Imagine transforming ordinary carrots into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This Roasted Whole Carrots with Rosemary and Honey recipe is not just a side dish – it's a flavor explosion that elevates simple vegetables into a gourmet experience. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create a stunning, caramelized treat that's both elegant and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb whole carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Wash the whole carrots thoroughly and pat them dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Trim off the carrot tops, leaving about 1/2 inch of green stem for visual appeal.
- If the carrots are thick, slice them lengthwise to ensure even cooking. Keep smaller carrots whole.
- Place the carrots on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Drizzle olive oil over the carrots, rolling them to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Strip the rosemary leaves from the sprigs and chop them finely. Scatter the chopped rosemary over the carrots.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking, until carrots are tender and have slightly caramelized edges.
- Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle honey over the hot carrots, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh rosemary if desired. Serve hot as a side dish.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Carrots: Select firm, vibrant carrots with bright green tops for the best flavor and appearance.
- Even Cooking Hack: If your carrots are thick, slice them lengthwise to ensure they roast evenly and develop those irresistible caramelized edges.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your carrots breathing room on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Rosemary Tip: Finely chop the rosemary to distribute its aromatic flavor more evenly across the carrots.
- Honey Drizzle Technique: Add honey immediately after roasting while the carrots are hot to help it create a beautiful, glossy coating.
- Temperature is Key: A high oven temperature (425°F) is crucial for achieving those perfect caramelized edges.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a pinch of smoked paprika alongside the rosemary!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
