Carrot and Cumin Hummus

Carrot and Cumin Hummus Recipe

Hello! Let's prepare together a vibrant and colorful version of the classic Middle Eastern appetizer. This carrot hummus combines the natural sweetness of roasted or cooked vegetables with the earthy touch of cumin, achieving a perfect balance for your palate. It's a vegan, light, and absolutely delicious option to break from routine.

Preparation time

Organizing in the kitchen is key to enjoying the process. Here's the time breakdown so you know exactly how long it will take to have this ready dip so special.

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 15 minutes
• Total: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

To achieve that authentic flavor and that creamy texture we are looking for, it is essential to respect the quantities. The quality of the raw material will make your dish go from good to memorable. Here's everything you need.

• 200 grams of cooked chickpeas
• 2 medium carrots
• 15 milliliters of lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon of tahini (sesame paste)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 35 milliliters of extra virgin olive oil
• 50 milliliters of water

If you don't have an ingredient on hand, don't worry, home cooking allows for some flexibility. If you find it difficult to find tahini, although it is the soul of the sesame flavor, you can try to substitute it with an extra drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a teaspoon of natural peanut butter, although the flavor profile will change slightly. In case you don't have garlic powder, a small garlic clove without the central germ will work wonderfully, just make sure to crush it very well. If you are looking for a more traditional base to compare, you can always check how to make a homemade hummus classic and you will notice the difference that the carrot brings.

Utensils we will use

We don't need sophisticated equipment for this recipe, but we do need basic tools that make the task of processing and cooking easier.

• Medium pot or saucepan (for cooking the carrots)
• Vegetable peeler
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Colander or strainer
• Food processor, blender or powerful hand mixer
• Silicone spatula (or kitchen «tongue»)
• Bowl for reserving ingredients

Preparation

It's time to cook. Follow these steps carefully to achieve a perfect emulsion and integrated flavor. You'll see that it's a very intuitive process.

1. Cooking the vegetable base

   Start by washing the carrots under the tap to remove any remaining dirt. With the peeler, remove the thin outer skin. Cut them into medium slices (approx. 1-2 cm) to facilitate cooking. Put them in a pot with boiling water and a pinch of salt. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes or until, when pricked with a fork, you notice them very tender, almost falling apart. Drain them and let them cool down a bit, but not completely (the heat helps to blend better).

2. Legume preparation

   While the carrots are resting, take the cooked chickpeas. If they are canned, pour them into a colander and wash them very well under cold running water until the white foam disappears. Drain vigorously to remove excess water. If you have leftover chickpeas from the can, they are excellent for preparing a chickpea and cucumber salad for dinner.

3. Processing and flavor blending

   In the cup of your blender or food processor, first add the cooked and warm carrots. Add the drained chickpeas, the tablespoon of tahini, the lemon juice, the garlic powder, the cumin, sweet paprika, salt and black pepper. Pour in the 35 milliliters of extra virgin olive oil.

4. Blending and texture adjustment

   Turn on the blender at medium speed. At first you will see a lumpy and thick paste. Stop the machine, scrape down the sides with the spatula and blend again. Now, with the machine running if possible, or little by little, add the 50 milliliters of water. Do it slowly; you might need a little less or a little more depending on the moisture content of your carrots. Look for a texture creamy, silky and uniform, without visible chunks.

To finish and serve

Once the desired consistency is achieved, taste the mixture. It's time to rectify: Does it lack punch? Add an extra pinch of salt or cumin. Do you want it fresher? A few extra drops of lemon. Transfer the carrot hummus to a nice bowl or a deep plate. With the back of a spoon, make some spiral grooves on the surface. Drizzle a generous stream of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle some paprika or sesame seeds for decoration. Serve immediately. It's spectacular accompanied by warm pita bread or, if you prefer something fresher, some cucumber rolls with hummus and mint that complement this dish very well.

Nutritional Information

Here are the estimated values so you know what you are providing your body with this appetizer healthy and full of energy.

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Proteins: 6 g
• Fats: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g

Note: Daily percentage values are based on a 2000-calorie diet and are approximate estimates per serving.

