Directions:- If you are using, canned chickpeas and cooked beetroot (or roasted beetroot), skip step-2 to step-6. Drain excess water from canned chickpeas before using them in recipe.
Soak dried chickpeas in water for 8 hours.
Drain the excess water from chickpeas.
Peel and cut beet into large pieces and keep them in a stainless-steel small bowl.Add drained chickpeas and salt in a 3 liter capacity pressure cooker. Add 3/4 cup water. Put a small stand inside the cooker and place beet bowl over it.
Close the lid and cook for 5-6 whistle over medium flame. Turn off the flame and let the pressure release naturally.
Remove the lid and check the beet by inserting a knife whether it’s tender or not. Drain the excess liquid from the cooked chickpeas (keep the liquid in a small bowl for later use.) Let the chickpeas and beet cool down to room temperature.
Add cooked chickpeas to the big jar of a mixer grinder or a blender.
Add 2 small cloves of garlic, 1½ tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons tahini (or 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds), and 2-3 tablespoons olive oil and salt to taste (we have already added salt while cooking chickpeas so add only a pinch of salt).
Blend for 30-40 seconds. Scrape the sides and add water (added approx. 1/4 cup water, add cooked chickpeas water preserved in step – 6) if required.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Transfer it to a serving bowl. Garnish it with finely chopped cilantro (or parsley), sesame seeds and olive oil.
Tips and Variations:- This beet dip stays good for a week in the refrigerator.
- You can add a little bit of water while grinding if required.
- If tahini is not available, use the roasted sesame seeds. Roast the sesame seeds in a pan over low flame until they are light golden brown and fragrant.
- How to cook (boil) the Beet
- Method 1 – (Boiling)Add whole beetroot with water in a pressure cooker and cook for 5-6 whistles over medium flame or until tender.
- Method 2 – Peel and cut beetroot into large pieces and then boil it in water in a pan for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
- How to roast the Beet – Clean the beet and remove the stem. Apply some oil on the beet, wrap it with aluminum foil and roast it for 45 minutes to 1 hour in a preheated oven at 375F or until tender. Let it cool to room temperature and then peel it and use in the recipe.
Taste: Creamy, salty and mildly tangy with garlic flavor
Serving Ideas: Serve beetroot hummus with
falafel or chips, fresh cut veggies like celery, carrot, zucchini, etc.