Carrot Hummus and Spiced Beef

Serving platter made by Heath Ceramics.

In addition to the excessive amounts of bananas at our house (I see all your banana breads, so you know what I mean), we have a shit-ton of carrots. You could eat them raw, roast them, braise them, purée them, but you really should try this roasted carrot hummus. I created a spiced ground beef to top the hummus and punch up the protein. This would work with parnips, butternut squash, or any hearty vegetable that you could roast.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• Carrot Hummus

  • 2 pounds of carrots, peeled and cut into 1" inch pieces

  • 4 cloves of garlic

  • 1 tablespoon cumin

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 6 tablespoons tahini

  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (reserve some for garnish)

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds

  • 5 cherry tomatoes, halved

  • Extra-virgin olive oil

• Spiced Ground Beef

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 cup chopped onion

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 cup of beef broth

  • Extra-virgin olive oil

• Pita chips, crackers, crostini to serve

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees (non-convection) and line a sheet pan with parchment or foil.

2. Make the carrot hummus. In a large bowl, combine the cut carrots, garlic, 2 tablespoons of EVOO, cumin, salt, and pepper, and mix until carrots are well coated. Spread the entire mixture on the sheet pan and roast for 30 minutes. Remove and place the roasted carrots and garlic in a food processor along with the tahini, cilantro, lemon zest, and juice. Blend until pureed. With the motor running on low, add in 6 tablespoons of EVOO until combined. Set aside.

3. Make the spiced ground beef. In a large skillet, heat up a few tablespoons of EVOO over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef and pour out most of the rendered fat. Add the onions and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and cook for a minute (do NOT burn). Add all the seasonings and mix until well combined. Taste, and adjust seasoning with S&P. Add the beef broth to moisten the mixture. Set aside.

4. To plate, add the carrot hummus making a small well in the middle. Top with spiced ground beef, garnish with pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, and cilantro, and drizzle EVOO over everything. Serve with chips, crackers, or crostini, but I won’t be mad at you if you eat it with a spoon.