Carrot Hummus: A Colorful Root Veggie Riff on the Classic

Carrot hummus - classic hummus gets a vibrant upgrade with sweet, steamed carrots. An easy, colorful root-veggie twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dip.

Why this Carrot Hummus Recipe Works

• Quick & easy - simply blend everything in a food processor or blender until smooth. Homemade hummus in minutes.
• The carrots - add subtle sweetness, extra nutrition, and a vibrant pop of color to classic hummus.
• Extra creamy - using nearly equal parts tahini and chickpeas creates a hummus that’s ultra-smooth and creamy.

What is Hummus

Hummus is a traditional Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt. The word hummus literally means chickpeas in Arabic.

In this carrot hummus variation, sweet steamed carrots are blended into the classic hummus recipe, adding natural sweetness, extra nutrition, and a vibrant pop of color.

How to Make this Carrot Hummus Recipe

• Blend the base: Place the chickpeas, carrots, tahini, lemon, garlic, salt, and spices in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
• Add the olive oil: With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the hummus becomes creamy and silky.
• Taste and adjust: Season with additional salt as needed. Homemade hummus in minutes.
• Add toppings (optional): Garnish with chickpeas, nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, spices, or a drizzle of olive oil.

This vibrant hummus works beautifully with every color of the carrot rainbow - red, orange, yellow, white, and purple. Flavor-wise, the differences between carrot varieties are very subtle, with some slightly sweeter and others a bit earthier. If you're curious about the different varieties, check out my guide to rainbow carrots.

Carrot hummus is a beautiful canvas for toppings. A drizzle of olive oil, crunchy chickpeas, toasted nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, or colorful vegetables all add texture and flavor. Mix and match toppings depending on what you have on hand.

Cooks Tips

• Quality matters. Use the best tahini you can find.
• For smoother hummus, peel the chickpea skins off. For an even silkier texture, start with dried chickpeas instead of canned.
• Get creative with toppings - try chickpeas, nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, spices, a drizzle of olive oil and more.
• Hummus thickens in the fridge. Stir in 1 tablespoon of cold water at a time to loosen it back to your preferred consistency.
• Leftover hummus keeps in the refrigerator for about 1 week.

Vibrant Hummus Variations

Think of this as your hummus playground - there are endless colorful ways to riff on classic hummus.

• Beet Hummus - a vibrant, earthy roasted beet hummus that’s marvelously magenta.
• Black Hummus - a dramatic hummus made with black tahini for a richer, nuttier, more intense flavor.
• Butternut Squash Hummus - roasted squash adds a seasonal sweet-and-savory twist to classic hummus.
• Loaded Hummus - a playful riff on the classic American 7-layer dip… hummus style.
• Hummus with Spiced Lamb - a popular Middle Eastern dish that turns hummus into a hearty appetizer or full meal.

If you're looking for the perfect hummus topping - these crispy chickpeas were made for every bowl.

Or try my green tahini for a brighter, zestier, herbaceous twist on the classic Middle Eastern tahini sauce, my whipped feta for a creamy, tangy, party-perfect Mediterranean dip, or my muhammara - a sweet, sour, smoky, spicy roasted red pepper and walnut dip.

Colorful Carrot Recipes

If you’re looking for more carrot inspiration, check out these rainbow carrots and colorful carrot recipes. 

• Shaved Carrot Tart - a bright cumin spiced  savory carrot ricotta tart.
• Roasted Carrots recipe - roasted on high heat until deeply caramelized.
• Roasted Carrot Tart - savory carrot puff pastry with tangy goat cheese, creamy ricotta, spinach and fresh herbs. 
• Shaved Carrot Tart - a bright cumin spiced  savory carrot ricotta tart.
• Spring Pea & Carrot Salad - crunchy fresh veggies, garlicky homemade croutons, tangy feta and herbaceous pesto create a salad full of spring flavor. 

If ya try this recipe, I'd love to hear about it - leave a comment below and let me know, and tag me on IG, @danielagerson, so I can see too.

Keep exploring for more seasonal recipes and colorful produce guides designed to inspire ya to play in the kitchen.

Let’s make waves in the kitchen.