Cauliflower hummus is a delightful alternative to the traditional chickpea-based dip. Originating from a fusion of Mediterranean and Egyptian flavors, this dish promises a creamy and nutritious experience. The roasted cauliflower brings a bold, nutty flavor, while the familiar tang of lemon and richness of tahini make it both comforting and exotic.
This keto-friendly and vegan dish is incredibly simple to prepare, and it’s a perfect low carb option for those watching their carbohydrate intake. Whether served as a dip, a spread, or even a sauce, this roasted cauliflower hummus is versatile and can complement a variety of meals.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, broken into florets
- 6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 1 cup tahini
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra olive oil for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Break apart the leaves and chop the cauliflower into even-sized florets, ensuring the stalk is removed.
- Spread the florets on a baking sheet and nestle the unpeeled garlic cloves among them.
- Drizzle the cauliflower and garlic generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Roast in the oven for 15 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a blender.
- Remove the garlic cloves from their skins by squeezing them out and add to the blender.
- Pulse until you achieve a cauliflower rice texture.
- Add the tahini and lemon juice to the blender.
- Slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream while blending to create a smooth and thick emulsification.
- Optionally, add a few ice cubes and blend again to maintain a creamy texture.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley on top.
Did you know?
Cauliflower hummus can be a fantastic component of an Egyptian mezze platter. Mezze, a selection of small dishes served as appetizers, often includes hummus variations, and this roasted cauliflower version fits right in with its creamy texture and rich flavors. The dish is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch with high fiber content and essential vitamins like C and K found in cauliflower.
Additionally, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Thanks to the sturdy nature of cauliflower, this hummus freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option to make ahead of time. Simply store it in airtight containers, and you can enjoy a quick and healthy snack at any moment. Last but not least, this hummus is entirely grain-free, making it a keto and low carb crowd-pleaser. Serve it with veggie sticks for a guilt-free snack or use it as a spread on sandwiches and wraps to add a flavorful twist without the extra carbs.
