Description
This vibrant and flavorful dish features tender roasted carrots seasoned with aromatic spices, paired with a creamy whipped ricotta infused with hot honey and a touch of lemon. Perfect as a sophisticated side or a light appetizer, the hot honey adds a subtle sweetness and heat that complements the earthy carrots and smooth ricotta beautifully.
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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the carrots.
- Prepare Carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into halves or quarters depending on thickness for even cooking.
- Arrange Carrots: Place the carrot pieces evenly on a baking sheet.
- Add Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the carrots to coat them nicely.
- Season Carrots: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika evenly over the carrots.
- Toss Carrots: Toss the carrots well to ensure they are fully coated with oil and spices.
- Spread Out: Spread the carrots into a single layer on the baking sheet for even roasting.
- Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly browned, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Whip Ricotta: While carrots roast, place ricotta cheese in a medium bowl.
- Smooth Ricotta: Whip ricotta using a spoon or hand mixer until it is smooth and creamy.
- Add Honey: Drizzle in honey while whipping to fully incorporate the sweetness.
- Mix Spices: Stir in red pepper flakes and lemon juice into the whipped ricotta until well combined.
- Cool Carrots: Once roasted, remove carrots from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Spread Ricotta: Spread the whipped ricotta evenly on a serving platter.
- Top With Carrots: Arrange the roasted carrots on top of the ricotta layer.
- Drizzle Honey: Drizzle any remaining honey over the roasted carrots for extra sweetness.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the combination of roasted, whipped, spicy, and sweet flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh large carrots for the best texture and sweetness.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
- Whipping the ricotta makes it lighter and creamier—use a hand mixer for easiest results.
- For a vegan variation, substitute ricotta with whipped tofu or cashew-based cheese.
- Serve as a side dish or a light appetizer for gatherings and dinner parties.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
