Citrus Herb Roasted Carrots

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both vibrant and packed with flavor, these Citrus Herb Roasted Carrots are exactly what you need. With a hint of sweetness from honey and a fresh citrus kick, this dish is perfect for any season and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients for Citrus Herb Roasted Carrots

Carrots: The star of the dish, these provide a sweet and earthy base that roasts beautifully.

Olive oil: Helps in roasting and enhances the natural flavors of the carrots.

Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the best in all the other ingredients.

Rosemary and thyme: These fresh herbs add depth and a wonderful fragrance to the dish.

Orange: Both the zest and juice are used for a fresh, tangy kick that brightens up the carrots.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization.

Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of earthiness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a microplane for the orange zest to avoid the bitter white pith.
  • If your carrots are different sizes, cut them to be as uniform as possible for even cooking.
  • Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on what you like or have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

These roasted carrots are a versatile side dish. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish. For a vegetarian meal, serve them alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or farro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use them sparingly. Dried herbs are more potent, so use about a third of the amount.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can work as a vegan alternative.

Citrus Herb Roasted Carrots Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (or 200°C). This ensures that it’s ready to go once you’ve prepped everything. Next, grab your peeled and cut carrots — the thinner the sticks, the quicker they roast.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrot sticks with about two tablespoons of olive oil, a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated so they roast uniformly.

Add the freshly chopped rosemary and thyme, along with the zest and juice from one orange. This is where the magic starts. Mix everything well to combine the flavors thoroughly.

Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps them cook evenly and prevents sticking. Slide them into your preheated oven.

Roast the carrots for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and have a slight caramelization around the edges. Once out of the oven, drizzle a tablespoon of honey over the hot carrots, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright citrus flavor that elevates humble carrots.
  • Herbs like rosemary and thyme add an aromatic touch.
  • Perfectly caramelized with a hint of sweetness from honey.
  • Simple preparation with a gourmet feel.

Ingredients

2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 orange, zested and juiced
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Add chopped rosemary, thyme, orange zest, and orange juice to the bowl, mixing well to combine the flavors.
4. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle fresh parsley over the roasted carrots before serving.

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