Recipes › Lima Bean Hummus with Toasted Cumin Oil

Lima Bean Hummus with Toasted Cumin Oil

A lighter, subtly sweeter alternative to chickpea hummus that's smooth, pale green, and absolutely addictive. Lima beans blend into a silkier texture than chickpeas and have a gentle, buttery flavor that works beautifully with tahini and lemon. Finished with a drizzle of cumin-infused oil, this is a crowd-pleasing dip that surprises everyone who asks what's in it.

15 min (10 min prep, 5 min cook)Serves 6easySnacksvegan · gluten-free · dairy-free

Ingredients

  • 2½ cups cooked lima beans, warm (from 2 15-oz cans, drained)
  • 3 tbsp tahini
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp ground cumin, divided
  • 3 tbsp ice water
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika, for garnish

Contains: sesame.

Method

  1. Blend lima beans, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp cumin, and salt in a food processor until roughly combined. Stream in ice water and blend for 3-4 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.About 8 min
  2. Taste and adjust salt and lemon. Transfer to a serving bowl, creating a shallow well in the center.About 3 min
  3. Heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add remaining 1/2 tsp cumin and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour over the hummus.About 2 min
  4. Dust with smoked paprika and serve with warm pita or crudités.About 1 min

Tips

  • Warm beans blend much smoother than cold ones — use them just out of the can.
  • Ice water, blended in for several minutes, creates an airy, silky texture.
  • Taste for acid — lima beans need more lemon than chickpeas.

Ring the changes

  • Add a handful of fresh mint or basil for a herbed version.
  • Stir in roasted garlic instead of raw for a milder, sweeter hummus.

Keeping it

Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and stir before serving.

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Tony C Smith
Tony C Smith

Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 4 April 2026.