Fermented Macadamia Hummus

When my friend Nick Norwitz asked me to come up with a fermented macadamia recipe, I was immediately on board. I love a good challenge in the kitchen, and this one turned out so well that I knew I had to share it. I knew macadamia nuts work really well in hummus, so it was a no brainer!

This hummus is creamy, slightly tangy, and incredibly easy to make. Soaked macadamia nuts have a texture surprisingly close to chickpeas, but without the carbs or anti-nutrients that can make legumes harder to digest. Plus, they’re packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, making this a great option for anyone following a healthy Mediterranean-style diet. Whether you pair it with crunchy veggies, keto crackers, or toasted low-carb bread, this is one dip you’ll want to keep on hand.

Ingredients and Swaps

This fermented macadamia hummus comes together with just a handful of ingredients, each playing an important role in flavor and texture.

Macadamia Nuts: The base of this recipe, giving it a creamy, buttery texture. Soaking them softens them for blending and helps with digestion.
Kefir Starter: Kickstarts the fermentation process, adding gut-friendly probiotics and a subtle tangy taste.
Tahini: Adds richness and depth while keeping the hummus smooth and creamy.
Garlic: For that classic hummus flavor. Use one large clove or two smaller ones.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and enhances the tanginess of fermentation.
Sea Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
Sumac and/or Cumin: Essential for an authentic hummus taste, adding warmth and a hint of citrusy spice.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Drizzled on top for richness and added healthy fats.

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Can I make this without dairy or kefir?

Yes! Instead of kefir starter, you can use 2 tablespoons of dairy-free kefir grains, or 2 probiotic capsules with live active cultures.

What other seasonings work well?

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, while za’atar brings a blend of thyme, sesame, and sumac for extra depth. If you like a bit of spice, black pepper or chili flakes are great options.

Can I use a different nut or seed?

I’d love to say yes, but nothing comes quite as close as macadamia nuts. They have the perfect balance of creaminess and mild flavor that makes this hummus work so well. Cashews could be used, but they’re much higher in carbs, making them less ideal for a low-carb or keto diet. Sunflower seeds are another alternative if you need a nut-free option, though the texture and taste will be noticeably different. Or you could use this Roasted Zucchini Hummus or Buffalo Cauliflower Hummus which only include tahini.

Tips for Best Results

A few simple tricks will help you get the best texture and flavor out of this hummus.

Soak the macadamias long enough. At least 3 hours is ideal, but overnight is even better for a smoother consistency. The soaking liquid will have fat floating on top – that is normal.
Don’t stress about getting it super smooth. Before fermenting, the mixture may still have tiny bits of macadamias. That’s totally fine! The final blending step will make it creamier.
Adjust the water as needed. Macadamias need more liquid than chickpeas to blend smoothly. You may need up to 1 cup (240 ml) in total to get the right consistency.
Use a quality kefir starter or probiotics. This ensures proper fermentation and the best tangy flavor. If using probiotic capsules, make sure they contain live active cultures.
Taste and adjust before serving. After fermenting and blending, add more salt, lemon juice, or garlic if needed. A little extra olive oil can also help smooth it out.

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Why This Fermented Macadamia Hummus is So Good For You

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts contain more healthy monounsaturated fat than olive oil and are one of the richest sources of omega-7 fat, palmitoleic acid, which may help improve insulin sensitivity and support metabolic health. Want to learn more about macadamia nuts? Check out this post!

Love macadamias? I’ve been a huge fan of House of Macadamia keto bars, roasted macadamias, chocolate-dipped macadamias, and a wide range of macadamia butters! There’s even more to explore, so make sure to check them out. Use code KDA15, or click this link to get 15% off at checkout.

