Butter Bean Hummus with Za’atar and Lemon Recipe
This creamy Butter Bean Hummus offers a velvety twist on the traditional chickpea version. Made with buttery lima beans, flavored with za’atar, tahini, fresh lemon juice, roasted garlic, and olive oil, it’s a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired spread perfect for dipping, spreading on sandwiches, or serving as a snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (about 1¼ cups total; ¼ cup per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (14.5-15.5 ounce) can butter beans (lima beans), drained but not rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
- 2 tablespoons tahini (ground sesame paste)
- 1 clove roasted garlic or raw garlic
- ¾ teaspoon za’atar (or substitute with cumin, smoked paprika, oregano)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained butter beans, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, tahini, roasted or raw garlic, za’atar, salt, and pepper into the bowl of a food processor or blender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the ingredients on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the hummus is too thick, add more olive oil gradually until reaching your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the hummus and season with additional salt, pepper, or za’atar as needed for balanced flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving dish, drizzle with extra olive oil, and sprinkle with sesame seeds or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Roasted garlic enhances the flavor but raw garlic works if you prefer a more pungent taste.
- Za’atar can be substituted with cumin, smoked paprika, or oregano for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust olive oil quantity to achieve the perfect hummus texture to your liking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Serve with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as a sandwich spread.
