Description
This Roasted Carrot Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer or snack made by roasting carrots along with aromatic spices, garlic, and onions. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, combined with smoky paprika, ginger, and a bright lemon juice finish. It’s perfect as a spread on bread, a dip for vegetables, or a unique accompaniment to your meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds carrots
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 onions
- 9 garlic cloves
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 Tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or hot smoked paprika for heat)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon (juiced, about 3 Tbsp)
- 1 oz parsley
Instructions
- Peel and Prepare Carrots: Peel the carrots unless using a no-peel variety, then cut into smaller 2-inch pieces if you prefer to reduce roasting time.
- Roast Vegetables: Spread the carrots, cinnamon stick, whole unpeeled onions, and garlic cloves on a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush the carrots with olive oil. Roast in a preheated oven at 400ºF (200ºC) for 15-20 minutes until carrots start to become tender. For a smoother dip, reduce oven temperature to 350ºF (175ºC) and roast for up to an hour until carrots are tender and slightly browned.
- Remove Skins: Peel the skins off the roasted onions and garlic cloves once cool enough to handle.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted carrots, peeled onions and garlic, cinnamon stick, olive oil, grated ginger, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and parsley. Blend until smooth or to your desired texture. Alternatively, mash by hand for a chunkier texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dip and adjust seasoning by adding more lemon juice, spices, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
- Store the Dip: Transfer the roasted carrot dip into an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-5 days or freeze in portions by placing into ice cube trays, freezing until solid, and then storing the cubes in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator and whisk before serving to regain creaminess.
Notes
- Roasting the carrots longer at a lower temperature produces a creamier, smoother texture with deeper flavor.
- Chopping carrots into smaller pieces helps reduce roasting time effectively.
- Keep garlic and onion skins on while roasting to soften and mellow their flavor; peel after roasting.
- You can vary the level of heat by adjusting the amount and type of smoked paprika used.
- Freezing the dip in ice cube trays allows you to easily thaw single portions as needed.
- This dip pairs well with bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-60 minutes (depending on roasting method and carrot chop size)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
