creamy tahini roasted cauliflower dip

im always looking for a great dip. snack time, light dinner option or to watch the commercials/mini concert that happen to have a football game interrupting them. I developed this creamy tahini roasted cauliflower dip a couple of years ago. it was actually one of the first recipes I put up on the blog (ive since replaced it with this updated version). it’s just as creamy and delicious as I remember it being years ago. hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

in a (few) words, I would describe this dip as

• creamy
• a little nutty
• slightly sweet + smokey (from the roasted cauliflower)
• hummus like
• lemon-y
• garlic-y
• low carb
• keto + paleo friendly
• vegan
• the perfect alternative to traditional hummus
  • all the same delicious flavors + spices

heading to the store, what do I need?!

to make this creamy tahini roasted cauliflower dip you will need

• cauliflower
• garlic
• lemons
• tahini
• Aleppo pepper
• olive oil
• toppings:
  • za’atar
  • sumac
  • sunflower seeds + parsley
• serve with:
  • seeded flatbread
  • veggies
  • pita bread or crackers

do I need any special tools?

the best way to make this does involve a couple of specialized tools. you will need:

• baking sheet
  • for roasting the cauliflower florets
• food processor
  • this is what you will use to make the dip smooth and creamy
  • you could also use a really good blender like this one

that’s it! nothing too special. but, you wouldn’t be able to make this dish without these two kitchen tools!

how to make those gorgeous swirls

take this dip and really make it shine! here’s how to make this look restaurant worthy

does this fit in with my eating style?

so glad you asked! this creamy tahini roasted cauliflower dip would meet the requirements for these eating styles:

• paleo: all the ingredients listed in this recipe would be considered in line with paleo dietary requirements
• keto: this would be a wonderful dip for anyone following the keto eating requirements
• vegan + vegetarian: this contains no diary or animal products and would be in line with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles
• Mediterranean diet: this would fit perfectly
• other diets and eating lifestyles: take a look at the ingredient list to see if this recipe meets your dietary needs and requirements

pair this dip with

• citrus marinated olives and feta
• za’atar focaccia bread
• olive oil tahini brownies
• chocolate tahini mug cake

creamy tahini roasted cauliflower dip

Megan

this creamy tahini roasted cauliflower dip is similar in taste and texture to traditional hummus. made from roasted cauliflower, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, aromatic spices and a drizzle of olive oil. it makes a great alternative, low carb and still delicious dip! serve this with seeded flatbread, veggies or even regular pita bread (for those who want their carb fix!)

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Cooling Time 30 mins

Course Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Equipment

• large baking sheet
• parchment paper
• food processor

Ingredients

  

roasted cauliflower dip

• 1 large head cauliflower, washed and cut into florets (~3-4 cups) 2 small to medium heads
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 c (59 ml) room temperature water
• 1/2 c (118ml) tahini, well stirred
• 2/3 -3/4 c (158-177ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice about 3-5 lemons, depending on size
• 1 tsp (2g) Aleppo pepper sub with cayenne pepper
• 1/4 c (59ml) good quality olive oil
• 1 – 1 1/2 tsp salt to taste

toppings

• 2 tbsp parsley, roughly chopped
• 2-3 tbsp (17-25g) sunflower seeds
• 1 tsp za'atar spice blend
• 1 tsp ground sumac sub lemon zest
• 2-3 tbsp (30-45ml) olive oil
• seeded flatbread, veggies or pita bread for serving

Instructions

 

creamy tahini roasted cauliflower dip

• Preheat oven to 420F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  Wash and cut the head of cauliflower into florets. Dry the florets. Add cauliflower florets to the parchment lined baking sheet. Drizzle on olive oil, salt and toss to coat. Roast the cauliflower for 20-25 minutes or until florets are tender with a few charred pieces.

  Cool to room temperature before using to make the dip, about 30 minutes.
• Place garlic cloves into a food processor. Process for about 10 seconds to mince.
• Add in cauliflower, water, tahini, lemon juice, Aleppo pepper (or cayenne) and salt. Process on low for about 30 seconds. With the food processor on low, stream in olive oil. Process until you reach your desired consistency.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I typically like to add more salt, lemon juice and a bit more tanini. Pulse to incorporate any added seasoning.
• Pour into a serving dish ( a wide shallow bowl works well). Using the back of a spoon, create siwrls in the dip. Top with any or all topping suggestions. Serve at room temperature with seeded flatbread, veggies and/or pita bread.

Notes

Za’atar, sumac and Aleppo pepper are traditional middle eastern spices typically found in hummus. Its suggested to use those here as it creates a similar taste to hummus. These can be found in a well stocked supermarket, specialty grocer, through Amazon or online. 

Keyword cauliflower hummus, healthy game day dips, low carb dips, low carb hummus

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