Perfectly Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots are a simple yet delicious side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable. When roasted at a high temperature, carrots caramelize beautifully, developing a rich, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday meal or as a weeknight side, these roasted carrots are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• 12 carrots – Choose medium-sized carrots for even roasting. Larger carrots can be halved lengthwise to ensure they cook evenly.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – Provides a rich flavor and helps the carrots brown beautifully.
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper – Adds a touch of heat and depth of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill or parsley – Fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic finish to the roasted carrots.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to achieving that perfect roasted caramelization on the carrots.
2. Prep the Carrots: If your carrots are thick, cut them in half lengthwise to ensure they cook evenly. If they are thinner, you can leave them whole. Slice the carrots on a diagonal into 1 1/2-inch thick pieces. Keep in mind that the carrots will shrink during roasting, so don’t slice them too thin.
3. Season the Carrots: In a large bowl, toss the carrot slices with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until they are evenly coated. The oil helps the carrots roast evenly and develop that golden-brown exterior, while the salt and pepper enhance their natural flavor.
4. Roast the Carrots: Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are browned and tender. Depending on the thickness of your carrots, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Stir or flip the carrots halfway through to ensure even roasting.
5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Once the carrots are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven and toss with minced fresh dill or parsley. These herbs add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich, roasted carrots.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. These carrots are delicious served hot, but they also taste great at room temperature.

Tips:

• Carrot Variety: For added color and visual appeal, try using a mix of different colored carrots, such as purple, yellow, and orange varieties.
• Even Cooking: Make sure the carrot pieces are of similar size to ensure they cook evenly. If some pieces are thinner than others, they might burn before the thicker pieces are done.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the carrots in advance by cutting and seasoning them, then store them in the fridge until ready to roast. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before roasting.
• Leftovers: Leftover roasted carrots can be added to salads, grain bowls, or even pureed into soups.

These Perfectly Roasted Carrots are a versatile and easy side dish that complements a wide range of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian meals. The combination of caramelized sweetness and fresh herbs makes them a crowd-pleaser at any meal.