10 Plant-Based Dips That Can Take the Place of Hummus During the Chickpea Shortage

Chickpeas are delicious, versatile, and an essential ingredient for all sorts of recipes, from soups to salads, curries to falafels, pastas to hummus. But given the looming worldwide chickpea shortage, we’re all going to need to find ways to go without. If you’re anything like us, hummus is a staple of your diet, and for good reason: this chickpea-based dish is healthy, delicious, easy to make, and high in both protein and fiber.

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But since chickpeas will be in increasingly limited supply for the time being, it’s time to try our hands at other plant-based dips that offer us the same savory, smoky, and sometimes spicy flavors. So if you’re looking for a plant-based dip to help tide you over during the chickpea shortage, your best bet is plant-based dishes that can be blended into creaminess and accented with spices like cumin to paprika, as well as ingredients like olive oil, tahini, garlic, and lemon. There are tons of possibilities — here are some of our faves. 

1. Moroccan-Style Spicy Roasted Carrot Dip

This dip involves carrots with garlic, onion, and plenty of spices, including a touch of cinnamon. Spice it up even further with harissa and aleppo pepper, or dial down the spice by incorporating some tomato paste. Enjoy as a bright and colorful savory dip with toasted whole grain bread and sliced Persian cucumbers.

2. Ful Mudammas

Ful mudammas is an Egyptian fava bean-based dip that’s actually pretty similar to hummus in taste and texture. It’s made with stewed fava beans blended with cumin, garlic, lemon, and chili peppers. It is often topped with fresh parsley and chopped tomatoes, and served with warm pita bread, much like hummus. 

3. Muhammara 

Muhammara is a Syrian dip often found served alongside hummus. It’s made with roasted red peppers, ground walnuts, Aleppo peppers, and pomegranate molasses, among other ingredients. This spicy mix of peppers and walnuts is sweet, tangy, and smoky, and it’s great with pita — or spread onto a wrap or sandwich for a savory kick. While the breadcrumbs are traditional (and lend some body to this recipe) feel free to leave them out altogether if you’re trying to avoid refined carbs, or replace with a gluten-free version. 

4. Pistachio Avocado Dip

This sweet and salty dip is made with both avocado and pears, which may sound like a strange combination, but it’s actually a great blend of creaminess and sweetness. Perfect for a fresh, bright dip to serve at dinner parties or happy hours. This would taste especially good served with rainbow carrots and homemade almond flour crackers.

5. Kalamata Olive Tapenade

Starring Greek kalamata olives and capers, the inherent brininess of this tapenade is offset by the tartness of the lemon, freshness of the parsley, and spiciness of red pepper flakes. Enjoy as a spread on flatbread or serve on top of grilled fish or chicken.

6. Red Lentil Dahl

Indian lentil dahl comes in many varieties, but at its core, this is a simple lentil based stew or dip made with lentils, onion, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, and lots of fragrant spices, including garam masala. You can enjoy this dish as a stew and stir in fresh spinach, paired with a side of rice or naan, but it can also be a great vegan dip or side option, as well.

7. Lemon and Herb White Bean Dip

If you run out of chickpeas, this might be the most hummus-y dip available. Basically, just swap the chickpeas for cannellini beans, and you’ll have this dip, which is similarly mild and creamy, and incorporates all the same major ingredients: tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices. Feel free to make it your own by changing up the spices the same way you would your favorite hummus recipe. 

8. Baba Ganoush 

Baba ganoush and hummus have different flavor profiles, but this Lebanese dish is often served alongside hummus, and they go beautifully together. This eggplant dip is made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, and it’s perfect accompanied by toasted whole grain pita and crudites.

9. Black Bean Dip

This black bean dip is blended to a creamy texture, and mixed with onion, jalapeño, garlic, lime, tomatoes, and spices, including cumin and a pinch of unsweetened cocoa powder, which really just lends some depth. Fresh cilantro keeps the dip feeling herbaceous and fresh. This is everything we love about refried beans, but without the fried, greasy feeling. Pair with sliced jicama, stone ground corn chips, or your favorite Mexican recipes. 

10. Roasted Cauliflower Dip

This creamy roasted cauliflower dip is made with shallots, hazelnuts, smoked paprika, and crushed rosemary, garnished with a bit of olive oil and parsley. Perfectly paired with baked pita chips or fresh, crunchy vegetables, this is a simple, healthy dip.

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