Description
Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta offers a deliciously elegant and healthy side dish featuring caramelized carrots paired with creamy, lemony whipped ricotta. Perfect for Mediterranean-inspired meals, this recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful vegetarian and gluten-free dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots and Seasoning
- 1½ pounds rainbow or regular carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Carrots: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the peeled and trimmed carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, honey (if using), and thyme until evenly coated.
- Roast the Carrots: Spread the carrots evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized around the edges.
- Prepare Whipped Ricotta: While the carrots roast, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream or milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender. Blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter or individual plates. Top with the warm roasted carrots.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze or sprinkle with toasted nuts before serving.
- You can use baby carrots for convenience; adjust roasting time slightly as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
