Description
This recipe elevates simple roasted carrots with creamy whipped ricotta and a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle, creating a quick and gourmet side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds (about 700g) fresh medium-sized carrots (orange and rainbow mix optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt (preferably flaky sea salt)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup (250g) full-fat whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons honey (raw or wildflower honey preferred)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Peel carrots if desired, then cut into uniform sticks or halves for even roasting.
- In a mixing bowl, toss carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, chopped thyme, and garlic powder if using.
- Spread carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- While carrots roast, whip ricotta with lemon zest and a pinch of salt using a hand mixer or food processor until fluffy. Add a teaspoon of cream or milk if too thick.
- Warm honey gently in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in red pepper flakes and let steep for a few minutes to infuse heat.
- Arrange roasted carrots on a platter or plates. Dollop whipped ricotta on top, drizzle with hot honey, and garnish with extra thyme or cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
Use fresh carrots for best caramelization; flipping halfway ensures even roasting. Whip ricotta well for a silky texture. Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat. Make whipped ricotta and hot honey a day ahead and store separately. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the rec
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 8
Keywords: roasted carrots, whipped ricotta, hot honey, easy side dish, gourmet carrots, spicy honey drizzle, healthy carrot recipe