Name: Cucumber Hummus Red Pepper Rolls: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 rolls (approximately 48 slices)
Ingredients: 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped; 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/4 cup tahini; 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste; 1 large red bell pepper; 8 large flour tortillas (burrito size); Optional garnishes: fresh dill, paprika, sesame seeds

Cucumber Hummus Red Pepper Rolls: Prepare to be amazed by this vibrant and refreshing appetizer that's as delightful to look at as it is to eat! Forget the same old crudités platter; these elegant little rolls are about to become the star of your next gathering. I discovered this recipe while searching for a light and healthy snack that could also double as a sophisticated party offering, and let me tell you, it's a total game-changer.

Hummus, with its roots tracing back to ancient Egypt, has become a beloved staple in cuisines worldwide. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor provide the perfect base for these rolls. The addition of crisp cucumber and sweet red pepper elevates the hummus to a whole new level. These Cucumber Hummus Red Pepper Rolls are not only incredibly flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

What makes these rolls so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of textures – the smooth hummus, the crunchy cucumber, and the slightly sweet pepper all come together in perfect harmony. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for busy hosts. Whether you're looking for a healthy snack, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a light lunch, these rolls are sure to impress. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor in every bite!

Ingredients:

1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste
1 large red bell pepper
8 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
Optional garnishes: fresh dill, paprika, sesame seeds

Preparing the Cucumber Hummus

Okay, let's get started with the heart of our rolls – the cucumber hummus! This is where the magic happens, and it's surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, once you taste this homemade hummus, you'll never want to buy store-bought again.

Prep the Cucumber: First things first, we need to get our cucumber ready. Peel the cucumber to remove the tough outer skin. Then, slice it lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. The seeds can make the hummus watery, so we want to get rid of them. Roughly chop the cucumber into smaller pieces.
Combine Ingredients: Now, grab your food processor. Add the chopped cucumber, drained and rinsed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl of the food processor.
Process Until Smooth: This is the fun part! Turn on the food processor and let it run until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You might need to stop the processor a few times to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly blended. The consistency should be similar to traditional hummus, but with a refreshing cucumber flavor. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Give the hummus a taste! This is your chance to make it perfect. Does it need more salt? A little more lemon juice for a brighter flavor? Add seasonings to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
Chill (Optional): While not strictly necessary, chilling the hummus for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator can help the flavors meld together even more. It also makes it easier to spread on the tortillas later.

Preparing the Red Bell Pepper

Next up, let's get our red bell pepper ready. The vibrant color and slightly sweet flavor of the red pepper will add a wonderful contrast to the cool, refreshing cucumber hummus.

Wash and Core: Wash the red bell pepper thoroughly under cold water. Then, carefully cut off the top and bottom of the pepper. Stand the pepper upright and slice down along the sides to remove the core and seeds. You should be left with flat pieces of red pepper.
Slice into Strips: Lay the flat pieces of red pepper on a cutting board and slice them into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide. These strips will be rolled up inside the tortillas, so we want them to be easy to manage.

Assembling the Cucumber Hummus Red Pepper Rolls

Alright, we've got our hummus and our red pepper ready. Now comes the fun part – assembling the rolls! This is where everything comes together, and you'll start to see your delicious creation take shape.

Warm the Tortillas (Optional): Warming the tortillas slightly makes them more pliable and easier to roll. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, or they'll become brittle.
Spread the Hummus: Lay one tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Spread a generous layer of the cucumber hummus evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. You want a good amount of hummus to ensure each bite is flavorful.
Add the Red Pepper: Arrange the red pepper strips evenly over the hummus-covered tortilla. You can place them in rows, or scatter them randomly. Just make sure they're distributed so that each roll will have a good amount of red pepper.
Roll Tightly: Now, carefully roll up the tortilla tightly, starting from one edge and working your way to the other. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to prevent it from unraveling later.
Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining tortillas, hummus, and red pepper.
Slice and Serve: Once all the tortillas are rolled, use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter.
Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish the rolls with fresh dill, a sprinkle of paprika, or sesame seeds.
Serve Immediately or Chill: You can serve the Cucumber Hummus Red Pepper Rolls immediately, or chill them in the refrigerator for later. They're a great make-ahead appetizer or snack.

Tips and Variations:

Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the rolls, such as shredded carrots, spinach, or sprouts.
Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the hummus or a drizzle of sriracha to the rolls.
Use Different Tortillas: Experiment with different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat, spinach, or sun-dried tomato.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
Hummus Consistency: If your hummus is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add a tablespoon of tahini.
Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy!

And there you have it! Delicious and refreshing Cucumber Hummus Red Pepper Rolls. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do. They're perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick and healthy snack. Let me know in the comments how they turned out for you!

Conclusion:

This recipe for Cucumber Hummus Red Pepper Rolls is truly a must-try, and I'm confident you'll agree once you've experienced the delightful combination of fresh flavors and satisfying textures. It's more than just a snack; it's a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly easy way to elevate your appetizer game or enjoy a light lunch. The crispness of the cucumber perfectly complements the creamy, tangy hummus, while the sweetness of the red pepper adds a delightful burst of flavor. It's a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more! Why is this recipe a winner? Because it's quick to prepare, requires minimal cooking (if any!), and is packed with nutrients. It's also incredibly versatile. Need a vegan option? This is it! Looking for a gluten-free snack? Look no further! Want something that's both healthy and delicious? You've found it! Plus, these rolls are visually appealing, making them perfect for parties or gatherings. Imagine presenting a platter of these colorful rolls – your guests will be impressed! But the best part? You can easily customize this recipe to suit your own preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of hummus. Roasted red pepper hummus would add an extra layer of smoky sweetness, while a spicy jalapeno hummus would give these rolls a delightful kick. You could also try using different vegetables. Thinly sliced carrots, zucchini, or even bell peppers of different colors would all work beautifully. Serving suggestions and variations abound! These Cucumber Hummus Red Pepper Rolls are fantastic on their own as a light snack or appetizer. But you can also serve them alongside a fresh salad for a more substantial meal. They're also a great addition to a picnic basket or lunchbox. For a more elegant presentation, try arranging them on a platter with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Another fun variation is to add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top of the rolls before serving. This adds a wonderful savory crunch that complements the other flavors perfectly. You could also try adding a few crumbled feta cheese for a salty and tangy twist (if you're not vegan, of course!). And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try making your own hummus from scratch? It's surprisingly easy and allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. There are countless hummus recipes online, so you're sure to find one that you love. Ultimately, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! So, don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. I truly believe that this Cucumber Hummus Red Pepper Rolls recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. And once you've made it, please share your experience! I'd love to hear what variations you tried, what you served them with, and what your family and friends thought. Leave a comment below and let me know! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to create even better recipes in the future. Happy rolling!