Description
A simple yet elegant side dish featuring caramelized roasted carrots paired with airy whipped ricotta and a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe balances comfort food with fresh, exciting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound carrots (about 450g), peeled and cut into sticks or halves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (240g)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (or honey mixed with a pinch of chili flakes)
- Zest of one lemon
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Peel and cut 1 pound of carrots into uniform sticks or halves.
- In a medium bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the carrots. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding.
- Roast the carrots for 25-30 minutes, tossing gently halfway through, until tender with golden-brown edges.
- While carrots roast, whip the ricotta: combine 1 cup ricotta, 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, and lemon zest in a bowl. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy.
- Remove carrots from oven and let cool slightly.
- Arrange roasted carrots on a serving platter or plates. Dollop whipped ricotta over or alongside the carrots.
- Warm 2 tablespoons hot honey slightly if thick, then drizzle over the carrots and ricotta.
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Chill the mixing bowl and beaters for fluffier whipped ricotta. Warm hot honey slightly to make drizzling easier. Avoid overcrowding carrots on the baking sheet to ensure caramelization. Let carrots cool slightly before adding ricotta to prevent melting. For vegan version, use plant-based ricotta and maple syrup with chili flakes instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ¼ pound carrot
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: roasted carrots, whipped ricotta, hot honey, side dish, easy recipe, healthy vegetables, caramelized carrots, spicy honey drizzle