Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce

Introduction

I recently made Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce for a dinner party, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The roasted carrots, with their natural sweetness and caramelization, paired perfectly with the creamy, tangy tahini sauce. The mint added a refreshing and aromatic layer, while the toasted hazelnuts provided a satisfying crunch. It’s one of those dishes that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect side dish for a variety of meals or a light main course for vegetarians. Whether you serve it alongside grilled chicken or enjoy it on its own, this dish brings together flavors that complement each other beautifully.

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Why You’ll Love This Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce

This Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce recipe is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. The tender roasted carrots develop a rich caramelization that enhances their natural sweetness, while the tahini sauce brings a creamy, nutty depth. The addition of fresh mint provides a bright, herbaceous contrast that makes each bite refreshing. Toasted hazelnuts add an unexpected crunch, making the dish feel both luxurious and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and can be served as a side dish or a light main course.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re following a vegetarian, Whole30, or even vegan diet, this dish can easily be adjusted to fit your needs. The tahini sauce is creamy without any dairy, and with a simple swap of orange juice for honey, it becomes Whole30-compliant. With its combination of simple, fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

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Ingredients

For the Carrots:

• 10–12 carrots
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/3 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
• 1/2 tbsp honey (or 1 tbsp orange juice for Whole30)
• 3 tbsp water (add more if needed for consistency)

For Topping:

• 2/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

Prepare the Carrots:

1. Wash the carrots and pat them dry. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra flavor and nutrients.
2. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt. Toss them to ensure they’re evenly coated.
4. Roast in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender but still slightly firm. Test their doneness by pricking them with a fork. If your carrots are thicker, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Make the Tahini Sauce:

1. While the carrots are roasting, combine the tahini, crushed garlic, lemon juice, roughly chopped mint, water, and honey (or orange juice) in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, adjusting the water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. If the sauce is too thick, simply add more water, one tablespoon at a time.

Toast the Hazelnuts:

1. While the sauce is blending, toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally until they’re fragrant and slightly golden (about 5 minutes). Let them cool before roughly chopping them.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Once the carrots are done roasting, arrange them on a serving plate.
2. Drizzle the tahini sauce generously over the roasted carrots.
3. Sprinkle with the toasted hazelnuts and freshly chopped mint for garnish.

Serve:

1. Serve warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. This dish works well as a side dish or a light main course.

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Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 3–4
• Calories per serving: 230 kcal
• Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 120mg

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Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

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How to Serve

• As a Side Dish: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish.
• As a Light Main Course: Serve the roasted carrots with tahini sauce as a stand-alone vegetarian dish, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
• With Grains: Serve alongside quinoa, couscous, or rice to make a more filling meal.
• With a Salad: Pair with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

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Additional Tips

1. Carrot Size: If your carrots are particularly thick, consider slicing them into halves or quarters before roasting to ensure even cooking.
2. Tahini Consistency: If your tahini is too thick, it may be due to the brand. Some tahinis are naturally thicker, so feel free to adjust the amount of water until you get the desired sauce consistency.
3. Toast Hazelnuts Carefully: Hazelnuts can burn quickly, so make sure to keep an eye on them while toasting and stir occasionally to prevent over-browning.
4. Substitute Honey: For a Whole30 or vegan option, use orange juice instead of honey to add sweetness to the tahini sauce.
5. Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of mint, feel free to substitute it with parsley, cilantro, or basil for a different flavor profile.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios would also work well in this dish.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the roasted carrots and tahini sauce can be made ahead. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the carrots before serving, and drizzle the sauce on top just before serving.

3. Can I make the tahini sauce without a blender?
Yes, you can whisk the tahini sauce by hand. Just make sure to mash the garlic well and use a small bowl to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

4. Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! The tahini sauce is already vegan, and the rest of the dish contains no animal products.

5. Can I use pre-cooked carrots?
Fresh, roasted carrots will yield the best flavor and texture, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-cooked carrots and just warm them up in the oven.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The tahini sauce may thicken, so just add a little water and stir before serving again.

7. Can I use a different type of vegetable instead of carrots?
Yes, roasted sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even cauliflower could be substituted for the carrots for a slightly different flavor.

8. Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, this would pair beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb, or a plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils for added protein.

9. Can I make this recipe Whole30-compliant?
Yes, simply substitute honey with orange juice in the tahini sauce to make it Whole30-compliant.

10. What can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?
Pair this dish with a grain such as quinoa, couscous, or farro, and a fresh salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.

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Conclusion

Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the natural sweetness of roasted carrots with the creamy richness of tahini and the refreshing punch of mint. The toasted hazelnuts provide a satisfying crunch, making this dish a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a light main course, and it’s packed with nutrients. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal, a dinner party, or a light lunch, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your health!

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