Ultimate Roasted Beet and White Bean Hummus: A Creamy, Healthy & Vibrant Vegan Dip

Prepare to be delighted by this ultra-thick and creamy **Roasted Beet Hummus with White Beans**! This exceptional vegan dip transcends the ordinary, offering a beautiful blend of nourishing beets, wholesome white beans, and a touch of fresh kale. What truly sets it apart is its vibrant color and a surprising spicy kick from a Thai chili, making it a versatile and irresistible addition to any meal or snack. Whether you’re dipping fresh veggies, spreading it on a sandwich, or simply enjoying it by the spoonful, this hummus is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as good for you as it is delicious.

This beloved recipe was first published in March 2018. It has been thoughtfully updated with fresh photos, enhanced textual content, and invaluable tips to ensure your homemade hummus turns out perfectly every time. We’ve also made minor adjustments to the recipe to further elevate its flavor and consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Vibrant Roasted Beet Hummus

In times when we seek comfort and wholesome goodness, turning to simple, nutritious recipes can provide a sense of routine and well-being. This roasted beet hummus isn’t just another dip; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, designed to bring joy and nourishment to your table. We understand the importance of accessible cooking, so we’ll also share helpful substitution suggestions to help you utilize the ingredients you already have on hand. Feel free to reach out with any questions – we’re here to help you create culinary magic!

This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping dish. Roasting the beets intensifies their natural sweetness and deepens their earthy notes, while white beans provide an incredibly smooth and creamy base that rivals traditional chickpea hummus. The addition of kale boosts the nutritional profile and adds a subtle freshness, and the Thai chili introduces an exciting warmth that perfectly balances the sweetness of the beets. It’s a truly unique hummus experience that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor.

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Beetroot Hummus

Crafting the perfect batch of roasted beet and white bean hummus relies on a few star ingredients. Let’s delve into what makes each one crucial and how you can ensure the best results:

• Beets: The Heart of the Hummus

  Our recipe calls for approximately 1.5 cups of fresh beets, roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces. This usually equates to one large beet, but don’t worry if your measurement is a little off – the recipe is forgiving! We highly recommend using roasted beets. Roasting is a game-changer because it caramelizes the natural sugars, making the beet flavor more pronounced, sweeter, and incredibly rich. This depth of flavor is what gives the hummus its signature earthy sweetness. If fresh beets aren’t available or you’re short on time, you can certainly use pre-cooked, vacuum-packed, or thawed frozen beets. Just be aware that the roasting step adds a unique dimension that might be slightly less intense with pre-cooked options. Beets are also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to the healthy profile of this dip.

• White Beans: The Creamy Foundation

  Moving away from the traditional chickpea base, this hummus utilizes white beans for an equally luscious and creamy texture. We typically opt for white kidney beans (also known as cannellini beans) for their delicate flavor and smooth consistency, but navy beans are an excellent alternative. White beans create a wonderfully velvety hummus, offering a subtly different flavor profile than chickpeas, which some people prefer. They’re also a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this hummus incredibly satisfying and filling.

• Kale: A Nutritious Green Boost

  While the vibrant color primarily comes from the beets, a handful of kale adds a fantastic nutritional boost and a touch of freshness. Typically, we use red kale, which subtly blends into the beet color. However, if red kale isn’t available, curly kale or even baby spinach works perfectly fine. The type of kale won’t significantly alter the taste or texture of the hummus, primarily impacting the final shade of pink/red. It’s a brilliant way to sneak in extra greens without overpowering the main flavors.

• Red Thai Chili Pepper: The Perfect Spice Kick

  For those who enjoy a little heat, a small red Thai chili pepper with its seeds adds a delightful, warming spice. One small pepper provides enough kick for most palates, offering a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the beets. If you’re a true spice lover, feel free to add more chili or include extra seeds. Conversely, if you prefer a milder dip, you can easily omit the chili pepper entirely or remove the seeds for less intensity. This ingredient is entirely customizable to your heat preference!

• Other Essential Flavor Boosters:

  Don’t forget the power of fresh lemon juice for brightness, tahini for classic hummus depth and creaminess, fragrant garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to perfectly season your dip. These ingredients work in harmony to create a truly balanced and delicious flavor profile.

How to Prepare Your Delicious Beet and White Bean Hummus

Making this vibrant hummus is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a silky-smooth and flavorful dip:

1. Roast the Beets: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Chop your fresh beets into roughly 1-inch pieces, then place them in a small bowl. Drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat evenly. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor if desired. Spread the beets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Make sure to stir or flip them a few times during roasting to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Once roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle safely.
2. Combine and Blend: Once your roasted beets have cooled, transfer them to the bowl of your food processor. Add the remaining ingredients: the drained and rinsed white beans, packed kale (stems removed), tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves, red Thai chili pepper (if using, with or without seeds as preferred), kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
3. Process to Perfection: Secure the lid on your food processor and process on high speed until the mixture is ultra-smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes. It’s crucial to stop the food processor several times throughout the blending process to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures all ingredients are fully incorporated and helps achieve that desirable velvety texture. Continue blending until there are no discernible lumps.
4. Serve or Chill: Once blended to your liking, scoop the vibrant hummus into a serving bowl. You can serve it immediately if you prefer, enjoying its slightly warm, fresh-from-the-processor taste. Alternatively, for a firmer and cooler dip, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the hummus to thicken further.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beet Hummus

We’ve gathered some common questions to help you make and enjoy your roasted beet hummus to the fullest:

• How do you store homemade hummus?

