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Roasted Carrots with Ricotta

Roasted Carrots with Ricotta

Roasted Carrots with Ricotta is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the natural sweetness of tender roasted carrots with the creamy richness of whole-milk ricotta cheese. This healthy and flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, offering vibrant colors, delightful textures, and customizable flavors that cater to any taste preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Cheese

  • 1 lb (about 450g) fresh carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley), chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or zest

Optional Toppings

  • Toasted nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or pine nuts), chopped
  • Honey or maple syrup, for drizzling
  • Chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the carrots if needed and cut them into uniform sticks or rounds to ensure even cooking.
  2. Season the Carrots: Toss the carrots in olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs until each piece is well-coated, maximizing flavor and caramelization during roasting.
  3. Roast to Perfection: Spread the carrots evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the carrots are tender and have beautifully browned edges.
  4. Plate with Ricotta: Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish and dollop generous spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over them. Finish by sprinkling lemon zest and drizzling olive oil or honey if desired.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Add optional toppings like toasted nuts or chili flakes to introduce extra texture and flavor contrast. Serve warm for the best experience.

Notes

  • Choose uniform carrots to ensure even roasting and tenderness.
  • Use good-quality olive oil for rich flavor and caramelization.
  • Fresh herbs provide brighter, fresher aromas compared to dried.
  • Serve ricotta slightly chilled or at room temperature to contrast with warm carrots.
  • Adding crunchy toppings enhances texture and adds excitement to the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted carrots, ricotta cheese, healthy appetizer, gluten free, easy dinner, baked vegetables, simple side dish