Description
Tender, caramelized roasted carrots served over creamy whipped ricotta, drizzled with hot honey, and topped with fresh herbs and crunchy pistachios. A perfect sweet and savory side dish that’s sure to impress at your next holiday meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Roasted Carrots
- 1 lb (450g) baby carrots or heirloom carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup (225g) ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt, to taste
- For the Hot Honey
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- For Topping
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Roasted Carrots:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized. - Make the Whipped Ricotta:
In a food processor, blend the ricotta, heavy cream, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside. - Prepare the Hot Honey:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and red pepper flakes. Heat gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. Let cool slightly. - Assemble the Dish:
Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter, creating a smooth base. Arrange the roasted carrots on top of the ricotta. - Add the Toppings:
Drizzle the hot honey over the carrots. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, fresh thyme leaves, and parsley for garnish. - Serve:
Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness or spice level by varying the amount of honey or red pepper flakes.
- For extra richness, substitute sour cream or cream cheese for a portion of the ricotta.
- This dish can be served as a light vegetarian main dish or a hearty side dish for larger meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg