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
- 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.
- 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.
- Arrange the carrots: Place the carrot pieces on a baking sheet, making sure they have enough space for roasting without steaming.
- Add olive oil: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the carrots to help them roast nicely and enhance flavor.
- 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.
- Toss to coat: Gently toss the carrots to ensure every piece is well coated with oil and spices for even roasting.
- Spread evenly: Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet to promote even browning during roasting.
- 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.
- Prepare whipped ricotta: While the carrots roast, place 1/2 cup ricotta cheese in a medium bowl for whipping.
- Whip the ricotta: Use a spoon or hand mixer to whip the ricotta until smooth and creamy, creating a light base.
- Add honey: Drizzle in 1 tablespoon honey slowly while continuing to whip to incorporate sweetness fully into the ricotta.
- 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.
- Cool the carrots: Once roasted, remove the carrots from the oven and allow them to cool slightly to prepare for plating.
- Spread ricotta on platter: Evenly spread the whipped ricotta mixture on a serving platter as the flavorful base.
- Top with carrots: Place the roasted carrots evenly over the whipped ricotta, creating a layered presentation.
- Drizzle honey: Drizzle any remaining honey over the carrots for an additional sweet glaze and visual appeal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add color and a fresh herbal note.
- 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.
