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Delicious 35-Minute Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta Recipe

Best Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Recipe

  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This stunning vegetable dish transforms humble carrots into a restaurant-quality side that balances sweetness, creaminess, and a gentle kick of heat. The combination of caramelized roasted carrots, creamy whipped ricotta, and the unexpected zing of hot honey creates a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Roasted Carrots:
    • 2 pounds (about 10–12) medium carrots, preferably with tops
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • For the Whipped Ricotta:
    • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • Zest of half a lemon
    • 1 small clove garlic, finely grated (optional)
  • For the Hot Honey:
    • ¼ cup honey
    • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • For Garnish:
    • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives), chopped
    • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or pistachios
    • Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots:
    1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. If your carrots have tops, trim them leaving about 1 inch of the greens for presentation. Wash carrots thoroughly and pat dry.
    3. For even cooking, halve any thick carrots lengthwise so all pieces are approximately the same size.
  2. Season and Roast the Carrots:
    1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and thyme.
    2. Add the prepared carrots to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
    3. Arrange carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
    4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized with golden brown edges.
  3. Make the Whipped Ricotta:
    1. While the carrots are roasting, place the ricotta cheese in a food processor or blender.
    2. Add olive oil, salt, lemon zest, and grated garlic (if using).
    3. Process for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
    4. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Prepare the Hot Honey:
    1. In a small saucepan, combine honey and red pepper flakes.
    2. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
    3. Remove from heat, stir in apple cider vinegar, and let cool slightly.
    4. For a smoother consistency, strain out the pepper flakes or leave them in for a more rustic hot honey.
  5. Assemble the Dish:
    1. Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter, creating a bed for the carrots.
    2. Arrange the roasted carrots artfully over the ricotta.
    3. Drizzle with the hot honey, being generous enough to ensure every bite gets some sweetness and heat.
    4. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, toasted nuts, and a light dusting of flaky sea salt.
    5. Serve immediately while the carrots are still warm for the perfect temperature contrast.

Notes

  • For extra sweet roasted carrots, choose young, fresh carrots with tops still attached – they tend to be sweeter and more tender.
  • Make sure to spread carrots in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting.
  • Both the whipped ricotta and hot honey can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • For ultra-smooth whipped ricotta, let it drain in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for 1-2 hours before whipping.
  • Use multicolored carrots for an even more vibrant presentation.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though it’s best to store components separately.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 235 kcal
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 245mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: roasted carrots with whipped ricotta, roasted carrots recipe, whipped ricotta recipe, hot honey recipe, vegetable side dish, carrot recipe, easy vegetable recipe, holiday side dish

Find it online: https://recipesmolly.com/roasted-carrots-with-whipped-ricotta-hot-honey/