Pin it My friend Sarah brought these to a summer potluck last year, and I couldn't stop eating them. The carrots came out of the oven looking like jewels—purple, orange, yellow—and that smoky hummus made everything disappear in fifteen minutes flat. Now they're my go-to when I want something that looks impressive but takes zero effort.
Last week my neighbor texted at 4pm asking to bring something to dinner. I threw these together in the time it took her to drive over. She's texted me three times since asking for the recipe, mostly because her kids fought over the last carrot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rainbow carrots: The mix of colors makes this feel special and each variety has a slightly different sweetness
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the carrots caramelize and get those gorgeous browned edges
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Just enough to bring out the natural flavors without overwhelming
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that balances the sweet carrots
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Optional but I love how it plays against the tahini in the hummus
- 1 can chickpeas: Rinse them really well to get that smooth creamy texture
- 1/4 cup tahini: Don't skip this or use the cheap stuff—good tahini makes all the difference
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Makes the hummus luxurious and silky
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Fresh is absolutely essential here
- 1 clove garlic: One is perfect unless you love garlic then go for two
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: That gorgeous red garnish that adds a smoky finish
Instructions
- Get the oven going:
- Preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup later.
- Prep your carrots:
- Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin until evenly coated, then spread them out in one crowded layer.
- Roast until sweet:
- Let them cook for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until they're tender and have those golden brown spots.
- Make the magic happen:
- Blend chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt until completely smooth.
- Get the texture right:
- Add cold water one tablespoon at a time while the processor runs until it's fluffy and perfect.
- Taste and adjust:
- Don't skip this—sometimes it needs more salt or a squeeze more lemon.
- Make it pretty:
- Swirl the hummus onto a plate, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bring it all together:
- Arrange the roasted carrots alongside, garnish with parsley, and watch them disappear.
Pin it My partner who swore they hated hummus tried this at a party and went back for thirds. Sometimes the simplest dishes win people over when they're made with care.
Making It Your Own
I've started adding a pinch of cinnamon to the carrots sometimes—that warm spice plays beautifully with their natural sweetness. A friend of mine tops everything with dukkah and now I'm obsessed with the crunch it brings.
Serving Smart
These work for everything from casual weeknight snacks to fancy dinner parties. I've served them alongside grilled fish, as part of a mezze spread, and just eaten them standing at the counter.
Storage And Make Ahead
The hummus actually benefits from sitting overnight, so feel free to make it a day ahead. Store the roasted carrots separately and reheat them at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that roasted flavor.
- Wrap leftover carrots tightly and they'll keep for three days
- The hummus freezes surprisingly well for up to a month
- Bring everything to room temperature before serving for the best flavor
Pin it There's something deeply satisfying about serving food this colorful and having people actually get excited about vegetables. Plus, the leftovers make the best lunch.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the carrots up to 2 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. The hummus keeps well for 4-5 days when refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring both to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- → What can I serve with the carrots and hummus?
This platter pairs well with warm pita bread, raw vegetable sticks like cucumber and bell peppers, or olives for a complete Mediterranean spread. You can also add crumbled feta or fresh herbs for extra variety.
- → Can I use regular orange carrots instead?
Absolutely. Regular orange carrots work perfectly and taste just as delicious. The rainbow variety mainly adds visual appeal with their different colors, but the roasting method and cooking time remain the same.
- → How do I get the smoothest hummus texture?
Blend the tahini and lemon juice first for about a minute before adding other ingredients. This helps create an ultra-smooth base. Adding cold water gradually while blending also creates a lighter, creamier texture.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
This dish is excellent for meal prep. Both components reheat well—the carrots can be warmed briefly in the oven or enjoyed cold. The hummus actually develops more flavor after sitting for a day or two in the refrigerator.