Midnight Sun Charcoal Dip (Printable Version)

Smoky charcoal crackers surround a creamy roasted carrot and turmeric dip, blending bold flavors and stunning presentation.

# Components:

→ Charcoal Crackers

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons activated charcoal powder (food-grade)
03 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1/3 cup water

→ Roasted Carrot & Turmeric Dip

06 - 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
10 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plant-based alternative
13 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
14 - 1 tablespoon tahini
15 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
16 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for vegan option
17 - Pinch of black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven to 400°F.
02 - Toss chopped carrots with olive oil, salt, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cumin; spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine flour, activated charcoal powder, and salt. Stir in olive oil and water until a dough forms, then knead briefly until smooth.
04 - Roll the dough thinly between two parchment sheets. Remove the top sheet and cut the dough into rectangles or rounds.
05 - Place the crackers on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until crisp. Let cool completely.
06 - Combine roasted carrots, Greek yogurt or alternative, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, honey or maple syrup, and black pepper in a food processor. Blend until very smooth, adjusting seasoning as necessary.
07 - Spoon the dip onto a plate to form a thick, bright circle. Arrange charcoal crackers around the dip to create a striking contrast resembling a midnight sun.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The visual impact is immediate and memorable—people pause before eating just to appreciate it.
  • Both components can be prepped ahead, so you're stress-free when guests arrive.
  • The warm spice and creamy dip with crispy crackers hits every texture and flavor note in one bite.
02 -
  • Don't skimp on rolling the cracker dough thin—thick crackers feel more like bread than the delicate crisps you want.
  • The charcoal powder will stain your hands and cutting board, but it's completely food-safe and washes out; there's no need to panic.
  • Carrots roast faster than you'd expect once they hit that tender stage, so check them around the 20-minute mark to avoid mushiness.
03 -
  • If your crackers aren't crisp enough after cooling, pop them back in the oven for 2–3 minutes at 300°F—they'll firm up as they cool again.
  • For a vegan version, swap Greek yogurt for cashew cream or silken tofu, and use maple syrup instead of honey; the dip will be equally luxurious.
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