If you usually have a tub of hummus in your fridge for quick snacking, you might be looking for a way to kick it up a notch or two with some additional flavor. There are dozens and dozens of ways to do that but adding roasted red peppers is one of the best. You can roast your own and peel them or just buy some at the deli counter of your local supermarket. Some stores even carry them on the shelves in jars. Most large grocery chains in the united states sell lots of varieties of flavored hummus and roasted red pepper is usually among them. But making your own is quite easy. Red peppers on their own are sweet and, when roasted, take on an earthy, smoky flavor. If you like heat, you can certainly spice these up with some cayenne pepper. Red peppers are loaded with vitamin a and anti-oxidants so they also add a good nutritional boost to an already healthy dip. A typical middle eastern appetizer (mezze) tray includes both hummus and various roasted and pickled vegetables so combining those flavors works well and goes with other classic appetizer ingredients such as falafel, eggplant, tahini and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Most hummus dips are served cold or at room temperature. But this roasted red pepper version is great served as a warm appetizer alongside warm pita or flatbread to scoop it up. Also, try topping roasted vegetables with this dip for a burst of extra flavor. Hummus recipes can include a wide variety of spices so try some cumin, za'atar, oregano or lemony sumac or add to the smokey flavor with the addition of some smokey paprika.
