Smoky Harissa Roasted Carrot Hummus with Preserved Lemon

There’s something truly magical about reinventing a classic.

Hummus—creamy, comforting, and beloved around the world—has long held a permanent spot on my mezze platter.

But recently, I found myself craving something bolder, brighter, and more adventurous.

That’s when inspiration struck: what if I let the smoky, fiery heat of North Africa transform the humble hummus into something entirely new?

Enter this Smoky Harissa Roasted Carrot Hummus with Preserved Lemon and Pistachios.

This recipe isn’t just a dip—it’s a vibrant celebration of flavor, texture, and culinary fusion that brings together the earthy sweetness of roasted carrots, the deep warmth of RoboFood Harissa Seasoning, the tangy punch of preserved lemon, and the buttery crunch of pistachios.

Why This Harissa Roasted Carrot Hummus Stands Out

Traditional hummus relies on chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic as its base, and while that’s delicious, sometimes you want a version that feels fresher and more seasonal.

Roasting carrots adds a caramelized depth that pairs beautifully with the complex spice profile of harissa.

Unlike store-bought harissa paste, RoboFood Harissa Seasoning is a dry blend, making it incredibly versatile and shelf-stable—perfect for sprinkling over roasted vegetables, mixing into sauces, or blending into dips like this one.

Carrots are more than just a colorful addition here—they bring natural sweetness that balances the heat, along with a wealth of beta-carotene and fiber.

Roasting them intensifies their flavor and gives the hummus an ultra-smooth, rich texture.

Meanwhile, preserved lemon—a staple in North African cuisine—adds a briny, citrusy complexity that elevates the entire dish.

The Power of Harissa: More Than Just Heat

Harissa isn’t just about spice—it’s about soul.

This North African condiment hails from Tunisia and is known for its smoky, aromatic blend of chili peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, and sometimes caraway or rose petals.

Traditional harissa is made by pounding fresh chilies into a paste, but RoboFood’s dry seasoning version captures all that essence in an easy-to-use powder.

Using a dry spice blend like this gives you more control over the texture and consistency of your hummus.

You get the same fiery depth without the added moisture or oil from a paste, which means your hummus won’t break or separate.

The dry form also makes it easier to toast lightly in a dry pan, deepening the flavor even further before incorporating it into the dish.

Choosing the Right Carrots

For this recipe, I recommend using rainbow heirloom carrots if you can find them.

Their variety in color doesn’t just make for a stunning presentation—it also contributes subtle differences in sweetness and earthiness.

Purple carrots add anthocyanins, yellow offer mild sweetness, and red ones bring a slight peppery note.

That said, ordinary orange carrots work perfectly well.

The key is roasting them until they’re tender and slightly charred at the edges.

This intensifies their natural sugars and adds a subtle smokiness that complements the harissa beautifully.

How to Make Smoky Harissa Roasted Carrot Hummus

Creating this hummus is surprisingly simple, with most of the magic happening in the oven.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 pounds (680g) carrots, peeled and trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons RoboFood Harissa Seasoning (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (reserve 1/4 cup liquid)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup preserved lemon (rind only, chopped)
• 1–2 tablespoons aquafaba (chickpea liquid) or cold water
• Chopped pistachios, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Carrots: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the carrots with olive oil, 1 teaspoon of RoboFood Harissa Seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized. Let cool slightly.
2. Toast the Remaining Harissa (Optional but Recommended): To enhance flavor, gently toast the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of harissa seasoning in a dry skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. This unlocks essential oils and adds aromatic depth. Set aside.
3. Blend the Base: In a food processor, combine the roasted carrots, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and toasted harissa seasoning. Pulse to begin breaking down the ingredients.
4. Emulsify into Creaminess: With the processor running, slowly add 2–3 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from the chickpeas) or cold water. Continue blending for 2–3 minutes until the hummus is luxuriously smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
5. Incorporate Preserved Lemon: Add the chopped preserved lemon and pulse just until combined. Taste and adjust: you may want more lemon juice for brightness or a pinch more salt to balance the briny tang.
6. Chill and Rest: For best flavor development, transfer the hummus to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up slightly.
7. Serve with Flair: Before serving, give the hummus a quick stir. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle generously with chopped pistachios and fresh parsley, and serve with warm pita, crudités, or flatbread.

Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor

• Don’t skip roasting: Raw carrots won’t give you the same depth. Roasting transforms their flavor and creates a smoother blend.
• Use high-quality tahini: Opt for a well-stirred, runny tahini made from 100% sesame seeds. Avoid ones with stabilizers or palm oil.
• Preserved lemon tip: Rinse the lemon rind lightly under water if you prefer less saltiness. Only use the peel—the pulp can be too bitter for this application.
• Adjust spice gradually: Harissa heat varies. Start with less and add more after blending if needed.

Why Preserved Lemon Makes All the Difference

Preserved lemon isn’t just a garnish—it’s a flavor powerhouse.

Through fermentation in salt and its own juices, the lemon peel becomes tender, deeply savory, and intensely citrusy.

It’s a cornerstone of Moroccan and Tunisian cooking, and here, it cuts through the earthiness of the carrots and richness of the tahini with a bright, umami-rich tang.

If you don’t have preserved lemons, you can create a quick version: finely zest an organic lemon and soak the zest in 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of salt for 24 hours.

While not quite the same, it’ll mimic the flavor profile in a pinch.

Perfect Pairings: How to Serve This Hummus

This hummus is incredibly versatile.

Try it as:

• A centerpiece on a mezze platter with olives, feta, and marinated artichokes
• A sandwich spread in wraps or falafel pitas
• A dip for grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes
• A topping for grain bowls with quinoa, roasted beets, and chickpeas
• A spread on toast topped with avocado and a poached egg for brunch

Making It Your Own: Creative Variations

Love this recipe but want to tweak it?

Here are a few ideas:

• Smoky twist: Add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra campfire-like depth.
• Herbaceous version: Blend in fresh cilantro or mint before serving.
• Spicier kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce.
• Nut-free option: Replace pistachios with roasted sunflower seeds.
• Extra creamy: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt (if not vegan) for a tangy, velvety texture.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store this hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even more delicious a day or two after making.

If the surface darkens slightly, just stir it before serving.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge and re-blend if needed.

Final Thoughts: A Hummus That Tells a Story

This Smoky Harissa Roasted Carrot Hummus isn’t just food—it’s a journey.

It connects the sun-drenched fields of Tunisia with the vibrant markets of the Mediterranean, all while celebrating seasonal vegetables and bold spices.

It’s proof that a simple dip can be transformed into something extraordinary with a little creativity and the right blend of flavors.

With RoboFood Harissa Seasoning at the heart of this recipe, you’re not just adding heat—you’re inviting complexity, authenticity, and warmth to your table.

So the next time you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something new, skip the store-bought hummus and try this elevated version.

Your taste buds will thank you.

Serve it with conviction, garnish generously, and watch as it becomes the star of the tray.

This is hummus reimagined—fiery, tangy, and utterly unforgettable.