Hey there, fellow food adventurers!
Have you ever found yourself in a snack-time slump, craving something both satisfying and good for you? Well, buckle up because I've got just the thing to jazz up your taste buds – and it's a double whammy of deliciousness!
It all started with a recent binge-watching session of a certain cooking show, where I saw some amazing looking crackers that inspired me to whip up my own version. After some kitchen magic, I'm thrilled to present these incredibly moreish quinoa cumin crackers, paired with a bowl of creamy, dreamy carrot hummus. Yes, you heard it right, carrot hummus!
This isn't your average hummus, folks. The sweetness of roasted carrots takes this classic dip to a whole new level, making it irresistibly smooth and perfect for dunking. It’s so good that you may find yourself eating it by the spoonful! (don't worry i have been there). And these crackers? They're not just a vehicle for the hummus; they're a star in their own right. Crispy, nutty, and with a hint of cumin, they're a perfect gluten-free alternative to store-bought crackers. They're so easy to make that you'll be wondering why you haven't made them before!
Let's Get Cracking (and Hummus-ing!)
Here's a look at what you'll need:
For the Creamy Carrot Hummus:
- 300g (10oz) carrots, roasted to sweet perfection
- 2 cups of cooked chickpeas, peeled for extra smoothness
- 5-6 tablespoons of zingy lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons of smoky coarse salt
- 1 large clove of garlic (because, why not?)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) of hulled tahini for that nutty flavour
- About ½ cup (120ml) of fridge-cold aquafaba or water, to get it creamy and dreamy
- ½ teaspoon of hot chili powder for a little kick
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil for roasting the carrots
For the Crispy Quinoa Cumin Crackers:
- ¾ cup of dry quinoa (a mix of black and white looks super cool)
- ½ cup of wholewheat flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free options
- 1 ¼ teaspoons of fine sea salt (bring out the flavour)
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin (the secret to delicious crackers)
Let's Get Cooking
- Roast the carrots: Chop those carrots into even pieces, drizzle with olive oil, and roast them at 200°C (400°F) until they are tender and slightly caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness. Steaming or boiling works fine too, if that's your thing.
- Cook the quinoa: Rinse your quinoa, then simmer in water for about 12 minutes, until soft and fluffy. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Get your oven ready: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper (or a Silpat if you are fancy!).
- Mix the cracker ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine your flour, salt, cumin, and cooled quinoa. Add about 6 tablespoons of cold water and mix it all well. If you are using wheat flour, don’t over mix it.
- Spread the mixture: Lightly oil the baking paper, then spread the mixture super thin into strips or blotches. Make sure it’s nice and even (occasional holes are good for crispy bits).
- Bake the crackers: Bake for 15 minutes on one side, then flip and bake for another 10-15 minutes until they are wonderfully crispy and golden.
- Blend it up: Put your peeled chickpeas, roasted carrots, tahini, 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, garlic, and salt into a high-speed blender. Start blending, and slowly add cold aquafaba until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. Finish with a bit more lemon juice (I use 6 tablespoons in total) and the chilli powder.
- Enjoy!: Serve this dynamic duo immediately or store leftovers in the fridge for a snack attack anytime!
Tips and Tricks:
- Peeling the chickpeas makes for a smoother hummus, but it’s not mandatory.
- For extra crispy crackers, make sure the layer is super thin.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste! More lemon? More cumin? Go for it.
Why This Recipe Rocks:
- Nutritious: Packed with fibre, protein, and healthy fats, these snacks are as good for you as they taste.
- Versatile: Perfect as a light meal, party snack, or a healthy way to satisfy those mid-day cravings.
- Fun: Who knew making crackers could be so easy and therapeutic?
So there you have it! Get ready to impress your friends (and yourself!) with this irresistible combo. Whether it’s game night or just a quiet evening at home, these crackers and hummus will definitely elevate your snacking game! If you make this recipe, don't forget to share it on social media and tag us, we would love to see your creations. Until next time, happy cooking and happy snacking!