I fully admit that until a couple of years ago, beets were my nemesis food. Hated the suckers! But then, on a whim, I tried roasting them – and learned they’re bad. Not bad at all. In fact, they can be 100% incredible! Roasted beets are tender to the bite and taste absolutely delicious. They’re great straight out of the oven, or marinated, or – yep – made into hummus!
Plus, they’re pretty – especially when you blend a couple roasted beets in with a little basic hummus for this Roasted Beet Hummus. Vibrant, hot pink veggie/cracker dip? I’m in.
It’s so easy to make. You take a couple of beets, roast them until tender, then puree them with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon – all that hummus-y good stuff. Super easy, super scarlet. Equally perfect with pitas or peas.
So basically, this tastes like your typical delicious garlicky hummus, but with a little bit of earthy beetiness. I promise, it’s good stuff.
2medium beets(about 1 pound total, greens removed and scrubbed clean)
115-ounce can garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas) drained, but reserve the liquid
1/3cuptahini
2medium cloves garlic
3tablespoonslemon juice
1/2teaspooncumin
1/2teaspoonkosher salt plus more to taste(I usually use about 1 teaspoon total)
Olive oil for drizzling on top(if desired)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place each beet on a square of foil and wrap well. Set on a small baking sheet and bake until easily pierced with a fork, 20-30 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit until cool enough to handle. Using your hands, slip off the outer layer of beet, or use a carrot peeler. Cut into quarters and add to the pitcher of a blender along with the garbanzo beans, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Pulse until pureed, adding bean liquid as needed to get things moving, and puree until completely smooth.
Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil if desired. Serve with pitas and/or veggies.