Roasted Beet & Tahini Dip with Lemon, Garlic & Herbs
Earthy roasted beets meet nutty tahini in a smooth, jewel-toned dip layered with garlic, lemon, and winter herbs. Topped with sesame seeds and optional pomegranate, it’s vibrant, creamy, and holiday-table ready.
Servings 6 Makes about 2 cups Serves 6–8 as a dip or side
Calories 130kcal
Ingredients
- For the Dip
- 2 medium red beets scrubbed
- ⅓ cup tahini creamy, unsweetened
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic grated or minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp cold water to thin
- Garnish / Topping
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme parsley, or dill, finely chopped
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp pomegranate arils for color and brightness
- Optional: 1 tbsp crumbled feta or goat cheese for richness
Instructions
- Step 1: Roast the Beets
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Wrap beets in foil and roast on a baking sheet for 40–45 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Let cool slightly, peel skins (they’ll slip off), and chop.
- Shortcut: Use pre-cooked beets if available, but roast for deeper flavor.
- Step 2: Blend the Dip
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine chopped beets, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and olive oil.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Add water 1 tbsp at a time if too thick.
- Taste and adjust with salt and lemon as needed.
- Step 3: Garnish & Serve
- Spread in a shallow bowl or on a platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame, herbs, and any desired garnishes (pomegranate, feta, etc.)
- Serve with:
- Roasted veggie chips (like parsnip or zucchini)
- Low-carb crackers or seed flatbreads
- Endive leaves or celery for fresh crunch
Notes
Nutrition (per ¼ cup serving)
- Calories: ~130
- Fat: 11 g
-
Carbs: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Net Carbs: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
Naturally gluten-free, dairy-optional, and can be made vegan.
✨ Variations
- Add ½ tsp ras el hanout or za’atar for a deeper North African/Middle Eastern profile
- Mix in a bit of yogurt for tang and lighter texture
- For extra richness: stir in 1 tbsp soft goat cheese before blending
🛡️ Consumer Safety Note
⚠️ Contains sesame and may contain dairy if garnished with cheese. Beets may stain — handle with gloves or parchment if prepping in advance. Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.