Description
This Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta recipe offers a delicious, vibrant side dish featuring tender, spiced roasted carrots paired with a smooth and creamy whipped ricotta. The combination of warm spices and fresh parsley, finished with an optional honey drizzle, creates a perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Whipped Ricotta
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Honey (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare carrots: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, peel and cut the carrots into sticks.
- Season carrots: In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika making sure they are evenly coated.
- Roast carrots: Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the roasting time until they are tender and have a slight caramelization.
- Whip ricotta: While the carrots roast, combine ricotta cheese, heavy cream or milk, and lemon juice in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the whipped ricotta to a serving platter. Once the carrots are finished roasting, arrange them on top of the ricotta layer.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish and drizzle with honey if desired for an added touch of sweetness before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Adjust the seasoning and spices according to your taste preference; adding a pinch of chili powder can add a nice heat.
- The honey drizzle is optional but enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots nicely.
- Make sure to flip the carrots halfway during roasting to ensure even caramelization.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a vegetarian side.