  Just like any fresh hummus, this roasted beet and white bean version should be stored in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors. Ensure the container is sealed tightly for optimal freshness.

• How long will this beet hummus last in the refrigerator?

  When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade beet hummus will maintain its delicious flavor and texture for about 4 to 5 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh within this timeframe.

• Can you freeze hummus with roasted beets?

  While technically possible to freeze hummus, we generally don’t recommend it for this recipe. In our experience, freezing and then thawing hummus can alter its creamy texture, making it a bit grainier or watery. For the best experience, we suggest enjoying it fresh.

• My hummus is too thick/thin. How can I adjust the consistency?

  If your hummus is too thick, gradually add a tablespoon of cold water or lemon juice at a time while the food processor is running until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin (which is less common), you can try adding a few more roasted beets or some extra white beans, blending until fully incorporated. Alternatively, let it chill in the refrigerator for a longer period, as it tends to firm up as it cools.

Creative Ways to Serve and Enjoy Your Roasted Beet Hummus

The versatility of this vibrant hummus is one of its greatest assets. Here are numerous delicious ways to serve and incorporate it into your meals:

• Classic Dipping: Serve it alongside an array of colorful fresh vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, or celery. It’s also fantastic with pita bread, naan, artisanal crackers, or crunchy air fryer tortilla chips.
• Spread & Sandwich Staple: Elevate your lunch by spreading a generous layer on sandwiches, wraps, or even burgers for an extra pop of flavor and nutrients. Its creamy texture makes it a perfect condiment.
• Brunch Enhancement: Add a sophisticated touch to your brunch menu. It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like this elegant asparagus tart with almond crust.
• Grain Bowls & Salads: Swirl a dollop into your favorite grain bowls or drizzle it as a dressing over fresh salads for a creamy, flavorful boost.
• Breakfast Toast: Spread it on whole-grain toast and top with avocado slices, everything bagel seasoning, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a nutritious and delicious breakfast.
• Mezze Platter Star: Make it the centerpiece of a stunning mezze platter, surrounded by olives, feta cheese (if not strictly vegan), marinated artichokes, and other Mediterranean delights.

Expert Recipe Tips and Clever Substitutions

Achieving the perfect hummus is all about understanding the ingredients and being flexible. Here are some pro tips and substitution ideas to make this recipe your own:

• Tahini Alternatives: If you don’t have tahini on hand or prefer to avoid it, a good substitute is sunflower seed butter. It provides a similar creamy texture, though it will subtly alter the flavor profile of the hummus. Ensure it’s unsweetened for the best results.
• Beet Varieties & Preparation: As mentioned, roasted fresh beets offer the best flavor. However, if using pre-cooked vacuum-packed or thawed frozen beets, they are convenient. Just be aware that the depth of flavor and vibrant color might be slightly less intense compared to freshly roasted ones. Any type of beet (red, golden) will work, but red beets provide that stunning deep pink hue.
• Managing Salt Content: We recommend using “no salt added” white beans to have full control over the seasoning. If your canned beans have added salt, be sure to significantly reduce the amount of kosher salt you add to the hummus, tasting and adjusting as needed.
• Greens Swaps: While kale is fantastic, fresh spinach is another excellent leafy green alternative. It will blend in seamlessly and add similar nutritional benefits. It’s best to stick with fresh greens rather than frozen and thawed ones, as thawed greens can release excess water and make your hummus too runny.
• Garlic Options: Fresh garlic cloves provide the most pungent and authentic flavor. However, if fresh garlic isn’t available, you can substitute it with about 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 3 cloves suggested in the recipe.
• Blending Equipment: Don’t have a food processor? No problem! This hummus can also be made in a high-speed blender. You might need to add a touch more liquid (water or lemon juice) and blend in stages, scraping down the sides more frequently, to achieve the desired smooth consistency.
• Achieving Maximum Creaminess: For an extra smooth and fluffy hummus, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of ice water during the final stages of blending. The cold water helps to emulsify the ingredients and creates an incredibly light and airy texture.
• Customize the Spice: Remember, the red Thai chili pepper is optional and entirely adjustable. If you love heat, add more. If you prefer mild, omit it or remove all the seeds. You can also experiment with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a different kind of warmth.

Other Hummus Recipes You Might Enjoy:

If you’ve fallen in love with homemade hummus, explore some of our other unique and flavorful variations:

• Roasted Red Pepper and Black Bean Hummus Bowls – A delightful and filling lunch served in individual bowls, loaded with delicious toppings.
• Red Pepper Arugula Hummus – Featuring spicy red pepper flakes and peppery arugula, this hummus offers a truly standout flavor.
• Cilantro Jalapeño Edamame Hummus – This recipe brings a lively jalapeño heat complemented by a fresh dose of cilantro and a creamy edamame base.

We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this incredible Roasted Beet Hummus. If you give this recipe a try, we would absolutely love to hear what you think in the comments section below!

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