- Add cooked chickpeas, chopped beetroot, roasted sesame seeds, garlic, lemon juice, cumin powder, and salt to a food processor.
- Blend until coarse, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Gradually add chickpea water and olive oil *while continuing to blend* until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, paprika, and cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve with vegetable sticks, pita bread, or crackers.
- Calories:120 kcal25%
- Energy:502 kJ22%
- Protein:4 g28%
- Carbohydrates:12 mg40%
- Sugar:3 mg8%
- Salt:150 g25%
- Fat:7 g20%
Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh
Beetroot Hummus Recipe – Easy Sesame & Chickpea Dip
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a vibrant, healthy, and totally delicious dip. And let me tell you, this Beetroot Hummus is a game-changer. I first made this for a little get-together with friends, and it disappeared in minutes! The gorgeous colour alone is enough to impress, but the flavour? Oh, the flavour! It’s earthy, creamy, and just a little bit different from your usual hummus.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beetroot hummus isn’t just pretty; it’s packed with goodness! It’s super easy to whip up – seriously, 15 minutes is all you need. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies. It’s perfect for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or even a colourful addition to your lunchbox. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant dip:
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (about 240g)
- 1 medium beetroot
- 2 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1 whole lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup chickpea water (aquafaba)
- Salt to taste
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.
- Beetroot: Don’t underestimate the power of beetroot! It’s not only beautiful, but it’s also a fantastic source of folate, fibre, and antioxidants. You can roast, boil, or even steam your beetroot – I prefer roasting for a more intense flavour.
- Roasted Sesame Seeds: These little seeds are key to the flavour. Roasting them brings out a nutty, toasty aroma that elevates the whole dip. Don’t skip this step!
- Chickpea Water (Aquafaba): This is the secret weapon for a super creamy hummus. Don’t pour it down the drain! It acts as an emulsifier and creates a wonderfully smooth texture. You can even reduce it slightly for a thicker consistency.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s so simple, you’ll be surprised.
- First, add the cooked chickpeas, chopped beetroot, roasted sesame seeds, garlic, lemon juice, cumin powder, and salt to a food processor.
- Now, blend it all up until it’s nice and coarse. Don’t be afraid to scrape down the sides a couple of times to make sure everything gets incorporated.
- Gradually add the chickpea water and olive oil while the food processor is running. Keep blending until it’s smooth and creamy – this might take a minute or two.
- Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. More salt? A squeeze more lemon? You do you!
- Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl.
- Finally, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a dash of paprika, some fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s all about making it look as good as it tastes!
Expert Tips
Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
- For an extra smooth hummus, peel the beetroot after cooking.
- Don’t be shy with the lemon juice – it really brightens up the flavour.
- If your hummus is too thick, add a little more chickpea water, one tablespoon at a time.
- If it’s too thin, add a few more chickpeas.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan, so you’re already good to go!
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Naturally gluten-free too! Just be mindful of what you serve it with (pita bread might contain gluten).
- Spice Level: My friend Priya loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Festival Adaptations: This is amazing as a snack during Holi – the colour is perfect! It’s also a great addition to any festive spread.
Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you’ve made the hummus… now what?
- Serve with vegetable sticks (carrots, cucumber, bell peppers) for a healthy snack.
- Warm pita bread is always a good idea.
- Crackers, tortilla chips, or even naan bread work beautifully.
- Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a flavourful boost.
Storage Instructions
Leftover hummus? Lucky you! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The colour might fade slightly over time, but it will still taste delicious.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Is this hummus better with raw or cooked beetroot? Cooked beetroot is definitely the way to go. It’s easier to digest and has a sweeter, more mellow flavour.
- Can I use tahini instead of sesame seeds? You can, but it will change the flavour profile. Tahini has a more distinct sesame flavour, while roasted sesame seeds offer a nuttier, more subtle taste.
- How can I adjust the consistency of the hummus? Add more chickpea water for a thinner consistency, or more chickpeas for a thicker one.
- What other vegetables can I add to this hummus? Roasted red peppers, spinach, or even sweet potato would be delicious additions!
- How long does beetroot hummus stay fresh? Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Enjoy! I really hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and what you think!