Midnight Sun Charcoal Crackers (Print Version)

Bold charcoal crackers surround a creamy roasted carrot and turmeric dip for a striking appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Combine chopped carrots with olive oil, sea salt, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cumin. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, activated charcoal powder, and salt. Add olive oil and water, stirring to form a dough. Knead briefly until smooth.
04 - Roll the dough very thinly between two sheets of parchment paper. Remove the top sheet and cut the dough into rectangles or rounds as desired.
05 - Transfer the crackers on parchment to a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until crisp. Allow to cool completely.
06 - In a food processor, combine the roasted carrots, Greek yogurt or plant-based alternative, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, honey or maple syrup, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Spoon the dip into the center of a round platter forming a bright, thick 'yolk' circle. Arrange the charcoal crackers around it to create a striking visual reminiscent of the midnight sun.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It looks like edible art but tastes genuinely delicious—people will think you spent hours on it.
  • The crackers are crispy and savory while the dip is creamy and warm with unexpected spice, creating a perfect textural dance.
  • You can prep both components ahead, making it stress-free for entertaining.
02 -
  • Don't skip the thinness when rolling crackers—thick ones will be chewy and disappointing instead of shattering between your teeth.
  • The carrots need to actually caramelize; if they're just soft, they'll taste steamed and pale rather than sweet and concentrated.
  • Taste the dip before serving and adjust the lemon and salt; the right balance changes based on how much your carrots have sweetened.
03 -
  • If your charcoal dough feels sticky, rest it in the fridge for 15 minutes before rolling—cold dough is much more cooperative.
  • Don't blend the dip too long or it can become gluey; stop while it's still slightly textured and luxurious.
Go Back