Looking for a tasty and unique snack for your Easter celebration? Try making Carrot Hummus Cups!
Carrot hummus is a delightful, creamy spread made from roasted carrots, garlic, tahini, and spices. It sits inside a crunchy pie crust cup, creating an inviting and fun treat.
This healthy, gluten-free option is perfect for guests who appreciate snacks that are both delicious and nutritious.
To make these Carrot Hummus Cups, start by baking your pie crust into small cups. Fill them with the flavorful carrot hummus, which is smooth and rich.
Top each cup with baby carrots, adding a colorful and playful touch.
They're an attractive and appetizing addition to your holiday table, especially for kids who will enjoy the bright and friendly presentation.
The combination of flavors and textures makes these Carrot Hummus Cups stand out. You'll love how easy they are to prepare while offering a healthy snack that fits various dietary needs.
Table of Contents
The Basics of Carrot Hummus
Carrot hummus is a tasty and colorful twist on traditional hummus. It combines the earthiness of carrots with the classic flavors of tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
This section will guide you through essential ingredients, the kitchen tools you'll need, and some variations to try.
Essential Ingredients
When making carrot hummus, carrots are the star. You'll need about 1 pound, peeled and cut into sticks.
The garlic adds a savory kick, while olive oil ensures the hummus is smooth.
Tahini gives it that classic hummus taste, and lemon juice adds a fresh zing.
Spices like cumin and ground coriander enhance the flavor, and a touch of honey balances the taste.
Don't forget a pinch of salt and black pepper for seasoning. A handful of fresh cilantro can be mixed in for a burst of color and flavor.
Required Kitchen Equipment
To make carrot hummus, you'll need a few basic tools.
A food processor is essential for blending the ingredients until smooth.
You’ll use a baking tray to roast the carrots and garlic, and a cookie cutter to shape the pie crust.
You'll also need a mini muffin tin for baking the pie crust cups. A basting brush, to apply the egg wash, is helpful as well.
Having these tools ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.
Hummus Variations
Carrot hummus can be customized in many ways to suit your taste.
You might try adding roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor or swap tahini for almond butter if you're not a fan of the traditional taste.
For a zesty kick, sprinkle some chili flakes on top.
If you prefer a nutty taste, toasted almonds can be blended into the hummus or used as a garnish.
These variations allow you to enjoy carrot hummus in different, exciting ways, perfect for any occasion.
Preparation Techniques
When making Carrot Hummus Cups, focus on roasting carrots, blending the ingredients to perfection, and adjusting the flavors to suit your taste.
Roasting Carrots
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place your peeled and cut carrots on a baking tray along with garlic cloves.
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Roasting the carrots and garlic enhances their natural sweetness and gives the hummus a richer flavor.
Keep the carrots in the oven until they are tender, about 15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth texture in your hummus later on.
Blending Ingredients
Use a food processor for this step.
Add the roasted carrots and garlic, along with cumin, ground coriander, and honey. Include black pepper, salt, tahini, and fresh lemon juice.
Pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Blend everything on high speed for 2-3 minutes. The mixture should become smooth and creamy.
Make sure to check and scrape down the sides of the food processor to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Adjusting Flavors
Taste the hummus after blending. You can fine-tune flavors here.
If you like it spicier, add more black pepper. For more sweetness, add extra honey.
Fresh lemon juice can bring out tanginess, and a bit more salt can enhance all flavors.
Fresh cilantro adds a little freshness and color. Stir in a handful at this stage, but if you're not a fan, feel free to leave it out or substitute with another herb like parsley.
Adjusting the seasoning helps match your personal taste preferences.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers
Seasoning adds depth to your Carrot Hummus Cups, making them both delicious and exciting. Spices and acids elevate the flavors by enhancing the natural sweetness of carrots and balancing other ingredients.
The Role of Spices
Spices are vital in creating flavorful Carrot Hummus Cups. They enhance the taste without overpowering the natural sweetness of carrots.
Cumin and ground coriander provide an earthy and warm flavor. These spices work well with carrots and add a touch of complexity.
Black pepper adds a slight kick, bringing out the roasted flavor of the carrots.
Smoked paprika can be used as an option to introduce a subtle smoky taste. Together, these spices enrich your hummus, making each bite more satisfying.
Creating Balance with Acids
Acids play an important role in balancing flavors in your hummus.
Lemon juice offers a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of tahini and olive oil. It also helps to brighten the flavors, making the hummus taste lively.
Cider vinegar is another acidic option that can add a gentle tanginess.
