• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

  • New? Start Here
  • Contact

Sweet Peas and Saffron

meal prep recipes for busy people

  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Sides
      • Salad
      • Soups & Stews
      • Drinks
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Slow Cooker
      • Grill
      • One Pot Meals
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Nut Free
    • Protein
      • Beans
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Lentils
      • Seafood
      • Pork
    • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Shop
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Shop Favorites
  • Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

    Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Home Meal Type Snacks
5
/5
25 minutes minutes

Masala Spiced Lentil Hummus

Dairy Free Dairy-Free Gluten Free Gluten Free Nut Free Nut Free Vegan Vegan Vegetarian Vegetarian Meal Prep Meal Prep
Jump to Recipe
By: Denise Bustard42 Comments
Posted: 1/28/15 Updated: 8/29/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Classic hummus gets a total remix with this masala spiced lentil hummus! Swapping chickpeas for lentils makes it even creamier, and adding turmeric, curry powder and garam masala gives it a tasty Indian flavor twist.

Homemade hummus is an absolute staple in my meal prep routine. We love making one of these 7 homemade hummus recipe flavors! But sometimes we crave something totally unique, and that is when we reach for this masala-spiced lentil hummus recipe.

overhead view of masala spiced lentil hummus surrounded by naan bread wedges

Swapping chickpeas for red lentils produces such a creamy and smooth hummus, and adding garam masala, curry powder and turmeric is such a great touch and goes well with the lentils.

We love serving it with grilled naan bread and chopped veggies! A perfectly delicious and healthy snack

Why you'll ♡ masala spiced lentil hummus

  • the red lentils makes the hummus so creamy and smooth
  • it's unique and a fun way to get creative in the kitchen
  • it is gluten-free, vegan, healthy and meal prep-friendly

ingredients for masala spiced lentil hummus in food processor before blending

The best lentils for this recipe

There are several different varieties of lentils, and for this recipe, it's important to pick the right one. We are using red lentils, as they are soft and blend into the hummus so easily. I do not recommend brown, green, or beluga lentils for this recipe, as they have a firmer texture and will not get as smooth and creamy.

You will need to cook the red lentils before making the hummus: simply simmer for 15 minutes, then drain and cool slightly.

Making the hummus

For this recipe, you will need a food processor (here’s my favorite one). A high speed blender may also work, however I have not tried. Making lentil hummus is similar to classic homemade hummus: add your cooked, drained and cooled red lentils, turmeric, garam masala, curry powder, cayenne, salt, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. Blend for 30 seconds, scrape down the sides of the food processor, and blend for 30 more seconds, or until smooth to your liking.

How to serve it

This is a super versatile recipe that can work as a dip or as a condiment. Here are some ways you can serve lentil hummus:

  • with grilled naan bread
  • with chopped veggies
  • on a sandwich, wrap, or in a pita
  • as a salad dressing or in a macro bowl
  • spread it on toast, topped with a poached egg and greens
  • as a pizza sauce, topped with grilled veggies

Masala Spiced Lentil Hummus in food processor after blending

Recipe tips

  • after blending up, this hummus can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week in an air tight container
  • you can also freeze in a quart-sized freezer bag or in a meal prep container for up to 3 months
  • garam masala should be in the spice aisle or international foods section of your grocery store, but if not,  you can make your own with this recipe
  • tahini is sesame seed paste, and should be found either with the peanut butter or in the international foods section. If you can't find it, leave it out and try adding almond butter instead
  • the cayenne adds a mild heat to the recipe but can be left out if you'd like a non-spicy version
  • I recommend adding minced garlic as it blends into the hummus more evenly

close up overhead view of masala spiced lentil hummus surrounded by naan bread wedges

More hummus recipes

  • Creamy Avocado Hummus
  • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
  • Smoky Sweet Potato Hummus
  • Savory Pumpkin Hummus
  • Black Bean Hummus

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

overhead shot of masala spiced lentil hummus with sliced pitas

Masala Spiced Lentil Hummus

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 20 minutes mins
Total Time: 25 minutes mins
Print Rate
Classic hummus gets a total remix with this masala spiced lentil hummus! Swapping chickpeas for lentils makes it even creamier, and adding turmeric, curry powder and garam masala gives it a tasty Indian flavor twist.
8

Ingredients

Lentils:

  • 1 cup red lentils (uncooked)
  • 3 cups water

Hummus

  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • ¼-1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons tahini paste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)

Instructions 

Lentils

  • Rinse lentils well before cooking. I find it easiest to add the lentils to the cooking pot, cover with water, swirl, drain, and repeat until water is no longer cloudy.
  • Cover lentils with 3 or so cups of water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until lentils are cooked through.
  • Drain and cool.

