Description
This Harissa Carrot Dip is a vibrant and flavorful spread made from roasted carrots, lentils, almonds, and a spicy harissa paste blend. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack, it combines smoky and spicy notes with creamy texture, making it ideal for serving alongside pita chips, veggies, or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Carrots
- 8 medium-large carrots, peeled and sliced 1/4” 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
Dip Mixture
- 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
To Serve
- Veggies, pita chips, pita bread, and/or crackers for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Carrots: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the peeled and sliced carrots on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle smoked paprika, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss them well to evenly coat the carrots with the spices and oil.
- Roast the Carrots: Bake the seasoned carrots for 50 minutes or until they become soft and slightly shriveled, stirring or tossing them once or twice during roasting to ensure even cooking. Then, allow the roasted carrots to cool completely before proceeding.
- Blend the Dip: Transfer the cooled carrots into a food processor along with cooked lentils, raw almonds, harissa paste, garlic cloves, lemon juice, cilantro, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend these ingredients until smooth. While the processor is running, slowly add ice water in a steady stream until the dip reaches a creamier consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dip and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately alongside your favorite dippers such as veggies, pita chips, pita bread, or crackers.
Notes
- You can substitute raw almonds with raw cashews for a different nutty flavor.
- Cooked lentils can be canned lentils drained and rinsed to save time.
- For a milder dip, reduce the amount of harissa paste or omit entirely.
- This dip stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adding a touch of cumin and smoked paprika enhances the depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Harissa carrot dip, roasted carrot dip, Middle Eastern dip, vegetarian appetizer, healthy dip, carrot hummus
