Introduction
Holiday Hummus Trio with Beet, Basil and Classic Flavors is a festive celebration of color, creaminess, and comfort. This vibrant platter brings together three distinct hummus personalities—earthy beet, fresh basil, and timeless classic—swirled side by side like edible ornaments on your holiday table. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cozy winter evenings, or stress-free entertaining, this trio delivers bold flavor with nourishing simplicity. Each scoop feels generous, wholesome, and quietly joyful.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Hummus traces its roots to the Middle East, where chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon have long formed the foundation of everyday nourishment. Over centuries, hummus evolved from a humble staple into a global favorite, adapting effortlessly to regional tastes and seasonal ingredients. This holiday trio honors that tradition while embracing a modern, celebratory twist. By infusing beet and basil, the platter nods to Mediterranean creativity and festive abundance—proof that many cultures meet at the table, especially during moments of celebration.
Unique Ingredients and Flavors
What sets this hummus trio apart is contrast in both color and character. The classic hummus is rich and nutty, grounding the platter in tradition. The beet hummus introduces natural sweetness and a jewel-toned hue that feels tailor-made for Christmas. The basil hummus adds a green, herbaceous brightness—fresh, aromatic, and light. Together, they create balance: sweet, savory, earthy, and vibrant, all tied together with warm pita and a drizzle of olive oil.
Cooking Techniques
While there is no heat involved, technique still matters. Achieving silky hummus depends on careful blending, proper seasoning, and patience. Chickpeas should be blended long enough to become smooth and airy. Ingredients are added gradually to control texture and flavor. Each variation follows the same base method, allowing consistency while letting each flavor shine on its own.
Holiday Hummus Trio with Beet, Basil and Classic Flavors
Description
This Holiday Hummus Trio features three smooth, flavorful hummus variations served with pita bread for an easy, nourishing, and visually stunning appetizer.
Ingredients for Holiday Hummus Trio with Beet, Basil and Classic Flavors
Classic Hummus Base (used for all three variations)
Beet Hummus Variation
Basil Hummus Variation
Instructions
Preparing the Classic Hummus Base
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Blend the Core Ingredients
Add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin to a food processor. Blend until thick and mostly smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Blending for a full 2–3 minutes improves creaminess significantly. -
Adjust Texture
With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil followed by cold water one tablespoon at a time until the hummus becomes light and silky.
Colder water helps create a whipped texture. -
Divide the Base
Transfer the hummus into three equal portions.
Using a kitchen scale ensures even portions for consistent flavor.
Creating the Beet Hummus
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Blend with Beets
Add one portion of hummus back into the processor with diced beet and olive oil. Blend until completely smooth and vibrant.
Scrape the sides often to avoid streaks of unblended beet.
Creating the Basil Hummus
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Blend with Basil
Add another hummus portion to the processor with basil leaves and nuts. Blend until smooth and fragrant.
Pulse first, then blend to preserve basil color.
Preparing the Classic Hummus
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Finish the Plain Portion
Leave the remaining hummus plain, tasting and adjusting salt or lemon if needed.
Classic hummus should taste balanced and nutty, not sharp.
Assembling the Trio Platter
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Arrange and Swirl
Spoon each hummus into separate sections of a serving platter. Use the back of a spoon to create gentle swirls.
Shallow swoops hold olive oil beautifully. -
Final Touches
Drizzle each hummus with olive oil and garnish as desired. Serve with warm pita bread.
Warming pita slightly enhances the overall experience.
Note
- Roasted beets provide a deeper, less earthy flavor than boiled ones.
- For ultra-smooth hummus, remove chickpea skins before blending.
- Basil hummus pairs especially well with seeded crackers or flatbread.
- Chill hummus for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
- A pinch of smoked paprika adds subtle holiday warmth.
- This trio can be plated in bowls or merged artfully on a large platter.
- Hummus thickens slightly as it rests; loosen with water if needed.
- Garnish right before serving to keep herbs fresh and green.