These acids prevent the hummus from tasting flat and ensure that every ingredient shines.
Acids make the hummus more exciting and satisfying, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Serving and Presentation
Carrot Hummus Cups offer a delightful crunch paired with creamy hummus, perfect for your next party. Attention to dipping choices and garnishing can enhance their appeal even more.
Dipping and Pairings
Serve these cups as appetizers, ensuring they are both tasty and versatile.
Surround them with a variety of dippable items like fresh vegetable sticks — think bell peppers, celery, and cucumbers.
Pita chips or crispy breadsticks can complement the creamy texture of the carrot hummus nicely.
For a contrasting flavor, consider offering cheese cubes or sunflower seeds around the platter.
Their savory and nutty flavors balance out the sweetness of the carrots. Plus, these items are great for adding extra crunch and boosting protein.
Garnishing for Visual Appeal
To make the Carrot Hummus Cups eye-catching, use simple garnishes that boost visual appeal.
Sprinkle a few sesame seeds or a dash of coriander on top for a burst of flavor and color.
A drizzle of olive oil adds shine and richness to each cup.
Use small baby carrots or fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of green.
These bright colors give the display a fresh and festive look. Align the cups on a pretty platter, and you'll have an inviting dish ready to impress your guests.
RECIPE: Carrot Hummus Cups
Ingredients
Pie Crust Cups:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Carrot Hummus:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Handful of chopped cilantro
Garnish:
- Baby carrots or carrot sticks
Instructions
Bake the Edible Cups:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out your pie crust on a floured surface.
- Cut out circles using a 3-4 inch cookie cutter.
- Press circles into a mini muffin tin to form cups.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden color.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes and let cool.
Make the Carrot Hummus:
- Set carrots and garlic on a baking tray, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Roast until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Blend roasted veggies, remaining olive oil, cumin, coriander, honey, pepper, salt, tahini, lemon juice, and cilantro in a food processor.
- Chill in the fridge until needed.
Assemble the Cups:
- Fill each cooled cup with carrot hummus.
- Insert a few baby carrots or sticks to make them look like they're sprouting.
- Arrange on a tray and you're ready for a festive snack!
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Carrot hummus offers several health benefits and is a nutritious choice for snack time.
Calories and Macronutrients:
Carrot hummus is an energy-packed snack. A serving of about one cup contains approximately 395 calories. It also includes 12 grams of protein, 19 grams of fat, and 48 grams of carbohydrates.
Ingredients and Health Benefits:
- Carrots are rich in vitamins A and K, contributing to better vision and skin health.
- Olive oil provides healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Tahini, made from sesame seeds, adds protein and healthy fats.
- Turmeric and cumin add a flavorful twist and anti-inflammatory properties.
Diet-Friendly Snack:
Carrot hummus is also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Its components are primarily plant-based, suitable for vegetarian diets.
How to Enjoy:
Serve carrot hummus in edible pie crust cups for a fun presentation, especially during special occasions like Easter. Add carrot sticks as garnish for extra crunch and nutrition. This snack is not only delicious but also supports a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carrot Hummus Cups are a tasty and creative snack that combines the creaminess of hummus with the crunch of pie crust. Let's explore some common questions about this delightful treat.
What are the ingredients needed for making carrot hummus cups?
To make Carrot Hummus Cups, you need a pie crust, carrots, garlic, olive oil, cumin, ground coriander, honey, black pepper, salt, tahini, lemon juice, and cilantro. Baby carrots or carrot sticks are optional garnishes.
How do you prepare roasted carrot hummus cups?
Start by preheating the oven and making edible pie crust cups using a muffin tin. Then, roast the carrots and garlic. After that, blend them with the other ingredients for hummus. Finally, fill the cooled cups with the hummus and garnish with baby carrots.
Can you create a healthy carrot hummus without using tahini?
Yes, you can skip tahini if you prefer. To maintain creaminess, consider adding extra olive oil or blend in white beans.
What are some suitable options to serve alongside hummus for babies?
Soft, cooked vegetables like sweet potato or zucchini work well. Cut them into small, manageable pieces for easy eating.
How do you ensure carrot hummus is low FODMAP friendly?
To make carrot hummus low FODMAP, reduce the garlic quantity or use garlic-infused oil. Also, check other ingredient quantities for FODMAP limits.
Are carrot hummus cups suitable for individuals with diabetes?
Yes, they can be. Using whole grain pie crust adds more fiber. Also, keep honey to a minimum to manage sugar levels. Adjust portion sizes as needed.
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