A healthy appetizer made from red lentils and infused with savory sun dried tomatoes. Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy free. JUMP TO RECIPE
When it comes to nutritious, plant-based appetizers, hummus reigns supreme, and thankfully, for health-minded people who love to snack, there’s no shortage of tasty and creative ways to make it. Most recipes call for chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) as the main ingredient, but you can also make hummus with another pulse, red lentils, and it’s every bit as delicious as traditional hummus with the same smooth and creamy texture. This recipe for Sun Dried Tomato Red Lentil Hummus is proof! Make sure you have plenty of crackers and cut up vegetables on hand before you make this dip because you might not be able to stop eating it. I ran out of things to dip the first time I made it and resorted to using my fingers! It’s that good!
This recipe for Sun Dried Tomato Red Lentil Hummus yields 20 servings, can be made ahead of time, and will be fine sitting out at room temperature for several hours, all of which makes it a great party appetizer. Served as the centerpiece inside a big platter of crackers, crostini, and vegetables crudités, it makes a beautiful presentation. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and dairy free, so it’s suitable for a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
I’d never suggest that people eat red lentil hummus instead of chickpea-based hummus because both are nutritious appetizers, but, if I had to make a case for this, I’d point out that lentils are slightly lower in calories and have a bit more protein and fiber than chickpeas. (Check out this article entitled “The 9 Healthiest Beans and Legumes You Can Eat”.) And, if you buy into the idea that color can affect your hunger level then Sun Dried Tomato Red Lentil hummus wins out again because warm colors are known appetite stimulants. (Click here to read more about how color affects your appetite.)
If you’ll be entertaining during the upcoming holiday season consider serving Sun Dried Tomato Red Lentil Hummus. Easy and healthy appetizers don’t get better than this! For other recipes using lentils check out Lentil Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette and Pumpkin Lentil Flax Crackers.
If you make Sun Dried Tomato Red Lentil Hummus don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me over on Instagram @QueenofMyKitchen. I’d love to see your creation!
- 1 cup red lentils
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup julienned sun dried tomatoes from an oil packed jar, drained, plus a few extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 large garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley (garnish)
- Cook lentils according to the package directions.
- Once cool, transfer them to the work bowl of a food processor along with the olive oil, sun dried tomatoes, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Process until smooth and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Sprinkle on the smoked paprika and garnish with the extra sun dried tomatoes and fresh parsley.
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How much water do you use to cook the red lentils in the instant pot?
Thank you!
Hi Leah – I think 1.5-2 cups of water would do it, but check your instant pot owners manual to verify that.