This creamy black bean hummus has a real zip from fresh lemon and garlic, and a perfectly creamy texture. Dip your favorite chips into this sesame free dip and enjoy!
If you have a sesame allergy, you know that hummus is a food that’s a big no-no. Tahini, or sesame paste, is a primary ingredient in hummus. It gives hummus that super creamy consistency that makes it so delicious.
When we discovered my son had a sesame allergy, I tried to make hummus without tahini. I just eliminated it and used a bit of extra lemon and olive oil. It didn’t work out! The dip was too dry, and it was totally missing that creamy texture.
Since my first efforts were not so great, I just decided I would have to go without this favorite dip. But then I remembered a cookbook that I used a lot when I was first married. It was called Desperation Entertaining, and it had tons of easy and tasty recipes inside.
I remembered making a black bean dip from that book many years ago – a black bean hummus that used peanut butter and cilantro, and it was delicious.
I found the book, looked up the recipe for black bean hummus, and decided to adapt it a bit. This new version uses sunbutter, and it’s absolutely wonderful. Creamy, delicious, and full of fresh flavor from lemon juice, garlic, and cilantro.
If you aren’t crazy about sunbutter, you might wonder if you can taste a lot of it in this recipe. I don’t find it to be an overpowering flavor at all. With the combination of fresh cilantro, garlic, and lemon juice, the sunbutter is just a background note.
The main thing it brings to this recipe is just the right amount of creaminess.
Can I use something other than sunbutter in this recipe?
Yes, I think you could use any seed or nut butter that works for your dietary needs.
Can I use garbanzo beans instead of black beans?
I don’t think garbanzo beans are the best choice for this dip, because they are a bit dry compared to black beans. If you would like to use a different bean, try white beans like navy beans or cannellini beans.
Can I leave the cilantro out?
Yes, if you don’t like cilantro, you can use parsley instead or just leave it out entirely. Use more garlic or lemon if you like.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Recipe
Black Bean Hummus (Sesame Free).
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup densely packed fresh cilantro
- 15 ounces canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 Tablespoons creamy sunbutter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ½ Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a food processor and process on high speed. Stop the processor once or twice and scrape down the sides.
- Continue processing until smooth and creamy.
- Place the hummus in a bowl and garnish with more cilantro if desired.
- Serve with chips or crackers for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
This is the perfect recipe to serve at your next party or gathering. If you’ve been missing hummus, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try!
This post was originally published in June 2016. It has been updated.
suely irish
Thank you so much for always sharing wonderful recipes.That helps a mom with a allergy girl so much! You do sure ,make my life my easer!!!Thank you so much!!!
Kelly Roenicke
You’re welcome! I’m so glad I can help! Thanks for reading!
Teresa
I just wanted to thank you for this food blog. It has been so tremendously helpful. Our son is allergic to dairy, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts, with many other sensitivities ( garlic, sesame, sunflower seeds and others). We are vegan (were vegetarian before we found out about the allergies). Like you, we don’t allow anything he is allergic to in the house. If we can’t eat it, we have no desire to. Its hard changing the way you are used to eating, but its getting easier. Again, your blog has been such a godsend for us. Thank you!
Kelly
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so glad that this blog has been so helpful! I know how tough it is to deal with food allergies. :)
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
What a fun twist on regular hummus! Love the touch of cilantro in here too…delish!
Rachel @ Delicious Balance
Such a great idea to use sunbutter! Your photos are beautiful!
Kelly
Thank you, Rachel!
Kristy from Southern In Law
I loveee anything with black beans so this looks perfect! Best of all? You’d never even know it was an allergy friendly option!
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen
This hummus looks delicious, Kelly! I will have to try using sunbutter in my hummus- what a good idea! I love that you used black beans in this!
Kelly
Thanks, Kristine!
Julia Mueller
I’ve never tried black bean hummus and have no clue why I never thought to whip some up prior to this post! Ingenious! Inspiring! I’d have a difficult time without tahini – I seriously spoon-feed myself the stuff on occasion, so I feel ya on the sesame thing. Can’t wait to try this super tasty recipe!