Pin it This vibrant Carrot Ginger Dip brings together the natural sweetness of roasted carrots with the warm kick of fresh ginger, creating a creamy, nutritious appetizer that's as beautiful as it is delicious. The roasting process intensifies the carrots' flavor while giving them a lovely caramelized edge, perfectly balanced by tangy lemon juice, nutty tahini, and aromatic cumin. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply looking for a healthy snack, this dip offers a colorful twist on traditional spreads that will have your guests reaching for seconds.
Pin it The beauty of this Carrot Ginger Dip lies in its simplicity and its ability to transform humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The tahini provides a creamy, velvety base that binds the roasted vegetables together, while the honey or maple syrup adds just a touch of sweetness that complements the earthy carrots. It's a recipe that proves healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 500 g carrots, peeled and cut into chunks; 1 small garlic clove, peeled; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- Pantry: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 2 tablespoons tahini; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Garnish (optional): Fresh cilantro, chopped; Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the carrot chunks and garlic clove with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast the vegetables
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized. Let cool slightly.
- Blend the dip
- In a food processor, combine roasted carrots, garlic, ginger, tahini, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, drizzling in the remaining olive oil. Add a splash of water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Season and serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Transfer to a bowl. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds if desired. Serve with fresh vegetables, pita chips, or crackers.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the smoothest texture, make sure your carrots are completely tender before blending—they should easily pierce with a fork. If you prefer a dip with more texture, pulse the mixture instead of running the food processor continuously. When adding water to adjust consistency, do so one tablespoon at a time to avoid making the dip too thin. The dip actually benefits from resting for an hour or two in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Substitute tahini with Greek yogurt for a lighter version (not dairy-free). You can also roast the carrots with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor. If you're not a fan of tahini, almond butter or sunflower seed butter make excellent alternatives that still provide creaminess.
Serviervorschläge
This Carrot Ginger Dip is excellent with crudités like carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, bell pepper slices, and radishes. It also works beautifully as a sandwich spread, adding vibrant color and flavor to wraps and burgers. Try serving it alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus and baba ganoush.
Pin it This Carrot Ginger Dip is more than just a party appetizer—it's a celebration of simple ingredients transformed through the magic of roasting and thoughtful seasoning. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that will keep you coming back for just one more bite. Whether you're serving it at your next gathering or enjoying it as a healthy afternoon snack, this dip is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does this dip keep in the refrigerator?
This dip stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop and meld together after a day or two, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
- → Can I make this dip without a food processor?
While a food processor yields the smoothest results, you can use a blender or immersion blender. Alternatively, mash the roasted carrots thoroughly with a fork before mixing with other ingredients for a chunkier texture.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This dip is ideal for meal prep as it actually tastes better after the flavors have time to meld. Prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it refrigerated until ready to serve.
- → What can I substitute for tahini?
You can replace tahini with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version, or use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives. Each substitution will slightly alter the flavor profile.
- → How can I make this dip spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the blender. You can also include a small amount of fresh grated ginger or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level to your preference.
- → Can I use raw carrots instead of roasted?
While you can use raw carrots, roasting them first develops their natural sweetness and creates a much creamier texture. The roasting process adds depth of flavor that raw carrots cannot provide.