Roasted Beet Hummus Pita

The first time I made beet hummus, my kitchen looked like a crime scene. I had no idea beets stained everything they touched, from my cutting board to my favorite wooden spoon. But when I took that first bite, the vibrant fuchsia spread completely won me over. The earthy sweetness balances the classic hummus flavors in a way I never expected.

I brought this to a friends dinner party last summer and watched it disappear in minutes. Someone actually asked if I could write the recipe on a napkin before they left. Now it is my go-to when I need something impressive but also completely stressfree to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 medium beets: Roasting them whole in foil concentrates their natural sugars and makes them incredibly tender
• 1 can chickpeas: Rinse thoroughly and pat dry to prevent any metallic taste from the canning liquid
• 3 tbsp tahini: The quality matters here so choose a wellstirred creamy variety
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens the earthy beets and cuts through the rich tahini
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps bind everything together
• 1 garlic clove: One is plenty since the flavor develops as the hummus sits
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Earthy and warm this bridges the gap between beets and chickpeas
• 2 to 3 tbsp cold water: The secret to ultracreamy hummus without adding more oil
• 4 whole wheat pita breads: Whole wheat holds up beautifully to baking and adds a nice nuttiness
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For brushing the pita chips helps them crisp up gorgeously
• 1/2 tsp sea salt and smoked paprika: The perfect savory smoky finish that makes these chips addictive

Instructions

Roast the beets until tender:

Wrap each beet individually in foil like a little present and roast at 400F for about 40 minutes until a fork slides right through the center.

Crisp the pita chips:

Cut the pitas into triangles brush with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and paprika before baking at 375F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.

Blend everything smooth:

Pulse the roasted beets with chickpeas tahini lemon juice garlic cumin salt and pepper then stream in water until creamy and luscious.

Season to your taste:

Give it a good pinch more salt or squeeze of lemon if needed and transfer to your prettiest serving bowl with a final drizzle of olive oil.

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This recipe has become my secret weapon for potlucks. I love setting it down and watching peoples eyes light up at the color. It is one of those dishes that makes people ask for the recipe before they have even finished eating.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swirl in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and a slight tang. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill sprinkled on top add beautiful contrast and fresh flavor.

Pairing Ideas

While pita chips are classic this hummus is fantastic with cucumber rounds carrot sticks or even roasted sweet potato rounds. A crisp white wine or light rose balances the earthiness perfectly.

Storage and Prep

The hummus keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days and actually improves as the flavors meld together. Store the pita chips in an airtight container and they will stay crispy for several days.

• Make the roasted beets up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge
• Freeze leftover hummus in portions for unexpected guests
• Revive slightly soft pita chips in a 350F oven for 5 minutes

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There is something deeply satisfying about turning such humble ingredients into something so vibrant and delicious. Hope this brightens your table as much as it does mine.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I roast beets for the best flavor?

Wrap cleaned beets in foil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes until fork-tender, which enhances their natural sweetness and earthiness.

→ What can I substitute for pita chips if gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pita breads or substitute with sliced fresh vegetables like cucumber or bell pepper for a crisp alternative.

→ How can I achieve a creamy consistency in the hummus?

Add cold water gradually while blending until you reach a smooth, spreadable texture without thinning out the flavors.

→ Can I add heat to the beet hummus?

A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the mix to introduce a gentle spicy kick without overpowering the earthy flavors.

→ What tools are essential for preparing this dish?

A baking sheet and foil for roasting, a food processor or blender for blending, plus a sharp knife and pastry brush for prepping pita chips.