Imagine a side dish so tantalizing that it transforms ordinary baby carrots into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe. These Cumin Roasted Baby Carrots with Citrus are not just a simple vegetable side - they're a flavor explosion that combines the warm, earthy notes of cumin with bright, zesty citrus undertones, creating a dish that's both sophisticated and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even roasting.
- Thoroughly wash the baby carrots under cool running water, then pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure proper roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, and salt, whisking them together to create a uniform seasoning mixture.
- Add the baby carrots to the seasoning mixture, gently tossing them to ensure each carrot is evenly coated with the oil and spice blend.
- Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization.
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and caramelization.
- While carrots are roasting, juice the orange and lemon, combining their fresh citrus juices in a small bowl.
- Once carrots are tender and lightly caramelized with golden edges, remove from oven and immediately drizzle with fresh citrus juice.
- Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving platter, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme if desired.
- Serve hot as a vibrant side dish, allowing the cumin and citrus flavors to complement the natural sweetness of the baby carrots.
Tips
- Pat your carrots completely dry before roasting to ensure they caramelize beautifully instead of steaming.
- Use a large, rimmed baking sheet and spread carrots in a single layer to achieve maximum browning and crispy edges.
- Don't skip turning the carrots halfway through cooking - this ensures even roasting and prevents burning.
- Fresh citrus juice is key - use freshly squeezed orange and lemon for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley after roasting.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter result, you can add a small drizzle of honey along with the citrus juice.
- Serve immediately after roasting to enjoy the carrots at their most crisp and flavorful peak.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
