Dessert

Harissa Carrot Dip Recipe

ByThomas Greene January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Introduction

This Harissa Carrot Dip is a vibrant and flavorful spread that combines roasted carrots with the smoky heat of harissa paste. Creamy, slightly spicy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for dipping veggies, pita chips, or crackers.

A bowl filled with thick, smooth, orange-brown hummus with visible red chili flakes and black pepper mixed in, swirled on top with a small pool of olive oil in the center; fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered over the hummus. The bowl is white with a thin dark rim and sits on a wooden surface next to triangular toasted pita bread pieces, golden brown with a sprinkle of coarse salt. On the side of the bowl, thin, round pale green cucumber slices are stacked neatly. A dark turquoise cloth is partially visible at the bottom left corner. All of this is set on a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 medium-large carrots, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup cooked lentils
1/3 cup raw almonds
1 tablespoon harissa paste
2 cloves garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
1/3 cup packed cilantro
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup ice water
Veggies, pita chips, pita bread, and/or crackers for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl or directly on the sheet, toss the sliced carrots with olive oil, smoked paprika, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
Step 2: Spread the carrots on the baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they are soft and slightly shriveled. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Step 3: Transfer cooled carrots to a food processor. Add the cooked lentils, raw almonds, harissa paste, garlic cloves, lemon juice, cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Blend until smooth. While the processor is running, slowly add the ice water to achieve a creamier texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve the dip with your favorite dippers such as fresh vegetables, pita chips, pita bread, or crackers.

Tips & Variations

Use cooked red or brown lentils for the best texture and flavor in the dip.
For extra nuttiness, lightly toast the almonds before blending.
If you prefer less heat, reduce the harissa paste or use a milder version.
Swap cilantro for parsley if you prefer a different fresh herb note.

Storage

Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving and add a splash of olive oil or water if it thickens. This dip can also be chilled and served cold, making it ideal for make-ahead snacks or parties.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with a thick, orange-red spread with a smooth, slightly chunky texture is centered on a wooden board. The spread is swirled with a shallow well in the middle, drizzled with golden oil, sprinkled with flakes of salt and crushed red pepper, and topped with fresh green cilantro leaves. To the right of the bowl, there are many thin, pale green cucumber slices arranged in a slight curve. Around the bowl, toasted triangular pita chips with a golden-brown color and some salt crystals rest on the wooden board. A woman's hand is holding one of the pita chips and dipping it into the spread. A spoon with some of the spread on it lies on the wooden surface near the bottom right corner. The setting is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use jarred or canned lentils for this dip?

Yes, canned lentils work fine; just drain and rinse them well before using. They save time and still provide a creamy texture.

Is there a substitute for harissa paste?

If you don’t have harissa paste, you can substitute it with a mixture of chili paste and smoked paprika or use a mild chili sauce to keep some heat and depth of flavor.