5 keys to make it perfect

Even in recipes as simple as this one, there are small details that make the difference between a normal purée and an exquisite delicacy. Here I share my secrets.

1. The temperature of the carrot

Don't wait for the carrots to cool completely. By processing them when they are still warm, their fibers are more relaxed and emulsify better with the oil and tahini, creating a much smoother and airier texture without the need to add excess fat.

2. The blending order

If your blender is not very powerful, first blend the chickpeas with the lemon and tahini until a paste is formed, and then add the carrot. This ensures that the chickpea skin breaks down well before mixing with the carrot fiber.

3. Acidity adjustment

Carrots provide a lot of sweetness. To counteract this and prevent the dish from being cloying, don't skimp on the lemon juice. The sweet-sour balance is what makes this dip addictive.

4. The quality of Tahini

Make sure to stir the tahini jar well before using it. Sesame oil tends to separate and rise to the top, leaving a hard paste at the bottom. You need a homogeneous mixture to provide creaminess. If you like to try variations of sesame-based spreads or similar, baba ganoush is another classic you'll love.

5. Boost the spices

If you have time, lightly toast the cumin in a dry pan before adding it (if you use whole seeds and grind them yourself, even better). The heat awakens the essential oils of the spice and the aroma will multiply in the final result.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This carrot hummus it is incredibly versatile and adapts to a multitude of situations in our daily lives. Being gluten-free (as long as you choose the right bread to accompany it) and vegan, it is the perfect wildcard for gatherings where there are guests with different dietary restrictions.

It's fantastic for a weekend snack on the terrace or as part of an appetizer table at a family celebration. Its vibrant orange color brightens any presentation. Furthermore, it works very well as an easy snack easy for children, as dipping breadsticks or vegetables is fun for them and they are eating legumes and vegetables without realizing it. You can also use it as a base for different breakfast toasts, perhaps alternating with some hummus and tomato toasts to have variety during the week.

Comparison table

Sometimes we get confused among so many vegetable pâté options. Here I help you distinguish this dish from other popular alternatives so you can choose the best option for today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. Did you dare to try it with roasted carrot instead of boiled? Did you add a spicy touch? I'd love to know how it turned out for you and if it was a hit at your table. Leave your comment and share your own tricks to enrich our community!

Culinary glossary

So you don't miss any step, here I clarify some terms we've used today:

• Tahini: Paste made 100% from ground sesame seeds. It is a fatty and dense ingredient, fundamental in Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Emulsify: To mix two liquids that normally do not combine (like water and oil) to create a homogeneous and creamy mixture, usually by beating vigorously.
• Al dente: In this case we are not looking for it; here we want the carrots «very well done», but the term refers to when a food is cooked but retains some firmness when bitten.
• To dip: Informal action of dipping a solid food (bread, crudités) into a thick sauce or cream.
• EVOO: Acronym for Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the highest quality fat obtained from olives, essential for the final raw flavor.

I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your cookbook, just as it is in mine. Enjoy!

Carrot and Cumin Hummus

Carrot And Cumin Hummus: creamy and very smooth step-by-step recipe. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: International

Keywords: hummus, carrot, cumin, international, desserts, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 180 kcal

Preparation Time: PT15M

Cooking Time: PT20M

Total Time: PT35M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 500 g fresh medium carrots
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water (as needed)
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Toasted almonds for garnish

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: :

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: :

Total: 35 minutes

Servings: :

Servings: 4-6 units

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Easy

Prepare the carrots: :

Prepare the carrots: Wash and peel the carrots carefully, cut them into small pieces and set aside.

Steam cook: :

Steaming: Place the carrots in a steamer for 15-20 minutes until tender, avoiding the loss of essential nutrients.

Blend the mixture: :

Blend the mixture: Add the cooked carrots to the food processor or blender along with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Process until a creamy texture is obtained, adjusting the consistency with water if necessary.

Adjust flavor and serve: :

Correct flavor and present: Taste and adjust seasonings, adding paprika or turmeric for additional intensity. Decorate with parsley and toasted almonds to enhance the presentation.

Serve with style::

Serve with style: Place in a bowl and serve with whole wheat pita bread, crudités or crackers to enjoy at any gathering.

Editor's Rating:
4.4