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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
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By: Annie42 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
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Reader Interactions

5 from 2 votes

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Recipe Rating




  1. April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says

    Posted on 1/31/15 at Posted on 1/31/15

    I have to admit that lentils are not high on my list of favorite ingredients - I think I made a completely boring soup with them once. You are changing my mind, though! I LOVE hummus and I think this is such a creative idea - maybe lentils will make a come-back in my kitchen 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/31/15 at Posted on 1/31/15

      Thanks, April! Lentils on their own are not that exciting, but they are so versatile, it's like having a blank canvas! Hope you give them another try 🙂

      Reply
  2. Karen @ The Food Charlatan says

    Posted on 1/30/15 at Posted on 1/30/15

    I love this Denise!! I never thought to add Indian spices to hummus but that sounds amaaazing. And lentils! So awesome.

    Reply
  3. Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says

    Posted on 1/30/15 at Posted on 1/30/15

    This hummus is gorgeous Denise! I've been working on some lentil recipes too -- it's definitely fun to see how creative you can be with them! I'm sure this recipe would be a crowd pleaser with the big game day coming up 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/31/15 at Posted on 1/31/15

      I can't wait to see your lentil recipes, Ashley!

      Reply
  4. Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says

    Posted on 1/30/15 at Posted on 1/30/15

    You make the best hummus recipes, Denise! I never would have thought to make hummus with lentils and can't wait to try it. This one looks packed with flavor!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/31/15 at Posted on 1/31/15

      Aw thanks, Kristine! Lentils are soooo smooth in hummus, I wonder if I'll ever go back to chickpeas 😉

      Reply
  5. Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says

    Posted on 1/30/15 at Posted on 1/30/15

    I love lentils!! They are such a nutrition powerhouse! And SOOOO delicious! This hummus looks awesome, it sounds so super flavorful. And with that fluffy naan.... yum!

    Reply
  6. marcie says

    Posted on 1/30/15 at Posted on 1/30/15

    I DO like lentils, and I love your creativity using it for hummus! These flavors sound delicious, Denise -- this looks terrific! 🙂

    Reply
  7. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    Posted on 1/30/15 at Posted on 1/30/15

    oh my gawd, Denise!! I love this spin on hummus!!! lentils!!! looks sooo good!! love this!

    Reply
  8. CakeSpy says

    Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

    Things that make you go "hummus"! Wow, I love this Indian-spiced hummus. Fusion food!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/31/15 at Posted on 1/31/15

      Ha ha, thanks, CakeSpy 🙂 Middle Eastern meets Indian...maybe a weird combo, but it works!

      Reply
  9. Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says

    Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

    I am a hummus addict. There is always hummus in my fridge and the homemade kind beats any store bought. Love the spin with the lentils. Will absolutely be making. Pinned

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/31/15 at Posted on 1/31/15

      I love hummus, too! It is healthy, but actually filling! Thanks, Kathy 🙂

      Reply
  10. Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says

    Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

    This looks fantastic wow!

    Reply
  11. Helen @ Scrummy Lane says

    Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

    I always forget what a yummy nutritious snack hummus is. I've also been trying to think of some recipes to make to get my husband liking lentils - maybe this is the one to start with! Really original hummus recipe, Denise!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

      You can't even tell it's lentils, it's just much smoother than normal hummus! Thanks, Helen!!

      Reply
  12. Leah | So, How's It Taste? says

    Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

    Yum! That looks so good with all the spices! This would be fantastic game day food!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

      Thanks, Leah! Never thought about it as game day food, but it would totally work 🙂

      Reply
  13. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says

    Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

    Hi, I'm Ashley and I am addicted to hummus. I usually stick to my regular basic flavors, but the idea of an exotic twist sounds delicious. I definitely need to try this soon!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

      Hi Ashley, welcome to our hummus appreciation group! Ha ha, I am a total hummus addict too 🙂

      Reply
  14. Janice @Kitchen Heals Soul says

    Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

    Honestly, I kinda think chickpeas are overrated. I'm a lentil girl so this I think I would love this 😉

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

      Thanks, Janice! I've made a couple of hummus recipes with white beans, and was so excited about how smooth they were, but they were nothing compared to the lentil hummus!

      Reply
  15. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says

    Posted on 1/28/15 at Posted on 1/28/15

    Oh my gosh, love that you used red lentils for this hummus! That sounds fantastic along with all those spices! I have half a bag of lentils in my pantry and I can't wait to try this! It looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

      Isn't that the great thing about lentils? THey can sit in the back of your cupboard until you find a good way to use them 🙂 Thanks, Kelly!

      Reply
  16. Ami@NaiveCookCooks says

    Posted on 1/28/15 at Posted on 1/28/15

    omg!! I have never eaten lentil hummus before!! Looks so darn tasty!!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/29/15 at Posted on 1/29/15

      Thanks, Ami! You should try it!

      Reply
  17. Danielle says

    Posted on 1/28/15 at Posted on 1/28/15

    5 stars
    You have the best hummus recipes, Denise! I love the addition of the lentils, sounds like such a great idea. I love how quick this dish is too!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/28/15 at Posted on 1/28/15

      Thanks, Danielle! I love getting creative with the hummus 😉

      Reply
  18. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    Posted on 1/28/15 at Posted on 1/28/15

    Homemade hummus is definitely the best! I love how you spiced this up, Denise! I've never thought to add lentils or masala to this spread, so I'm going to have to try this! Looks delicious!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/28/15 at Posted on 1/28/15

      I don't think I can buy store-bought hummus again, Gayle! The lentil/masala combo was so good, I hope you try it 🙂

      Reply
  19. Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says

    Posted on 1/28/15 at Posted on 1/28/15

    This looks so great, Denise. So silky and smooth. I'm a big fan of red lentils since they cook up so fast and I've never thought of adding them to hummus - this is an inspired idea! Looking forward to trying - and good luck with the contest!!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/28/15 at Posted on 1/28/15

      It was so smooth it almost looked soupy in the pictures...but it wasn't. Thanks, Geraldine 🙂

      Reply
  20. Sarah@Whole and Heavenly Oven says

    Posted on 1/28/15 at Posted on 1/28/15

    You are the absolute QUEEN of hummus, Denise! How you make hummus look so beautiful I have no idea---I have the worst time taking photos of hummus. LOL. Any secrets?! 😉 Anywho, I am just loving the addition of lentils and all those lovely Indian spices in this hummus! Perfection.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/28/15 at Posted on 1/28/15

      Yay, Queen of hummus? I will accept my crown. Ha ha! I totally had some issues photographing this hummus, it was so smooth the camera didn't want to focus on it :/ I don't know if I have any secrets, I just took 8000 shots and eventually got the one! Thanks, Sarah!

      Reply
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