Carrots—those humble, often-overlooked root veggies—can be the unexpected star of the dinner table. Imagine them enveloped in a luscious dance between sweet honey and tangy balsamic, with crumbles of creamy feta adding a savory punch. It’s like a symphony of flavors that’s both sophisticated and down-to-earth, reminding me of cozy family dinners and the ever-changing fall foliage.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to create the glaze.
- Trim the tips off your carrots and cut them in half lengthwise. If the carrots are large, quarter them to ensure even cooking.
- Place the carrots in a baking tray along with a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Pour about three-quarters of the glaze over the carrots, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Roast the carrots for 15-20 minutes until they start to caramelize. If the glaze begins to char, stir the carrots and reduce the oven temperature slightly.
- Remove the tray from the oven, flip the carrots, and pour the remaining glaze over them. Return the tray to the oven and continue roasting until the carrots are fully caramelized and sticky.
- Once the carrots are done, remove the thyme stalks and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Optionally, add a final pinch of salt or additional balsamic vinegar or honey to taste before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (500g) medium-sized carrots
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley, finely diced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 99.08g | Protein: 6.08g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.148g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9.936g | Trans Fat: 0.008g | Sodium: 432mg | Potassium: 2024mg | Fiber: 17.6g | Sugar: 68.2g | Vitamin A: 218600IU | Vitamin C: 42.8mg | Calcium: 240mg | Iron: 2.8mg
FAQ
- Should I peel the carrots before roasting?
- Peeling the carrots is optional for this recipe. Peeled carrots have a brighter appearance, which can be more visually appealing, especially in salads. However, when roasting, there is not a significant difference in taste if the carrots are unpeeled, as the glaze masks any slight bitterness from the skin. Regardless of your choice, make sure to scrub them well.
- Why is it important to slice the carrots before roasting?
- Slicing the carrots, at least in half, ensures they cook evenly. Larger carrots might not cook through properly and could cause the glaze to burn before they soften. Uniformly sized, thinner carrots are ideal for achieving a perfectly caramelized result.
- What is the ideal temperature for roasting these carrots?
- Roast the carrots at a maximum of 375°F (190°C). Increasing the temperature above 390°F (200°C) risks burning the glaze. Carrots can take up to 50 minutes to cook, depending on their size, so patience is key.
- Can dried thyme be used instead of fresh thyme?
- Fresh thyme is recommended for this recipe as it infuses the carrots with a more subtle flavor. Dried thyme can be overpowering and may become too crispy during roasting. Fresh thyme also complements the sweetness of the glaze nicely.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the roasted carrots before serving?
- After roasting, you can sprinkle fresh parsley over the carrots for extra freshness. If desired, add a final drizzle of honey or a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the sweet and tangy flavors. A pinch of salt can also help balance the sweetness.
Tips
- Uniform Size for Even Cooking: Ensure that your carrots are all cut to a similar size and thickness. This will help them cook evenly, allowing the glaze to caramelize properly without burning.
- Monitor Oven Temperature: Keep the oven temperature at or below 390°F (200°C) to prevent the glaze from burning. If the carrots are not cooking through, resist the urge to increase the heat; instead, adjust the cooking time.
- Use Fresh Thyme: Opt for fresh thyme rather than dried herbs. Fresh thyme will infuse the carrots with a subtle flavor without becoming overpowering or crispy during roasting.
- Final Seasoning Adjustments: After roasting, consider adding a final sprinkle of salt to balance the sweetness of the honey glaze. If desired, you can also drizzle a little extra honey or balsamic vinegar for added flavor.
Equipment
- Baking Tray
- Spatula/Turner
