Honey Roasted Carrots: A Simple, Sweet, and Savory Side Dish
This recipe for honey roasted carrots is incredibly easy to make, yet delivers a depth of flavor that will elevate any meal. Forget bland, boiled carrots; these are sweet, tender, and slightly caramelized, with a hint of savory spice. They’re the perfect side dish for everything from roast chicken to grilled salmon, and even delicious on their own!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 4 large carrots) Using baby carrots is fine too, just skip the peeling!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil A good quality olive oil will make a difference in the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey Choose your favorite type – wildflower, clover, or even a flavored honey like orange blossom would work beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin This adds a warm, earthy note that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground is always best!
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the carrots roast evenly and become beautifully tender.
- Prepare the carrots: Wash and peel your carrots (unless using baby carrots). Chop them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure all the carrots are evenly coated.
- Roast: Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to steaming instead of roasting. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized. Flip them halfway through for even browning.
- Serve: Once roasted, remove the carrots from the oven and serve immediately. They're delicious as a side dish to any main course!
Tips and Variations for the Best Honey Roasted Carrots:
- For extra flavor: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the baking sheet during roasting. Remove the herbs before serving.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey to 1 tablespoon. Conversely, for extra sweetness, add a little more.
- Make it a complete meal: Add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas to the baking sheet during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a hearty and healthy vegetarian meal.
- Storage: Leftover roasted carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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