Save Brighten up your table with this vibrant platter of oven-roasted rainbow carrots and creamy homemade hummus. This Mediterranean-inspired dish features sweet, caramelized carrots served alongside a rich, tahini-based dip, making it a perfect healthy appetizer or colorful snack for any occasion.
Save Simple yet sophisticated, this pairing relies on the quality of its ingredients. The earthiness of the cumin-roasted carrots balances perfectly with the smooth, zesty notes of the hummus, providing a satisfying crunch and a velvety finish in every bite.
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
To ensure even cooking and perfect caramelization, make sure to flip the carrots halfway through the roasting time. When making the hummus, using cold water is the secret to achieving a lighter and fluffier texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra crunch, try adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or dukkah on top of the finished carrots. If you prefer a bit of heat, toss the carrots with a pinch of chili flakes before placing them in the oven.
Serviervorschläge
While this platter is wonderful on its own, you can serve it with additional raw vegetables or warm pita bread for a more substantial appetizer spread.
Save Whether served as a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing party snack, these rainbow carrots with hummus offer a healthy, delicious, and aesthetically pleasing way to enjoy fresh produce. Enjoy the natural sweetness and creamy richness of this easy-to-make Mediterranean delight.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes rainbow carrots special?
Rainbow carrots bring vibrant colors and slightly varied flavors to your platter. Orange carrots are sweet, purple varieties tend to be earthier, yellow carrots offer mild sweetness, and white varieties provide a subtle, delicate taste that together create visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- → How do I get the smoothest hummus texture?
Blend your tahini and lemon juice first until creamy before adding chickpeas. Use cold water to achieve desired consistency, and blend longer than you think necessary—for at least 3-4 minutes—until completely smooth and velvety.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead?
Absolutely. The hummus can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Carrots can be prepped and seasoned a day ahead, then roasted just before serving for best texture and warmth.
- → What temperature yields the best roasted carrots?
Roasting at 425°F (220°C) creates tender, caramelized carrots with slightly crisp edges. This high temperature encourages natural sugars to develop while maintaining a satisfying bite.
- → What garnishes enhance this platter?
Toasted sesame seeds, dukkah spice blend, or fresh herbs like parsley and mint add wonderful texture and flavor. A drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin over the hummus creates an appealing finish.
- → Is this suitable for dietary restrictions?
This platter is naturally vegan and gluten-free when served without pita bread. It provides plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber while accommodating multiple dietary preferences.