WARNING: This is not your average sandwich spread 🥕
A golden roasted spread with a hint of sweetness and a smokey punch … can you think of anything better?
And guess what … the main ingredient is something most of us always have in the fridge or include in the shopping trolley!
This recipe is a great way to incorporate your carrots in a very unique way. Not only does this spread taste insanely delicious, but it incorporates an extra vegetable serving which gives your meal or snack an extra anti-oxidant and fiber boost! Talk about YUM!
Serving size: Makes 2 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes roasting time + 5 minutes blending time
Ingredients and Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180C. Meanwhile chop 500 g carrots (keep the peel on).
2. Mix 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil, salt and black pepper together with the chopped carrots and place on a roasting tray.
3. Roast for 30 minutes or until well cooked and caramelized. Allow to cool or refrigerate in an airtight container until use.
4. Blend the following in a high – speed processor to your desired consistency:
- 1/2 cup water and/or milk of choice
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) tahini
- 1 tsp (5 mL) honey
- 1 heaped tsp (10 mL) smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice or 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper
5. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or fresh herbs.
6. Serve as a dip for vegetables crudities and wholewheat crackers or as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.
Important: The addition of the smoked paprika is a game changer.
It is the key ingredient to making this spread extra smokey – DO NOT OMIT!
Flavour Variations:
- Extra Sweet: 1 – 2 tsp cinnamon and additional 1 – 2 tsp honey or syrup
- Moroccan: 2 Tbsp (30 mL) harissa paste or 1 Tbsp (15 mL) ground cumin and coriander
- Nutty: Add 1/4 cup (40 g) toasted walnuts, cashew or almonds nuts
Dietitians Notes:
- Carrots: The anti – oxidant powerhouses when it comes to Beta – Carotene (i.e. Pro-Vitamin A); an important fat – soluble vitamin that is responsible for healthy skin and good night vision.
- 1 cup of carrots provides us with our daily Vitamin A requirement as well as provides around 4g soluble fiber.
- Remember to keep the peel on – this is where all the fiber and nutrients sit!
