was the only one with the uh, “special touch”. :-)
I’m surprised the pizza hummus didn’t make it to market, it sounds like a great idea. Your version looks absolutely delicious!
Comment by chow vegan— September 25, 2010 #
Pizza hummus. I am all over this. I make hummus all the time, my fave is cilantro hummus. Thank you for sharing… I will be making this for tomorrow (sunday, football..)
Comment by Connie Bearden— September 25, 2010 #
OMG! I had to comment on this one. I was about to make hummus the way I always do and then I stumbled upon this recipe. I had everything on hand but the miso and it was still delicious. Thanks for this recipe!
Comment by Andrea— September 26, 2010 #
What a revolutionary idea! Wish I’d thought of it. Immediate bookmark.
Comment by Xiaolu— September 26, 2010 #
Oh my gosh! BRILLIANT! I made up an Ethiopian hummus recently, but this looks even better! I’m sold.
Comment by Amber Shea @Almost Vegan— September 26, 2010 #
WOW! AMAZING!!! that would taste BEYOND incredible!!
xo
Comment by kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com— September 26, 2010 #
WHOA, Hannah. This hummus is off the hook. I’m not going to tell my husband it was your idea… it’ll be our little secret. ;) Thanks!
Comment by Danielle— September 26, 2010 #
mmmmmm hummmmmus!
Comment by DJ Karma— September 26, 2010 #
Yum!
Comment by Hope— September 27, 2010 #
this looks just fab!
Comment by blackbookkitchendiaries— September 27, 2010 #
Oh MAN, this sounds awesome!
Comment by Melisser— September 28, 2010 #
Nice variation to marinara sauce. Roasted garlic with chickpeas and herbs I can’t wit to go home and give it a go.
Comment by sensiblecooking— September 29, 2010 #
Died and gone to sweet Hummus Heaven…? YES. Wow. I love hummus but this one puts all hummus recipes (and flavors) to shame. Thank you SO much for sharing the recipe!
Comment by Lori— September 29, 2010 #
Hey Hannah, I saw this post and then went to Shaw’s and Tribe has Pizza Hummus! I got it and it tastes just like pizza. Try looking again, because it’s there! I haven’t had a chance to try your recipe but it’s awesome you came up with your own version =]
Comment by Allie— September 30, 2010 #
Yum, this looks really good! gorgeous photos!
Comment by Dimah— October 1, 2010 #
This recipe looks amazing. I have decided to forgo the ready mades for fear of just what you described. My man is a bit of a hummus junkie- I am totally making this for him today. Love when recipes pop up that I have never thought of creating, but that I have all the ingredients for.
Comment by Meghan (Making Love In The Kitchen)— October 8, 2010 #
Looking forward to trying this. I think it sounds wonderful. My husband is a hummus purist but I’m hoping he can get on board. Well, maybe I don’t want him on board…more for me!
Comment by Melissa— October 10, 2010 #
This hummus looks amazing! I just have to make it.
Comment by Mo— October 10, 2010 #
I just made this hummus and it is DELISH! I didn’t have the miso, so I used a splash of soy sauce to pull the umami flavors together. Thank for the recipe. It’s a keeper.
Comment by Veganista— October 10, 2010 #
Haha, loved the writing of this piece. And the lovely photo and original recipe too, of course! I never would have thought of putting nutritional yeast in hummus.
Comment by Aliza— October 13, 2010 #
Pizza hummus?! I never would’ve thought of that. Sounds like it would be seriously amazing though.
Comment by Ashley— October 16, 2010 #
Pizza hummus??? Yummmmmm!
Comment by Ingrid— October 20, 2010 #
This is so delicious!! I just made it for party appetizers and I’m really excited to serve it. Is it bad that I keep eating it with a spoon?
Thanks for this!
Comment by Amanda— January 14, 2011 #
Wow. I need this right now!
Pizza + hummus = perfection in my opinion!
Comment by Lauren— April 25, 2011 #
[...] mess with a good thing. Those people clearly haven’t had pizza hummus. Recipe courtesy of BitterSweet. Like this:LikeBe the first to like this [...]
Pingback by Pizza Hummus « Two Cups Of Love— December 17, 2011 #
Sun dried tomatoes sound great with the hummus!
Comment by Michigan Food Blog— December 20, 2011 #