Kefir Starter

Lactic acid, produced by lactic acid bacteria during fermentation, can activate the receptor GPR81 on immune cells, helping to reduce inflammation in the colon. Here’s a deep dive into the myriad benefits of fermented foods

If you don’t have kefir starter cultures, you can use:

2 tablespoons of dairy or vegan kefir grains
2 capsules of your favorite probiotics (make sure they contain live active cultures)
4 tablespoons of whey (the liquid from plain Greek yogurt)

Tahini

Sesame seeds and tahini naturally contain lignan antioxidants, which help protect polyunsaturated fats from oxidation. Some research suggests that tahini and sesame products may also help boost the body’s production of ketones. For more information, check out Nick’s video!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Oleuropein, a natural compound found in olive leaves, has been shown to improve muscle metabolism by increasing the activity of transporters that help move calcium into mitochondria. This process helps activate mitochondrial metabolism, and in aged mice, oleuropein has even been linked to increased muscle mass and endurance. Just make sure you get the right type of olive oil!

Serving Suggestions

This fermented macadamia hummus is just as versatile as traditional hummus. It’s perfect as a dip, spread, or even a flavorful addition to your meals. Serve it with fresh crunchy veggies, keto crackers, or toasted low-carb bread for a satisfying snack. You can also use it as a base for bowls, wraps, or even as a creamy dressing for salads.

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy it, try pairing it with these recipes:

1 days, 23 hours, 45 minutes

Hands-on 15 minutes Overall 2 days

Serving size ¹/₄ cup, 60 g/ 2.1 oz

Allergy information for Fermented Macadamia Hummus

✔ Gluten free

✔ Dairy free

✔ Egg free

✔ Nightshade free

✔ Pork free

✔ Avocado free

✔ Coconut free

✔ Fish free

✔ Shellfish free

✔ Beef free

Pescatarian

Vegetarian

Vegan

Nutritional values (per ¹/₄ cup, 60 g/ 2.1 oz)

Net carbs3.2 grams

Protein3.6 grams

Fat30.6 grams

Calories296 kcal

Calories from carbs 4%, protein 5%, fat 91%

Total carbs6.4 gramsFiber3.3 gramsSugars1.5 gramsSaturated fat4.7 gramsSodium99 mg(4% RDA)Magnesium47 mg(12% RDA)Potassium147 mg(7% EMR)

Ingredients (makes about 3 ¹/₄ cups)

Instructions

Place the macadamias in a bowl and add enough cold filtered water to completely cover them. Soak for at least 3 hours, or overnight. The soaking liquid will have fat floating on top – that is normal. Drain and rinse the nuts before using. Note: Use this link to get 15% off raw macadamia nuts.
Add the macadamias to a food processor along with ¹/₂ cup (120 ml) of filtered lukewarm water. Blend until it forms a pale paste.
Add the kefir starter (or your chosen alternative: kefir grains, probiotics, or whey) and blend again until fully combined. The mixture may still have tiny bits of macadamia at this stage – that’s completely fine.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover it with cling film, and let it ferment at room temperature for about 48 hours, or up to 72 hours. When ready, it will have a slight sour smell and taste.
Return the fermented macadamia paste to the food processor. Add the tahini, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and sea salt.
Blend until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, gradually add ¹/₄ to ¹/₂ cup (60 to 120 ml) more filtered water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with sumac and/or ground cumin.
Serve with crunchy vegetables, keto crackers, or toasted low-carb bread. Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 10 days.

Total per ¹/₄ cup, 60 g/ 2.1 oz
3.2 g	3.6 g	30.6 g	296 kcal
Macadamia nuts (unsalted)
1.6 g	2.4 g	23.4 g	222 kcal
Water, still
0 g	0 g	0 g	0 kcal
Probiotic starter cultures
0 g	0 g	0 g	0 kcal
Seeds, sesame butter, tahini, from raw and stone ground kernels
1 g	1.1 g	3 g	35 kcal
Garlic, fresh
0.1 g	0 g	0 g	1 kcal
Lemon juice, fresh
0.3 g	0 g	0 g	1 kcal
Salt, sea salt
0 g	0 g	0 g	0 kcal
Olive oil, extra virgin
0 g	0 g	4.2 g	37 kcal
Sumac, ground, spices
0 g	0 g	0 g	0 kcal
Cumin, ground
0 g	0 g	0 g	0 kcal

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