Meta Description: This roasted carrot harissa hummus is a delicious, healthy, and flavorful twist on a classic. Learn how to make this easy recipe with a sweet and savory flavor and a satisfying crunch.
I still remember the first time I made homemade hummus. I was a bit skeptical. The idea of a dip made from chickpeas and a few simple ingredients sounded… well, a little bland. But I was looking for a healthy, easy, and satisfying snack that didn’t require me to get out of bed a half-hour early. I decided to throw caution to the wind and see what happened. I blended a can of chickpeas with a few simple ingredients, a little bit of a secret ingredient for a spicy kick. The result was an absolute revelation. The hummus was so light and fluffy, and the rich, nutty flavor was a perfect combination. It was a complete game-changer, and it became my go-to for a quick, healthy, and delicious snack.
This roasted carrot harissa hummus recipe is my ode to that perfect meal. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its rich, savory flavor. The process is straightforward, but the result is something that tastes complex and special. It’s the perfect answer for a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or a complete vegetarian main course. The combination of tender roasted carrots, a rich, spicy harissa, and a few key finishing touches that bring it all together creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply divine.
Beyond being a delicious treat, this roasted carrot hummus is the perfect dish for a special occasion. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at a backyard barbecue, a picnic, or a cozy weekend gathering. It is also a fantastic way to get a serving of fresh, seasonal vegetables in. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a complete beginner, this recipe is a wonderful way to challenge yourself and create something truly spectacular. Let’s get ready to make some hummus that is not just delicious, but also a beautiful, warm, and comforting experience.
✅ Ingredients for a Flavorful Dip
Creating this delicious roasted carrot harissa hummus requires a few key, high-quality ingredients. The final result is a combination of a variety of vegetables and a rich, sweet and savory sauce.
For the Roasted Carrots
- Carrots: 1 pound, peeled and chopped
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
For the Hummus
- Canned Chickpeas: 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained
- Roasted Carrots: 1 pound, cooked
- Tahini: 1/4 cup
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Harissa Paste: 1 tablespoon, or more to taste
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced
- Water: 2 tablespoons, or as needed
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Optional Toppings
- A drizzle of olive oil
- A sprinkle of smoked paprika
- A few toasted chickpeas
- Fresh parsley or cilantro: chopped
⏰ Total Time and Equipment
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
You’ll need:
- A large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- A food processor or a high-powered blender
- A spatula or spoon for mixing
- A sharp knife and cutting board
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this roasted carrot harissa hummus is a process, but each step is simple and worth the effort.
- Roast the Carrots: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the carrots on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and have a beautiful char. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Hummus: In a food processor or a high-powered blender, combine the rinsed and drained chickpeas, roasted carrots, tahini, lemon juice, harissa paste, minced garlic, and salt.
- Blend to Perfection: Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth. If the hummus is too thick, add a little bit of water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the hummus in a bowl. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and a few toasted chickpeas or fresh herbs. Serve with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, or a few crackers. Enjoy your incredible roasted carrot hummus!
🌟 Pro Tips and Delicious Variations
This roasted carrot harissa hummus is a wonderful canvas for your own creativity.
- Add a Protein Boost: To make this a more substantial meal, add some cooked, shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or a can of chickpeas to the hummus. For a plant-based protein, add a can of drained and rinsed white beans to the mix.
- Make It Spicy: For a spicier version, add a few extra teaspoons of harissa paste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha for a little extra kick.
- Different Veggies: You can easily add other vegetables to this hummus. Roasted bell peppers, chopped onions, or a handful of spinach would all be delicious.
- Cheese Swaps: While cheddar and feta are a classic choice, you can also use a different cheese. A combination of a few different cheeses would be delicious. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese on top would also be wonderful.
- Make it a Meal: If you’re short on time, you can turn this into a meal. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish without cooking the potatoes first. It’s less work but just as delicious.
❓ Answering Your Questions
- Why do I need to roast the carrots? Roasting the carrots serves two important purposes. First, it cooks the carrots until they are tender and sweet, removing the spongy, slightly bitter texture they can have when raw. Second, it adds a beautiful, charred flavor that you can’t get from a steamed product. This step is a non-negotiable for a perfect roasted carrot harissa hummus.
- Can I use a different kind of bean? Yes, you can! You can use a different kind of bean like a white bean or a black bean. The flavor and texture will be different, but still delicious!
- What’s the best way to get a smooth, non-gritty hummus? The key is to use a high-powered food processor or a blender. You can also add a little bit of a water or a little bit of a neutral oil to the hummus to get a smoother, fluffier texture.
- What if my hummus is too thick or too thin? If your hummus is too thick, simply blend in a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a little bit of a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water) and whisk it in until it thickens up.
- Can I use a different kind of honey? Yes! While a regular honey is a great choice, you can use a different kind of honey like a wildflower honey or a buckwheat honey for a different flavor profile.
📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1/4 cup) |
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. For personalized dietary advice, please consult a qualified health professional.
🍽️ Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This roasted carrot harissa hummus is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions.
- A Simple Side: Serve it alongside a grilled chicken breast, a pan-seared salmon fillet, or a hearty lentil soup.
- With Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of delicious sauce.
- A Drink to Match: A cold beer, a crisp hard cider, or even a glass of sweet iced tea would be perfect pairings.
✨ The Joy of a Simple, Homemade Treat
There’s something truly special about a homemade baked good. This roasted carrot harissa hummus recipe is a perfect example of that. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a complicated recipe or a difficult technique to create something truly magical. The simple act of mixing, shaping, and baking a batch of hummus is a meditative process that fills your home with an incredible aroma and your heart with a sense of accomplishment.
This recipe is also a wonderful way to bring a little bit of the sunshine to your dinner table. It’s a dish that celebrates fresh flavors and simple cooking, and it’s a reliable go-to that will become a new favorite in your home. It’s the kind of meal that will earn you compliments and will make you feel good about what you’re eating. So, go on, give it a try. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with this vibrant, flavor-packed hummus. What are your favorite hummus flavors?
