Carrot Spread

This simple recipe for carrot spread takes on the flavours of the Middle East. Steamed carrots are puréed with cumin, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne and tahini to create a robustly flavoured appetizer. Serve with toasted cocktail-size bread slices.

6 medium carrots, thinly sliced
½ clove garlic, chopped
¼ tsp. ground cumin
¼ tsp. fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp. tahini
2 tsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
sea salt
black pepper, freshly cracked

Set a steamer basket in a saucepan with 2” simmering water. Add carrots.

Cover and steam until tender, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a food processor, along with garlic, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, tahini, and lemon juice.

Season with salt and pepper. Process until smooth, about 1 minute, adding up to 2 Tbsp. water if necessary.

Makes 4 servings.