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Roasted Beets and Carrots with Cumin Vinaigrette, Chickpea Purée, and Flatbread

This vibrant roasted beet and carrot salad is a sophisticated high-protein vegetarian dish that celebrates earthy, seasonal root vegetables. By roasting red and golden beets separately, you preserve their stunning natural contrast, which is beautifully enhanced by a toasted cumin vinaigrette and fresh Italian parsley. The addition of thyme-scented carrots provides a lovely textural balance against the tender beets, creating a colourful plate that is as nutritious as it is visually striking.

Designed as a substantial main or a sharing platter, this recipe is served with a silky chickpea purée and warm shop-bought flatbreads for a complete, protein-rich meal. It is an excellent choice for a healthy weekend lunch or a light dinner, offering a Mediterranean-inspired flavour profile that feels both comforting and fresh. Most components can be prepared a day in advance, making it a stress-free option for entertaining guests.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Roasted Beets and Carrots with Cumin Vinaigrette, Chickpea Purée, and Flatbread

  • 10 medium beets (red and golden), cleaned, trimmed

  • 80ml plus 120ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 160ml water

  • 6 medium carrots with green tops

  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds

  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves

  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots (about 1 large)

  • 20ml fresh lemon juice, divided

  • chickpea puree

  • 6 purchased flatbreads

How to make Roasted Beets and Carrots with Cumin Vinaigrette, Chickpea Purée, and Flatbread

Preheat oven to 204°C. Place beets in roasting pan; drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt; toss. Add 160ml water to pan; arrange golden beets on 1 side of pan and red beets on other side. Cover with foil. Roast until tender, about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, trim green tops from carrots to 1 inch. Peel carrots and cut into thirds crosswise, then quarter lengthwise. Place carrots on rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper; toss to coat. Roast until carrots are tender and beginning to brown, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool carrots and beets.

Using fingers, rub peel off beets. Cut each beet into 6 wedges. Place golden beets in medium bowl and red beets in another medium bowl.

Stir cumin seeds in dry skillet over medium heat until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Transfer 3/4 teaspoons cumin seeds to mortar or spice mill; grind finely. Place whole cumin seeds, ground cumin, and vinegar in small bowl; whisk in 120ml oil. Season vinaigrette with salt and pepper. Do ahead Beets, carrots, and vinaigrette can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately; chill. Bring all to room temperature and rewhisk vinaigrette before continuing.

Add parsley, shallots, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, carrots, and 2/3 of cumin vinaigrette to bowl with golden beets; toss to blend. Add remaining vinaigrette and 2 teaspoons lemon juice to bowl with red beets; toss to blend. Season both beet mixtures with salt and pepper.

Place generous dollop of chickpea puree and 1 flatbread on each of 6 plates. Spoon golden beet-carrot mixture alongside. Tuck red beets into golden beet mixture and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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