Recipes

Beet & Mascarpone Hummus

A vibrant, creamy hummus layered with the sweetness of roasted beets and the richness of mascarpone.

Beet & Mascarpone Hummus

This is hummus reimagined rather than replaced — the chickpea base is still there, doing what it always does, but roasted beets fold in a colour and sweetness that is both striking on the table and genuinely delicious. The mascarpone is the surprise: a spoonful stirred through at the end adds a richness that makes the whole thing feel almost luxurious. It is the kind of dish that makes people ask what is in it before they have finished eating it.

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
45 min
Total time
60 min
Yield
6–8 servings
Units
  • 400 gcooked chickpeasdrained
  • 2medium beetrootsroasted and peeled
  • 100 gmascarpone
  • 3 tbsptahini
  • 2garlic cloves
  • 3 tbsplemon juicefreshly squeezed
  • 3 tbspolive oilplus extra to serve
  • 1/2 tspground cumin
  • --saltto taste
  • --ice-cold wateras needed
  • --za'atar or smoked paprikato serve
  • --warm flatbread or pitato serve
  1. Roast the beetroots: wrap in foil with a drizzle of olive oil at 200°C (400°F) for 45–60 minutes until tender. Cool, peel, and cut into chunks.

  2. In a food processor, blend the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and salt until very smooth. Add ice-cold water a tablespoon at a time until light and creamy.

  3. Add the roasted beetroot and blend until fully incorporated and deeply coloured. Taste for seasoning.

  4. Add the mascarpone and pulse briefly to incorporate. Spread onto a wide plate, drizzle with olive oil, and scatter za’atar or smoked paprika over the top.

  5. Serve with warm flatbread.

The secret to smooth hummus

Blend for longer than you think necessary — at least 4 minutes, adding ice-cold water gradually.

Roast vs boiled beets

Roasting concentrates the flavour and reduces moisture, giving a more intense, sweeter result.

Make ahead

Keeps refrigerated for 4 days. Stir gently before serving and add a fresh drizzle of olive oil.

Side dishVegetarianGluten-freeSephardicMediterraneanMake aheadQuick