Whole Roasted Carrots with Hummus – Perfect for Christmas!

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If you’re looking to elevate your Christmas table with a festive and elegant dish, look no further than Whole Roasted Carrots with Hummus with Pomegranate, Parsley, and Tahini Sauce. This beautiful dish bursts with vibrant colors and bold flavors, making it a standout on any holiday spread. Not only does it look stunning with the bright orange carrots, ruby-red pomegranate seeds, and green parsley, but it also brings together a delicious combination of textures and tastes that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Perfect for those following a plant-based lifestyle, this dish offers a healthy and satisfying option for Christmas dinner. The sweetness of the roasted carrots pairs beautifully with the creamy hummus, while the tangy pomegranate seeds, and smooth tahini sauce add layers of flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a festive side or a centerpiece for your vegan guests, this recipe will be the talk of the table.

Why You Will Love This Whole Roasted Carrots with Hummus Recipe

• Visually stunning: The bright orange carrots, green parsley, and red pomegranate seeds create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the perfect holiday dish to make your Christmas table pop.
• Rich flavors: Roasting the carrots brings out their natural sweetness, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy hummus, and tangy pomegranate seeds.
• Healthy and nourishing: Packed with plant-based nutrients, this recipe is a wholesome addition to any meal. Carrots are rich in vitamins, while the hummus and tahini sauce provide healthy fats and protein.
• Simple yet elegant: Despite its gourmet presentation, this dish is easy to make. Roasting the carrots is straightforward, and the hummus and tahini can be prepared or sourced ahead of time, making it stress-free for holiday cooking.
• Vegan and gluten-free: This recipe is perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone at your holiday table can enjoy it.

Notes about the Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish so special.

• Carrots: Use fresh, whole carrots for this recipe. Baby carrots work beautifully too. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, which is the star of this dish. Organic carrots are ideal for the best flavor and nutrition.
• Hummus: You can use store-bought hummus or make your own at home. Homemade hummus gives you control over the texture and seasoning. A classic hummus with garlic, lemon, and tahini complements the sweetness of the carrots.
• Tahini Sauce: The tahini sauce ties everything together with its rich, nutty flavor. You can find the full tahini sauce recipe on my blog here, or use store-bought. This sauce is made from simple ingredients like tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, and water, creating a creamy drizzle that’s essential for this dish.
• Pomegranate Seeds: These jewels add a burst of sweetness and a festive red color. They balance the richness of the tahini sauce and add a juicy texture to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a refreshing, herby element that brightens the dish and makes it pop with color.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Whole Roasted Carrots with Hummus Recipe

• Roast the carrots to perfection: Make sure your carrots are evenly coated in olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper before roasting. The seasoning adds warmth and depth to the dish. Keep an eye on the carrots while they roast – they should be caramelized and tender but still slightly firm.
• Use high-quality hummus: If you’re making homemade hummus, use fresh ingredients like good-quality tahini, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought hummus works well too. Just make sure it has a smooth, creamy texture to complement the roasted carrots.
• Serve warm or at room temperature: Roasted carrots are best served warm, but they also taste great at room temperature, making this dish easy to prepare in advance. You can roast the carrots ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving.
• Drizzle the tahini sauce just before serving: For the best presentation, drizzle the tahini sauce over the carrots just before serving. This ensures the sauce stays fresh and vibrant and doesn’t soak into the hummus too soon.
• Garnish with a flourish: Don’t skimp on the garnishes. The pomegranate seeds, and parsley, not only add flavor but also make the dish look festive and impressive on your holiday table.

Vegan Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Whole Roasted Carrot with Hummus dish can be served in a variety of ways, making it versatile for any Christmas meal.

• As a main course: Serve this dish as a light vegan main course, paired with a hearty grain like quinoa or farro and a side salad of leafy greens with a lemon vinaigrette.
• As a side dish: This recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of other dishes. Try serving it alongside a hearty lentil loaf, vegan stuffed mushrooms, or a festive roasted vegetable medley for a complete holiday feast.
• With bread: Serve with warm pita bread or crusty sourdough to scoop up the hummus and enjoy all the flavors together.
• With a fresh citrus salad: A bright and refreshing citrus salad with oranges, fennel, and avocado makes a perfect pairing to balance the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (though they may be rare!), here’s how to store them:

• Carrots: Store the roasted carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm to retain their texture.
• Hummus: Hummus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Stir it before serving to restore its creamy consistency.
• Tahini Sauce: The tahini sauce will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge. If it thickens, you can thin it out with a little water or lemon juice before using.
• Assemble fresh: It’s best to assemble the dish just before serving to keep the textures fresh. Store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions about Whole Roasted Carrots with Hummus

1. Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Yes, baby carrots work wonderfully in this recipe. They’ll roast a little faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

2. What type of hummus should I use?
You can use any type of hummus you prefer. Traditional hummus is a great choice, but feel free to experiment with roasted red pepper hummus or lemon-infused varieties for extra flavor.

3. How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Roast the carrots and prepare the hummus and tahini sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and assemble the dish just before serving for the best presentation.

Essential Equipment for Whole Roasted Carrots with Hummus

• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is key to roasting the carrots evenly and achieving that perfect caramelization.
• Blender or food processor: If you’re making hummus and tahini sauce from scratch, you’ll need a good blender or food processor to get that smooth, creamy texture.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need bowls for tossing the carrots with the seasoning and preparing the tahini sauce.
• Serving platter: A large serving platter works best for assembling and presenting this dish.

This Whole Roasted Carrots with Hummus recipe is a perfect addition to your Christmas table, combining vibrant colors, rich flavors, and healthy ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a festive vegan feast or looking for a standout side dish, this recipe will delight your guests with its stunning presentation and delicious taste. Roasted to perfection and topped with tahini, pomegranate, and parsley, these carrots are guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t forget to check out the tahini sauce recipe on my blog for that final touch of creaminess!

Happy holidays, and enjoy this festive and flavorful dish!

MORE CARROT RECIPES:

• Easy Creamy Carrot Soup
• Refreshing Raw Carrot Salad
• Oven Roasted Carrots
• Vegan Carrot Cake Balls