Save to Pinterest Last Tuesday, I stood in my kitchen staring at a bag of purple, orange, and yellow carrots I'd impulsively grabbed at the farmers market. The roasting pan was already warm from the oven, and something about those jewel tones just made me want to create something that looked as good as it tasted.
I brought this platter to a friends backyard dinner last month, and honestly, seeing everyone reach for it first was the best compliment. Theres something about the way the colors pop against the beige hummus that makes the whole table light up.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rainbow carrots: The purple ones will surprise you with how earthy and sweet they become when roasted
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Dont be shy here, this helps those edges get golden and caramelized
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Just enough to make the natural sweetness sing
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: A little warmth to balance the sugars
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Optional, but it adds this beautiful smoky undertone
- 1 can chickpeas: Rinse them really well or your hummus will taste like the can
- 1/4 cup tahini: The good stuff makes all the difference here
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil: This is what gives the hummus that luxurious finish
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Bright and essential, dont skip this
- 1 clove garlic: One is plenty, you dont want it overpowering everything else
- 2–3 tbsp cold water: The secret to achieving that cloud-like texture
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, trust me, cleanup will thank you later.
- Coat those carrots:
- Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin until every piece is glistening, then arrange them in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.
- Let them roast:
- Pop them in for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until theyre tender and have those gorgeous browned edges.
- Make the magic happen:
- While carrots roast, blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt until completely smooth.
- Find your perfect texture:
- Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until the hummus reaches that creamy, dreamy consistency you love.
- Taste and adjust:
- Takes just a second, but tasting now means you can add more lemon or salt before serving.
- Plate it beautifully:
- Spread the hummus in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika, then arrange those roasted carrots alongside.
Save to Pinterest My sister took one bite of these carrots and looked at me like Id been hiding a secret from her my entire life. Now she requests this every time she comes over.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I'll add a pinch of cinnamon to the carrots along with the cumin, especially when I'm craving something a little warmer and more aromatic. The way it plays off the tahini is unexpected but absolutely beautiful.
The Hummus Secret
I learned this the hard way, but your tahini needs to be really well stirred before measuring. The solids settle at the bottom, and if you dont mix it thoroughly, your hummus will turn out bitter and disappointingly thick.
Serving Suggestions
This platter works as a light lunch, an appetizer, or even a side dish. The key is serving the hummus at room temperature while the carrots are still slightly warm from the oven.
- Keep some pita bread warm in the oven until the last minute
- A drizzle of good honey over the carrots creates the most incredible sweet and salty moment
- Fresh mint leaves tucked between the carrots add a bright, herbal finish
Save to Pinterest Theres something so satisfying about putting out a platter that looks this vibrant and knowing it tastes even better than it looks.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I prepare the hummus ahead of time?
Yes, the hummus can be made up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → What other vegetables work well with this hummus?
Cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, radishes, and cherry tomatoes all pair beautifully with this tahini hummus. You can also serve it alongside warm pita bread or crackers for added variety.
- → How do I know when the carrots are done roasting?
The carrots are ready when they're easily pierced with a fork and have developed light golden-brown caramelization spots. This typically takes 25-30 minutes at 425°F.
- → Can I use regular orange carrots instead of rainbow ones?
Absolutely! Regular orange carrots work perfectly fine. Rainbow carrots add visual appeal, but the flavor profile remains similar regardless of the carrot variety you choose.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
The components can be prepped separately and stored for up to four days. Keep the roasted carrots and hummus in separate containers, then reheat the carrots gently before serving.
- → What can I use if I don't have a food processor?
You can use a high-speed blender or immersion blender to make the hummus. Alternatively, mash the chickpeas by hand for a chunkier, rustic-style dip, though the texture will be less smooth.