Roasted Carrot Chickpea Hummus with Tahini

ROASTED CARROT HUMMUS INGREDIENTS

• Carrots & Garlic are the base of this recipe. Both are seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, turmeric, and smoked paprika before being quickly roasted on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are the main ingredient in any hummus recipe (unless you are making my lentil hummus – which has no chickpeas). I always used canned chickpeas when making homemade hummus because it’s super quick and convenient – plus I always have them in my kitchen because canned beans are one of my healthy pantry staples.
• Tahini is a sesame seed butter (kind of like peanut butter but made with sesame seeds). It has a nutty, earthy flavor that pairs well with roasted carrots. If you don’t have any tahini on hand, you can substitute almond butter or peanut butter in a pinch – no one will know!
• Fresh lemon juice lifts the flavor and adds a bright vibrancy to this otherwise sweet, earthy hummus.
• Spices like turmeric and smoked paprika and depth and warmth without adding any spiciness.
• Extra virgin olive oil adds just a kiss of rich, fruity flavor.

Health Tip: I love finishing this hummus recipe by adding a few tablespoons of ice-cold water right at the end. This serves two purposes: 1. It helps the hummus to have a nice, light, creamy texture. 2. It allows me to cut back on excessive oil which results in a lighter hummus recipe that is also lower in fat.

HOW TO MAKE ROASTED CARROT HUMMUS

1. Roast carrots and garlic. Toss the carrots and garlic with olive oil and spread them into an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Let the carrots and garlic cool before removing the peel from the garlic.

2. Blend the hummus. Add the roasted carrots, garlic, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, turmeric, and salt into a food processor. Blend for about 30 seconds pulsing back and forth until everything is well blended.

3. Add ice-cold water and blend again until light, fluffy and creamy. Adjust the seasonings and enjoy.

4. Serve with sweet or savory toppings. I love to top this carrot hummus with cinnamon and local honey if I want a sweet hummus. If I’m in the mood for savory, I top this carrot hummus with extra virgin olive oil and an extra sprinkle of smoked paprika.

How To Serve Carrot Hummus

There are so many ways to use hummus! It’s a delicious spread, dip and healthy snack – here are some fun ways to enjoy it:

• Schmear your hummus over your favorite sandwich. Try layering some of your favorite vegetables on some whole-grain bread topped with this delicious hummus. It also tastes great with veggie burgers.
• Dollop it onto your favorite veggie or grain bowl. If you’ve never tried a Buddha Bowl before, this may be your sign to give it a go!
• Dip it with fresh crackers or whole-grain pita bread. Or better yet, pull out your fresh crudites from your fridge staples and enjoy crunchy cauliflower, carrots, celery, etc., dipped in hummus.
• Create a super high-protein snack by serving it with grilled chicken or crispy baked tofu. My kids love this when they come home from school – simple and so satisfying.