Roasted Sweet Potato Tahini Hummus with Lemon and Cumin

Prep: 10 minCook: 1 hr 30 min8 servingsmedium
Roasted Sweet Potato Tahini Hummus with Lemon and Cumin

A creamy, naturally sweet twist on traditional hummus that swaps chickpeas for roasted sweet potatoes. The earthy sweetness of caramelized sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with nutty tahini, bright lemon juice, and warm cumin. Perfect as a healthy appetizer for fall gatherings or a nutritious snack with vegetables and crackers. The roasting process intensifies the sweet potato flavor and creates an ultra-smooth, velvety texture that rivals any restaurant version.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes
  • ½ cup pure tahini, sesame paste
    sunflower seed butter1:1nut-freeadds dairy

    nuttier flavor

    Full guide →
  • 5 TB lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 TB extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
    avocado oil1:1neutral

    milder taste

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
    sea salt1:1mineral

    slightly different flavor

    Full guide →
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • sesame seeds, for garnish(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400F and wrap sweet potatoes tightly in foil

  2. 2

    Roast potatoes until easily pierced with fork, then unwrap and cool completely

  3. 3

    Combine all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth and creamy

  4. 4

    Add more olive oil if mixture is too thick to reach desired consistency

  5. 5

    Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste

  6. 6

    Transfer to serving bowl and garnish with sesame seeds if desired

Tips

Tip 1

Cool roasted sweet potatoes completely before processing to prevent the tahini from becoming bitter and the hummus from separating.

Tip 2

Start with less olive oil and add gradually while processing to achieve your preferred consistency without making it too oily.

Tip 3

Make this hummus up to 3 days ahead - the flavors actually improve as they meld together in the refrigerator.

Good to Know

Storage

refrigerate in airtight container for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

can be made up to 3 days in advance

Serve With

with pita chips, crackers, toasted baguette slices, or tortilla chips

Common Mistakes

Watch

process hot sweet potatoes to avoid bitter tahini and separated texture

Watch

add olive oil gradually to avoid overly oily consistency

Substitutions

Nut-Free Alternatives

tahini
sunflower seed butter1:1nut-freeadds dairy

nuttier flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

olive oil
avocado oil1:1neutral

milder taste

Full guide →
kosher salt
sea salt1:1mineral

slightly different flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use canned sweet potato instead of roasting fresh?

Fresh roasted sweet potatoes provide better flavor and texture, but drained canned sweet potato puree works in a pinch with slightly less intense flavor.

How long will this hummus keep in the refrigerator?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors actually improve after the first day as ingredients meld together.

Can I freeze sweet potato hummus for later?

Yes, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving as texture may separate slightly.