Hummus

  • Combine cooled lentils with all other ingredients in a food processor fitted with a steel blade.
  • Blend on high for 30 seconds, scrape down sides of processor and blend for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Serve with naan bread.

Tips:

Serve with grilled naan bread, chopped veggies, on a sandwich, wrap, or in a pita, as a salad dressing or in a macro bowl, spread it on toast, topped with a poached egg and greens, or use as a pizza sauce, topped with grilled veggies.
Storage
Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Freeze in an air tight container or in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/8 of batch, Calories: 135kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 5g, Sodium: 152mg, Potassium: 232mg, Fiber: 7g, Vitamin A: 30IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 1.9mg
Author: Annie Holmes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Indian

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
Tag Me On Instagram Rate Recipe
Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

  • Share
  • Flipboard
  • Email

Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

Read more...

You May Also Like...

  • smokey sweet potato hummus in blue bowl with sliced pitas
    Smoky Sweet Potato Hummus
  • close up view of pumpkin hummus in blue bowl with pita chip dipping in
    Savory Pumpkin Hummus
  • Creamy chocolate dessert hummus in blue bowl with chocolate chips and fresh strawberries
    Creamy Chocolate Dessert Hummus
  • overhead shot of 7 different hummus recipes in white bowls with labels
    7 Amazing Hummus Flavors
feta stuffed greek turkey meatballs on gray plate with one cut open
Previous Post
Feta-Stuffed Greek Turkey Meatballs Recipe
tropical lentil bowl with coconut lime dressing in navy blue bowl on wood table
Next Post
Tropical Lentil Bowls with Coconut Lime Dressing

Reader Interactions

5 from 2 votes

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    Posted on 2/2/15 at Posted on 2/2/15

    I just watched the movie The Hundred Foot Journey (which was SOO good!), and now I am obsessed with all things indian flavored. This lentil hummus fits the bill perfectly. Just look at that pretty color!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/2/15 at Posted on 2/2/15

      I totally want to see that movie, Natalie! Ben vetoed it because the movie cover looked 'too boring', but I'm going to push for it this week-end!

      Reply
  2. Liz @ Floating Kitchen says

    Posted on 2/1/15 at Posted on 2/1/15

    Oh I would NEVER thing to make hummus from lentils. This is brilliant. I going to do this STAT!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/2/15 at Posted on 2/2/15

      Thanks, Liz! I don't know if I can go back to chickpeas now, the lentils were so creamy 😉

      Reply
      • Nicole says

        Posted on 9/7/19 at Posted on 9/7/19

        5 stars
        I’ve made this hummus on a few occasions and have been asked for the recipe multiple times (I send them all to your blog of course!). I’m so glad I remembered this just now as I got invited last minute to an appy party.
        Thanks, Denise

        Reply
        • Denise says

          Posted on 9/16/19 at Posted on 9/16/19

          I'm so happy you like this hummus, Nicole! I need to make it again soon! Hope you are well <3

          Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

photo of annie meal prepping ingredients

Hi, I'm Annie

Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too! Read more ...

Meal Prep

Instant Pot

Air Fryer

Freezer Meals

Slow Cooker

Breakfast

Popular

overhead shot of sweet potatoes lined up with text showing number of minutes to cook each

PERFECT Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

overhead shot of 7 easy stir fry sauces on gray background

7 Easy Stir Fry Sauce Recipes

overhead shot of a variety of seven easy rice recipes with text description

7 Easy Rice Recipes (Stove Top & Rice Cooker)

5 minute asian salad dressing in a mason jar on gray background

5 Minute Asian Salad Dressing

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Reader Faves

overhead shot of blue mason jar filled with crispy chickpeas

ULTRA Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

a stack of fluffy protein pancakes with blueberries on top and syrup being drizzled over them

Perfect Fluffy Protein Pancakes (no banana!)

ingredients to make greek seasoning blend with labels on white background

Easy Greek Seasoning Blend

collage image that says 25 popular meal prep ideas

25 Most Popular Lunch Meal Prep Ideas

As seen on:

Wondering where to start?

Get my Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Join My Free Meal Prep Challenge!
  • Browse Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Lunch
    • Breakfast
    • Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Freezer
  • Meal Prep 101
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Meal Prep Basics
    • Meal Prep Challenge
    • Quick Start Guide
Back to Top

Privacy Policy

Disclaimers

Contact

Accessibility

Causes

About

© 2025 Sweet Peas and Saffron
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Logo by Wooden Spoons

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.