Rainbow Carrots and Hummus

A vibrant platter of oven-roasted rainbow carrots served with a creamy, tahini-rich homemade hummus—a healthy, colorful snack or appetizer perfect for sharing. This dish combines the natural sweetness of caramelized carrots with a smooth, savory Mediterranean dip.

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Whether you are looking for a light Mediterranean appetizer or a nutritious vegan snack, this combination of textures and flavors is sure to satisfy. The oven-roasting process enhances the carrots' natural beauty and sweetness, creating a perfect pairing for the velvety hummus.

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 the carrots are tender and lightly caramelized, roast them at 425°F (220°C) and remember to turn them once halfway through the cooking time. Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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, you can add a pinch of chili flakes to the carrots before roasting.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish the platter with fresh chopped parsley and a dash of smoked paprika on the hummus. Serve alongside additional raw vegetables or warm pita bread for a complete variety of textures.

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This Rainbow Carrots and Hummus platter is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. It is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that is as nutritious as it is visually stunning.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes rainbow carrots special?

Rainbow carrots come in purple, orange, yellow, and white varieties. Each color offers slightly different flavor notes—from sweet to earthy—while creating a stunning visual presentation on the platter.

→ 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.

→ How do I get the smoothest hummus texture?

Blend the tahini and lemon juice first until creamy, then add chickpeas gradually. Adding cold water one tablespoon at a time helps achieve that velvety, restaurant-style consistency.

→ What other vegetables work well with this hummus?

The tahini hummus pairs beautifully with raw bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, radishes, or blanched green beans. It also complements roasted vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or beets.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Both components store well separately. Keep roasted carrots refrigerated for up to 4 days and hummus for up to a week. Reheat carrots gently in the oven to maintain their caramelized exterior.

→ Can I add extra toppings?

Try toasted sesame seeds, dukkah spice blend, pomegranate seeds, or fresh herbs like cilantro and dill. A drizzle of pomegranate molasses or extra tahini also adds lovely depth.