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Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth
  • Prep Time: 0h 10m
  • Cook Time: 0h 35m
  • Total Time: 0h 45m
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vibrant and flavorful recipe features tender roasted carrots seasoned with cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, paired with a smooth whipped ricotta infused with honey, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Finished with a drizzle of hot honey and fresh parsley, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy textures perfect as a side dish or light appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale

Carrots and Seasoning

  • 4 large carrots
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for roasting the carrots evenly and achieving a nice caramelization.
  2. Prepare the carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into evenly sized pieces, either halving or quartering depending on their thickness, to ensure uniform cooking.
  3. Arrange the carrots: Place the carrot pieces on a baking sheet, making sure they have enough space for roasting without steaming.
  4. Add olive oil: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the carrots to help them roast nicely and enhance flavor.
  5. Season the carrots: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika evenly over the carrots to create a warm, spiced flavor profile.
  6. Toss to coat: Gently toss the carrots to ensure every piece is well coated with oil and spices for even roasting.
  7. Spread evenly: Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet to promote even browning during roasting.
  8. Roast the carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through to brown them evenly until they are tender and caramelized.
  9. Prepare whipped ricotta: While the carrots roast, place 1/2 cup ricotta cheese in a medium bowl for whipping.
  10. Whip the ricotta: Use a spoon or hand mixer to whip the ricotta until smooth and creamy, creating a light base.
  11. Add honey: Drizzle in 1 tablespoon honey slowly while continuing to whip to incorporate sweetness fully into the ricotta.
  12. Mix in spices: Stir in 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to give the ricotta a balance of heat and brightness.
  13. Cool the carrots: Once roasted, remove the carrots from the oven and allow them to cool slightly to prepare for plating.
  14. Spread ricotta on platter: Evenly spread the whipped ricotta mixture on a serving platter as the flavorful base.
  15. Top with carrots: Place the roasted carrots evenly over the whipped ricotta, creating a layered presentation.
  16. Drizzle honey: Drizzle any remaining honey over the carrots for an additional sweet glaze and visual appeal.
  17. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add color and a fresh herbal note.
  18. Serve: Serve immediately while the carrots are still warm to enjoy the contrasting textures and flavors at their best.

Notes

  • For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes to your liking.
  • Use fresh carrots for the best natural sweetness and texture.
  • Ricotta can be whipped by hand with a spoon or with a hand mixer for a smoother texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, but are best served fresh.
  • This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as a vegetarian side dish.