This healthy roasted carrot dip is inspired by Ummak Huriyya, a Tunisian carrot salad combining carrots, onion, garlic, and a selection of spices and aromatics for a flavorful dip or spread. Plus, this carrot ‘pate’ is gluten-free, dairy-free, and 100% vegan!
Peel the carrots - if you have a "no peel" variety, you can skip this.
Spread the carrots, cinnamon, and onion and garlic (peel still on) across a parchment-lined baking tray, brush the carrots with a bit of oil, and then roast in the oven at 400ºF/200ºC for about 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots are beginning to become tender.For a super smooth carrot dip, I recommend reducing the heat to 350ºF/175ºC and roasting until the carrots are tender right to the middle, with slight shriveling and browning; this can take up to an hour. To reduce the baking time, chop the carrots into smaller 2-inch pieces, first, and then 30 minutes is usually enough.
Step 2: Blend the carrot dip
Remove the skin from the roasted onion and garlic.
Blend all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender until it reaches your desired consistency. You could even do this step by-hand with a fork or potato masher, especially if you want it to be slightly chunkier.
Give the mashed carrot salad/dip a taste and adjust any ingredients to personal preference: lemon juice, spices, salt & pepper, etc.
How to Store Roasted Carrot Dip
Fridge: store the roasted carrot dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.Freeze: though I haven’t tried freezing this healthy carrot dip before, I have previously frozen carrot puree with excellent results. For that reason, I recommend adding the dip in portions to an ice-cube tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a reusable airtight freeze back for up to two months.Allow the dip to thaw in the refrigerator, then give it a whisk to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
Notes
Add water if necessary: if you find the carrot dip a little too thick, then you can add in a bit of water to thin it to your desired consistency. Just note that this will reduce the shelf life and should be consumed within 1-2 days.
Experiment with flavors: once you have the base dip down, check out my list of optional add-ins and variations to get a little creative!