Name: Easy and Flavorful Beet Hummus Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 small beets or 1 medium beet (cooked until tender); 1 can of chickpeas (15 oz, drained and rinsed); 3 tablespoons of tahini; Juice of 1 lemon; 1-2 garlic cloves (minced); 1-2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Sesame seeds (optional); Flaky sea salt (optional); Black pepper (optional); Parsley (optional)

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Impress your guests with delicious beet hummus! Packed with flavor & nutrition, this roasted red beet dip is a perfect appetizer to serve with veggies or pita.

Seasoned and garnished beet hummus in a bowl.

Beet hummus is a unique and nutritious twist on the classic recipe. Incorporating beets adds an earthy sweetness and vibrant color to the hummus, making it an eye-catching and healthy addition to any snack or appetizer spread. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also packs a punch with its numerous vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

I've tried various such recipes and discovered that balancing the flavors is the key to the perfect dish. Cooking beets brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon, garlic, and warm spices. Using high-quality tahini and extra-virgin olive oil adds a creaminess that elevates this dip to perfection. Finally, my one secret ingredient to making the flavor more nuanced comes from Asian cuisine: sesame oil.

In my quest for the best recipe, I learned that Asian ingredients like sesame oil and sesame seeds interact well with beetroot's rich flavor. The result is a speedy, no-fuss recipe that tastes like more than the sum of its parts while preserving the earthy, sweet, and tangy flavors we all love in beet hummus.

This recipe is my kids' favorite hummus recipe of all time!

What Is Hummus?

Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip and spread made from chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. The main ingredients in classic hummus are chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Beet hummus adds roasted beets and sesame oil to the mix, giving it a vibrant color and unique flavor profile.

The beauty of hummus is that most recipes are the same, with a special ingredient to spice things up, like beets, or sweet potato for sweet potato hummus or red pepper hummus.

Health Benefits of Beets

Close up view of beet hummus garnished with chickpeas and sesame seeds.

This vegan hummus not only tastes rich, but it's also packed with essential nutrients that support overall health. Beets, the star ingredient of this recipe, are low in calories yet loaded with nutrition. They are an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels naturally.

I appreciate that beets are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate (vitamin B6), and potassium. They also contain magnesium, iron, and calcium, contributing to increased energy levels and proper muscle function.

In addition to their nutritional value, beets have been linked to various health benefits, from their anti-inflammatory properties to supporting brain health, making them a great addition to any diet.

Including beet hummus in your meals is a tasty, easy, and nutritious way to enjoy the benefits of beets while getting the added protein from chickpeas.

Ingredients

Beets: Provide vibrant color and a mild earthy flavor. You can use roasted, boiled, or canned beets, including golden beets for a unique twist. For more beet recipes, check out my beetroot risotto with goat cheese or beetroot cured salmon.
Chickpeas: Form the creamy base of the hummus. Both canned chickpeas and dried chickpeas work well, but using canned ones being more convenient.
Tahini: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture to the hummus.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the hummus with a zesty contrast to the earthy beets.
Garlic: Enhances the hummus with a savory punch, adjustable to your garlic preference.
Sesame oil: A secret ingredient that enhances the nutty undertones of the tahini.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing the ingredients together harmoniously.
Sesame seeds: Optional for decoration but complement the flavor of sesame oil.

See the recipe card for details.

Directions to make this Roasted Beet Hummus

Cook the beets

To start, cook the fresh beets. You can roast the beets in the oven for 45 minutes, but boiling or using an Instant Pot is quicker. To boil, peel and cut the beets into medium-sized pieces, then transfer them to a saucepan filled with water. Cover with a lid and cook until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain and cool the beets.

Blend the hummus

Beet hummus ingredients in a food processor.

Gather your ingredients: cooked beets, chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Have extra virgin olive oil and water on hand to achieve the perfect texture for smooth hummus.

In a food processor or high-powered blender, blend all the ingredients until smooth. If the hummus is too thick, add a drizzle of olive oil or water to reach a creamy consistency. Use unsalted cooked chickpeas to manage sodium and cholesterol levels, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Plate the beet hummus

Once the hummus is smooth and creamy, spread it on a large plate or bowl. Top with a few remaining chickpeas, white and black sesame seeds, a drizzle of olive oil, flaky sea salt, black pepper, and parsley. The result is a vibrant, mouthwatering beet hummus perfect with crackers or veggies. Enjoy!

Storage

Transfer leftover beet hummus to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The hummus will thicken over time; stir in a little water or olive oil to adjust the consistency if needed before serving for the desired consistency.

Accompanying Dishes

When it comes to pairing beetroot hummus with other dishes, the options are endless.

I love hummus with pita bread, gluten free crackers or lavosh crackers, as the texture of these options complements the smooth and slightly sweet hummus.

If you're looking for a healthy and low-calorie snack, serve the beet hummus with carrot sticks or cucumber slices, or even spread it on whole-grain toast.

Adding a sprinkle of chopped parsley or tahini paste on top can elevate the taste for those who wish to amplify the flavor. You can also use it as a sandwich spread, in a beet salad, or as part of a charcuterie board.

Try making one of our other creamy hummus recipes:

For a classic hummus, try our smooth and silky Israeli Hummus Recipe. Alternatively, try this Creamy Roasted Sweet Potato Hummus. For something sweet, try this great recipe for Garlic Hummus for our apple and hummus pita chips.

Recipe

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