Description
This Spiced Roasted Carrots with Lemony Whipped Feta recipe offers a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender carrots roasted with a blend of warm spices and honey, paired perfectly with a creamy, tangy whipped feta sauce enhanced by lemon and garlic. Ideal as a side or a light vegetarian meal, it combines roasting and blending techniques to create a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors.
Ingredients
Carrots and Seasoning
- 1 Pound Carrots
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 1/2 Teaspoon Aleppo Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin
- 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Sea Salt (to taste)
- Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
Whipped Feta
- 8 Ounces Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 1 Cup Greek Yogurt
- 1 Lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic
Optional Garnishes
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1/2 Teaspoon Aleppo Pepper
- 1 Drizzle Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Pomegranate Arils
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting the carrots.
- Season Carrots: Wash the carrots thoroughly, remove stems, and optionally cut them. In a large bowl, add the carrots along with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss well with your hands to coat the carrots evenly with the seasoning blend.
- Line Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the seasoned carrots out evenly on the sheet to ensure even roasting.
- Roast Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes until they are fork tender. At about the halfway mark, remove the tray and toss the carrots to promote even cooking and browning.
- Prepare Whipped Feta: While the carrots roast, combine 8 ounces crumbled feta, 1 cup Greek yogurt, juice from 1 lemon, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 cloves garlic in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. For a thinner consistency, gradually add a few tablespoons of water and blend again until desired texture is reached.
- Assemble Carrots and Feta: Spread the whipped feta evenly across a serving plate. Once the carrots are done roasting, remove them from the oven and place them atop the whipped feta layer.
- Garnish Carrots: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, an additional drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper, and pomegranate arils for color and added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Storage and Reheating Instructions: To prepare ahead, keep carrots and whipped feta stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the carrots on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 250°F oven for 10-15 minutes before assembling and serving.
Notes
- You can cut the carrots into evenly sized pieces for quicker roasting and better coating.
- Aleppo pepper adds a mild heat and fruity flavor but can be substituted with crushed red pepper flakes if unavailable.
- Adjust honey quantity based on your preferred level of sweetness.
- Whipped feta can be made ahead and kept chilled for up to 2 days.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest whipped feta texture.
- Reheat carrots gently at low temperature to avoid drying out.
- Pomegranate arils and parsley garnish add freshness and contrasting colors but are optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
