Beet Hummus

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beet Hummus is a fun and colorful spin on the traditional hummus. The roasted beet adds a sweet, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the chickpeas and tahini. The lemon juice gives it a zesty kick, while the tahini adds depth and richness. It’s quick to make, incredibly versatile, and works well as a snack, appetizer, or even a sandwich spread. The garnishes, like dukkah or roasted hazelnuts, add a crunchy texture and extra layer of flavor, making this dip even more irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-large beet, trimmed (or 1 medium-large store-bought cooked beet) – See Note 1
• 1 – 15 ounce can of chickpeas, liquid reserved. Rinse and drain the chickpeas
• ⅓ cup tahini
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ cup water or ¼ cup aquafaba (the chickpea water from the can)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Dukkah
• Roasted hazelnuts
• Black sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. If using a raw beet, trim the beet and roast or steam it until tender. To roast, wrap the beet in foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a fork can easily pierce it. Once cooked, peel the beet and cut it into chunks. If using a store-bought cooked beet, simply peel and chop it.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked beet, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Add the water or aquafaba to the mixture and blend until smooth. Add more liquid (water or aquafaba) if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
4. Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice if needed.
5. Transfer the beet hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with your choice of dukkah, roasted hazelnuts, or black sesame seeds.
6. Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crackers. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Total Time: 20-30 minutes (depending on beet cooking method)

Variations

• Roasted Garlic: Add roasted garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Simply roast a garlic bulb in the oven and blend a few cloves into the hummus.
• Spices: Spice it up with a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for added depth.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be blended into the hummus or sprinkled on top for extra freshness.
• Nut-Free Version: If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter for a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store Beet Hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: This hummus is best served cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm it slightly, microwave it for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beets instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned beets to save time. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before using them in the recipe.

2. Can I make this recipe without tahini?

Yes, you can omit tahini if you prefer. You can replace it with olive oil or a bit of yogurt to keep the hummus creamy.

3. How can I make this hummus spicier?

To add a spicy kick, you can blend in some cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a small chopped fresh chili pepper.

4. Can I freeze Beet Hummus?

Yes, Beet Hummus can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

5. What can I serve with Beet Hummus?

Beet Hummus pairs well with pita chips, fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, or crackers. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

6. Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice?

Yes, fresh lemon juice is always the best choice for flavor. It will give the hummus a brighter and fresher taste.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this hummus?

Yes, you can blend in other roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or even roasted red peppers to create a different flavor profile.

8. Can I make Beet Hummus without a food processor?

A food processor or high-speed blender works best to achieve the creamy consistency, but you can also use an immersion blender. Just make sure to finely chop the ingredients if you don’t have a food processor.

9. Can I make this hummus ahead of time?

Yes, Beet Hummus is a great make-ahead recipe. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and the flavors will continue to develop.

10. How do I make the hummus creamier?

If your hummus is too thick, add more water or aquafaba, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Beet Hummus is a fun and colorful twist on a classic favorite. The sweet and earthy beets combine perfectly with the creamy tahini and tangy lemon juice, creating a deliciously unique dip or spread. Whether you’re serving it for a party, as an appetizer, or as a healthy snack, this vibrant hummus will brighten up any dish. Plus, with the option to garnish with dukkah, roasted hazelnuts, or black sesame seeds, this hummus offers both flavor and texture that will keep everyone coming back for more.

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