Carrot Ginger Creamy Dip (Print Version)

Smooth blend of roasted carrots and ginger with tahini and spices, perfect as a healthy appetizer.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1.1 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
02 - 1 small garlic clove, peeled
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

→ Pantry

04 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
05 - 2 tablespoons tahini
06 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
07 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
08 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
09 - ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
10 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

11 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
12 - Sesame seeds

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven to 400°F and prepare for roasting.
02 - Toss carrots and garlic with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt, then spread evenly on a baking sheet.
03 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until carrots are tender and lightly caramelized. Allow to cool slightly.
04 - In a food processor, add roasted carrots, garlic, ginger, tahini, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, cumin, salt, and pepper.
05 - Process until smooth, gradually drizzling in the remaining olive oil. Add water as needed to adjust consistency.
06 - Taste the dip and modify salt or spices as preferred.
07 - Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds if desired, and accompany with fresh vegetables, pita chips, or crackers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's naturally vegan and gluten-free without tasting like it's missing anything.
  • The roasted carrots give you sweetness without added sugar, while ginger brings a subtle warmth that makes people ask what the secret ingredient is.
  • You can make it ahead and it actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to get cozy together.
02 -
  • Don't skip the roasting step by trying to blend raw carrots—roasting concentrates their sweetness and makes the whole dip richer and more sophisticated.
  • The dip thickens as it cools, so if you're serving it cold, keep it slightly looser than you think it should be when warm.
03 -
  • Buy carrots from a farmers market if you can—they're sweeter and roast with more personality than supermarket ones.
  • Toast a pinch of extra cumin seeds in a dry pan before crushing them on top; it adds a layer of warmth that makes people pause mid-dip and wonder what just happened.
Return