Rainbow Carrots and Hummus

Bring a burst of color and nutrition to your table with this vibrant Rainbow Carrots and Hummus platter. Featuring tender, oven-roasted carrots and a velvety, homemade tahini dip, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, making it a perfect healthy appetizer or snack for sharing.

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Roasting the carrots enhances their natural sweetness, creating a delightful caramelization that pairs beautifully with the rich, earthy flavors of garlic and cumin in the creamy hummus base.

Ingredients

• For the Roasted Rainbow Carrots
• 1 lb (450 g) rainbow carrots, peeled and trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Tahini Hummus
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) tahini
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 2–3 tbsp cold water (as needed)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Toss the rainbow carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin (if using). Arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3

Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the carrots are tender and lightly caramelized.

Step 4

Meanwhile, prepare the hummus: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding cold water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5

Taste the hummus and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6

Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika.

Step 7

Arrange the roasted carrots on a platter, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve alongside the hummus.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the creamiest hummus, ensure you blend the mixture for several minutes, adding cold water slowly until the texture is perfectly smooth. When roasting the carrots, ensure they are not overcrowded on the baking sheet to achieve a nice golden-brown caramelization rather than steaming.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Try adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or dukkah on top of the carrots for extra crunch. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the carrots before roasting or include a dash of hot sauce in the hummus.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the roasted carrots warm or at room temperature alongside the hummus. For a more substantial platter, serve with additional raw vegetable sticks or warm pita bread for dipping.

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This Rainbow Carrots and Hummus dish is a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce. It is simple to prepare yet sophisticated enough for any occasion, offering a healthy and flavorful snack that everyone can enjoy.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes rainbow carrots special?

Rainbow carrots come in purple, orange, yellow, and white varieties, each offering slightly different flavor profiles from sweet to earthy. They also contain varying antioxidants—purple carrots are rich in anthocyanins while orange ones are packed with beta-carotene.

→ Can I make the hummus ahead of time?

Absolutely. The hummus actually develops better flavor after resting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Store it in an airtight container and bring to room temperature before serving. Drizzle fresh olive oil and add paprika just before plating.

→ How do I achieve extra smooth hummus?

For the silkiest texture, peel the chickpeas by gently rubbing them between your fingers—the skins will slip right off. Also, blending the tahini and lemon juice thoroughly before adding chickpeas helps create a creamier base. Adding ice-cold water while blending aerates the mixture for lightness.

→ What other seasonings work well with roasted carrots?

Beyond cumin, try warming spices like coriander, smoked paprika, or Za'atar. Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary add aromatic depth. A honey or maple syrup glaze in the last few minutes of roasting creates a lovely caramelized finish.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, both components store beautifully. Keep roasted carrots and hummus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat carrots at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore tenderness, or enjoy them cold—their flavor remains delicious either way.

→ What can I serve alongside this platter?

Warm pita bread, naan, or crackers provide perfect vessels for scooping hummus. Additional raw vegetables like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or cherry tomatoes complement the roasted carrots. Olives, pickled vegetables, or feta cheese make nice Mediterranean accompaniments.