Spicy Roasted Carrot Dip Recipe
This Spicy Roasted Carrot Dip is a vibrant and flavorful spread made by roasting sweet carrots and blending them with yogurt, garlic, harissa paste, and toasted pine nuts. A perfect appetizer or snack, it offers a delightful balance of smoky sweetness and a spicy kick, ideal for serving with pita chips or fresh veggies.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (serves 6 as a dip) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Carrots and Seasoning
- 1 lb carrots, cut into ½ inch coins
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Dip Ingredients
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon harissa paste
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons water
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400° F to prepare for roasting the carrots, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth.
- Prepare the Carrots: Toss the carrot coins with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half of the kosher salt, and the ground black pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread them out evenly to ensure uniform roasting.
- Roast the Carrots: Roast the carrots for about 25 minutes until they are golden brown on the edges and tender when pierced with a knife, indicating they are cooked through and flavorful.
- Process the Garlic: In a food processor, pulse the garlic until finely chopped to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the dip.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the roasted carrots, yogurt, remaining kosher salt, harissa paste, and toasted pine nuts to the food processor. Pulse to finely chop and begin forming the dip.
- Finalize the Dip Texture: While the food processor runs, slowly stream in the remaining olive oil and all of the water. Scrape down the bowl as needed and continue processing until the dip reaches a uniform consistency slightly thicker than hummus.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley if desired, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve with pita chips, vegetable sticks, or your preferred dipping snacks.
Notes
- Harissa paste adds a spicy depth to the dip; start with one teaspoon to avoid overwhelming heat and adjust according to your tolerance.
- Roasting the carrots until golden brown is key to unlocking their natural sweetness and enhancing the flavor profile of the dip.
- Toasted pine nuts add a lovely nuttiness and crunch that complement the creamy texture of the dip.
- For a vegan version, substitute the plain yogurt with a plant-based alternative such as coconut or almond yogurt.
Keywords: spicy carrot dip, roasted carrot dip, Middle Eastern dip, harissa dip, carrot spread, yogurt dip, healthy appetizer