Carrot Hummus

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant twist on a classic favorite, carrot hummus is a must-try! This colorful and creamy dip combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the beloved texture and flavor of traditional hummus, offering a nutrient-packed, versatile treat you can enjoy any time. Carrot hummus is perfect for snacks, dips, and healthy meals, adding a burst of color and flavor to your table with ease. Ready to discover 5 simple and delicious ways to enjoy carrot hummus today? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and vibrant flavor: The natural sweetness of roasted or steamed carrots perfectly balances the savory hummus base for a unique taste.
• Great for all diets: This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with fiber, making it a healthy choice for nearly everyone.
• Easy to customize: You can easily tweak spices, herbs, or add-ins to suit your personal preferences or pantry staples.
• Perfectly portable snack: Carrot hummus makes a fantastic on-the-go dip or spread for lunchboxes and picnics.
• Eye-catching presentation: Its beautiful orange hue brightens any snack platter or meal, impressing guests and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for carrot hummus are simple but essential, each bringing its own special touch to the flavor, texture, and color. Fresh carrots provide sweetness and vibrant color, while classic hummus components round out the creaminess and depth. Here’s what you need:

• Carrots: Fresh and either roasted or steamed to bring out their natural sweetness and tenderness.
• Chickpeas (garbanzo beans): The protein-packed base of any hummus, adding creaminess and substance.
• Tahini: Adds a nutty richness that balances the sweetness of the carrots perfectly.
• Garlic: Provides a punch of savory flavor to keep every bite exciting.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity to elevate the dish.
• Olive oil: Smooths out the texture and adds a luscious mouthfeel.
• Salt and spices: Customize with cumin, paprika, or cayenne for warmth and complexity.

Variations for Carrot Hummus

One of the best parts about carrot hummus is how easily you can adapt the recipe to your mood, ingredients on hand, or dietary needs. Here are some tasty variations to inspire your next batch:

• Spicy carrot hummus: Add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
• Herbed carrot hummus: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to brighten the flavor profile.
• Roasted red pepper blend: Blend roasted red pepper with carrots for a smoky, sweet twist.
• Nutty carrot hummus: Swap tahini for almond or cashew butter for a different nut flavor.
• Low-fat carrot hummus: Reduce or omit the olive oil and tahini for a lighter version without losing texture.

How to Make Carrot Hummus

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Peel and chop about 3 large carrots into even pieces. Roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized, or steam until soft. Roasting deepens the sweetness and adds a subtle smoky flavor that makes the hummus stand out.

Step 2: Gather the Base Ingredients

Drain and rinse one can of chickpeas thoroughly. This helps remove excess salt and starch, ensuring a clean, smooth texture when blended.

Step 3: Blend Hummus Components

In a food processor, combine the roasted carrots, chickpeas, 3 tablespoons of tahini, 2 cloves of garlic, and the juice of half a lemon. Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Adjust Texture and Flavor

Slowly pour in 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil while blending to create creaminess. Add salt, cumin, and paprika to taste. If the hummus is too thick, add a bit of water or reserved chickpea liquid to reach desired consistency.

Step 5: Taste and Finish

Taste the carrot hummus and adjust seasoning as needed. More lemon juice adds brightness, more garlic intensifies the flavor, and spices can be altered to suit your palate. Serve immediately or chill to let flavors meld.

Pro Tips for Making Carrot Hummus

• Roast for more flavor: Roasting carrots instead of steaming adds a richer, sweeter taste that enhances the hummus.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend more evenly, yielding a smoother texture.
• Add water gradually: To avoid a watery dip, add reserved liquid or water one tablespoon at a time until perfect consistency is reached.
• Let it rest: Refrigerate hummus for at least an hour before serving to let flavors fully develop.
• Experiment with spices: Small amounts of smoked paprika, ground coriander, or even curry powder add exciting flavor layers.

How to Serve Carrot Hummus

Garnishes

Finish your carrot hummus with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro, and a pinch of smoked paprika or toasted sesame seeds. These simple touches add contrast in color and a burst of fresh aroma.

Side Dishes

Carrot hummus pairs beautifully with crisp veggie sticks like cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery. It also works great alongside warm pita bread, crackers, or as a spread on sandwiches and wraps for a flavorful boost.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve carrot hummus in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun twist or layer it with other colorful dips like beet or avocado hummus for a vibrant snack board. You can also drizzle flavored oils or sprinkle nuts for an upscale touch at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover carrot hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to bring back the creamy consistency if any separation occurs.

Freezing

Carrot hummus freezes well for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use and stir well before serving.

Reheating

This hummus is best served cold or at room temperature, but if desired, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving rather than microwaving to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

Is carrot hummus healthier than traditional hummus?

Carrot hummus incorporates the additional nutrients and natural sweetness of carrots while maintaining the fiber and protein benefits of chickpeas, making it a nutritious variation of classic hummus.

Can I use fresh carrots instead of roasted?

Yes, you can steam or boil carrots to soften them, but roasting enhances the natural sweetness and gives the best flavor for carrot hummus.

How long does carrot hummus last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, carrot hummus keeps fresh for about 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make carrot hummus without tahini?

Absolutely! You can substitute tahini with nut butters like almond or cashew butter, or simply omit it for a lighter version, though it will slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.

Is carrot hummus good for kids?

Yes, children often love the naturally sweet taste of carrot hummus, and it’s a great way to get extra veggies into their diet with a familiar and fun texture.

Final Thoughts

Carrot hummus is an exciting, colorful way to enjoy a healthy and tasty snack at any time. Whether you’re dipping veggies, spreading it on your favorite bread, or adding it to a vibrant meal, it’s a delicious recipe that’s simple to make and easy to customize. Give carrot hummus a try today – your taste buds and body will thank you!

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