Name: Spicy Maple Roast Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) baby carrots, peeled (or regular carrots cut into sticks); 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat); 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for added depth); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish that’s bursting with flavor! These Spicy Maple Roast Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and creamy. Imagine caramelized carrots that have been roasted to perfection, with crispy chickpeas adding that irresistible crunch. The cool, tangy yogurt sauce ties everything together, creating the ultimate flavor-packed dish. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to your next gathering, this dish will steal the show!

Why You’ll Love Spicy Maple Roast Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce

Layered Flavors: The combination of sweet maple syrup, a spicy kick, crispy chickpeas, and creamy yogurt sauce creates a taste experience that’s out of this world.

Hearty & Satisfying: Between the roasted carrots and crispy chickpeas, this dish is both filling and full of texture. It’s a veggie-packed dish that’s far from boring!

Balanced Heat: The spicy maple glaze on the carrots gives them just the right amount of heat, while the cool yogurt sauce brings a refreshing contrast.

Simple to Make: With just a few easy steps, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish at home. The carrots and chickpeas roast in the oven while you whip up the yogurt sauce. Easy and efficient!

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or looking for an impressive side to serve at a party, this dish fits the bill perfectly.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients for this flavor-packed dish:

For the Spicy Maple Roast Carrots:

Carrots: Fresh, medium-sized carrots are perfect for roasting. The natural sweetness of the carrots shines through when roasted.
Olive Oil: Helps the carrots roast evenly and get that perfect crispy edge.

Maple Syrup: Adds a rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when roasted.
Chili Flakes: For that spicy kick! Adjust the amount based on how much heat you like.
Cayenne Pepper: For an additional layer of heat and spice.

Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory side of the dish, balancing out the sweetness and spice.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

For the Crispy Chickpeas:

Canned Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas well to get rid of excess moisture before roasting.

Olive Oil: A little bit of oil to help crisp up the chickpeas.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a nice depth of smoky flavor.
Cumin: A warm spice that complements the other flavors perfectly.

Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the chickpeas.

For the Yogurt Sauce:

Greek Yogurt: The creamy base of the sauce, thick and tangy.
Lemon Juice: Adds a burst of fresh citrus flavor to balance out the richness of the yogurt.

Garlic: A little minced garlic adds a savory touch to the yogurt sauce.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil to smooth out the sauce.
Fresh Dill (optional): Adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the yogurt.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to bring this mouthwatering dish together:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the carrots and chickpeas will roast evenly and get nice and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
Peel and cut the carrots into evenly sized pieces (around 2 inches long). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with chili flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the carrots to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning and syrup.

Step 3: Roast the Carrots
Place the carrots in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want the carrots to be tender and lightly caramelized, with slightly crispy edges.

Step 4: Make the Crispy Chickpeas
While the carrots are roasting, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a separate baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 5: Roast the Chickpeas
Roast the chickpeas in the oven for about 20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through. They should come out golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 6: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
While the carrots and chickpeas are roasting, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Add fresh dill if you’re using it, and taste for seasoning.

Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Once the carrots and chickpeas are roasted to perfection, arrange the carrots on a serving platter. Sprinkle the crispy chickpeas over the top. Drizzle the yogurt sauce over everything, and garnish with extra fresh dill or herbs of your choice.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm as a side dish, or enjoy it as a light meal on its own. This dish is sure to be a hit!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Spicy Maple Roast Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce

This dish is so flavorful, you can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a variety of sides or mains. Here are a few ideas:

Rice Pilaf: The fragrant rice is a great side that complements the rich flavors of the carrots.
Grilled Chicken or Fish: Serve this dish with grilled meats for a well-rounded meal.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and spiced carrots.

Pita or Flatbread: Use warm pita or flatbread to scoop up the yogurt sauce and roasted vegetables.

Additional Tips

Make it Vegan: Use coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt for the sauce to make the dish vegan-friendly.
Customize the Heat: If you like it spicier, add more chili flakes or cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to the yogurt sauce.

Meal Prep: This dish makes great leftovers! Store the carrots and chickpeas in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?
A1: Absolutely! Baby carrots will work just fine. You may need to adjust the roasting time since they’re smaller and will cook faster.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can roast the carrots and chickpeas ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the oven before serving, and make the yogurt sauce fresh.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The yogurt sauce can be stored separately.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s not ideal to freeze the yogurt sauce, but you can freeze the roasted carrots and chickpeas. Just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Q5: Can I use other vegetables for this recipe?
A5: Definitely! Roasted sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even cauliflower would be delicious with the same maple glaze and crispy chickpeas.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A6: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Q7: Can I make the chickpeas ahead of time?
A7: Yes, you can roast the chickpeas and store them in an airtight container. They will stay crispy for a couple of days.

Q8: How do I make the yogurt sauce spicier?
A8: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the yogurt sauce for an extra kick!

Q9: Can I use a different kind of yogurt?
A9: Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt will give the sauce a thicker, creamier texture.

Q10: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A10: Yes, a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts would add a nice crunch and complement the sweetness of the carrots.

Conclusion

These Spicy Maple Roast Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce are a flavor-packed, satisfying dish that’s sure to impress at any meal. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a gathering, this dish brings together the perfect mix of textures and flavors—sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy. Don’t forget to save this recipe, because once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!