This balsamic roasted carrots recipe is a simple yet irresistible side dish that enhances the natural sweetness of carrots with a rich balsamic glaze and aromatic rosemary. The tangy-sweet vinegar coats each carrot beautifully, creating a deliciously caramelized finish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Perfect alongside roasted meats or vegetarian spreads, it’s easy to prepare and requires just a handful of ingredients. We love serving it with toasted bread and a creamy layer of whipped ricotta for an extra-special touch.
STEP BY STEP VIDEO GUIDE
How to Serve Balsamic Roasted Carrots:
- As a Side Dish:
- Serve the balsamic roasted carrots alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. The sweet and tangy flavors of the carrots complement the savory flavors of the main dish beautifully.
- Over a Salad:
- Toss the roasted carrots with mixed greens, feta cheese, and toasted nuts for a delicious and healthy salad. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for added flavor.
- With Grain Bowls:
- Add the roasted carrots to a grain bowl with quinoa, brown rice, or farro. Top with avocado, hummus, and your choice of protein for a balanced meal.
- As an Appetizer:
- Serve the carrots on a platter with a creamy dip, such as hummus or tzatziki, for a simple and elegant appetizer.
- On Toast with Whipped Ricotta:
- Serve roasted carrots on top of toasted bread spread with whipped ricotta. Sprinkle with fresh dill and toasted pine nuts, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a flavorful open-faced sandwich.
When to Serve Balsamic Roasted Carrots:
- Weeknight Dinners:
- Quick and easy to prepare, balsamic roasted carrots make a perfect side dish for busy weeknights.
- Holiday Gatherings:
- With their vibrant color and delicious flavor, these carrots are a festive addition to holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Dinner Parties:
- Impress your guests with this simple yet elegant side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
- Potlucks and Picnics:
- Balsamic roasted carrots are great for potlucks and picnics, as they can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Meal Prep:
- Prepare a batch of these carrots ahead of time for easy inclusion in your meal prep. They store well and add flavor to various dishes throughout the week.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 bunch of carrots peeled and trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into two pieces
- Pinch of sea salt
- fresh rosemary
- fresh thyme
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 390°F.
- Prepare the Carrots:
- Rinse and peel the carrots, leaving them whole.
- Arrange on Baking Pan:
- Place the whole carrots in a single layer in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Season the Carrots:
- Drizzle the carrots with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.
- Add Butter and Herbs:
- Place the butter pieces on top of the carrots. As the butter melts during roasting, it will coat the carrots. Sprinkle the rosemary and thyme leaves over the carrots to infuse them with aromatic flavors.
- Roast the Carrots:
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking, until they are tender and caramelized.
- Serve:
- Once roasted, transfer the carrots to a serving platter. For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle additional balsamic vinegar on top before serving.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Carrots:
- Choose the Right Carrots:
- Freshness: Select fresh, firm carrots for the best flavor and texture. Look for carrots that are bright orange and free of cracks or blemishes.
- Size Matters: Try to use carrots of similar size for even roasting. If you have larger carrots, consider cutting them in half lengthwise to match the size of smaller ones.
- Enhance the Flavor:
- Add Sweetness: For a hint of sweetness, drizzle the carrots with a little honey or maple syrup before roasting. This will enhance the natural sweetness and help with caramelization.
- Zest It Up: Add a touch of lemon or orange zest before serving to give your carrots a refreshing citrus kick.
- Play with Herbs and Spices:
- Herbs: In addition to rosemary and thyme, try adding other herbs like oregano, parsley, or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Experiment with spices such as cumin, paprika, or coriander for a more complex flavor. A pinch of cinnamon can also add warmth and depth.
Toast with Whipped Ricotta and Roasted Carrots served with fresh dill and pine nuts.
Considerations for a Keto Diet:
Carrot Portions:
- Moderation: Carrots contain more carbohydrates than other low-carb vegetables, so portion control is important. Consider serving smaller portions or incorporating them with other lower-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.
Balsamic Vinegar:
- Use Sparingly: Balsamic vinegar can contain sugars, so use it sparingly or choose a sugar-free balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction made specifically for keto diets.
- Alternative Options: You can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, which are lower in carbs, to maintain the tangy flavor.
Add Fats:
- Healthy Fats: Add more healthy fats, like extra olive oil or butter, to increase the fat content and help keep the dish aligned with keto macros.
How to Store Balsamic Roasted Carrots:
Let Them Cool:
- Allow the roasted carrots to cool to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess in the storage container.
Choose the Right Container:
- Airtight Container: Use an airtight container to keep the carrots fresh and prevent any odors from other foods from affecting their flavor.
- Resealable Bag: Alternatively, you can use a resealable plastic bag, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing.
Refrigeration:
- Store the carrots in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are well-sealed to maintain freshness.
Freezing (Optional):
- If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the roasted carrots.
- Freezing Steps:
- Place the cooled carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
- Transfer the frozen carrots to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label and Date: Write the date on the container to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
- Storage Duration: Frozen roasted carrots can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the carrots on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the carrots, stirring occasionally until heated.
- Microwave: Place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in short bursts of 30-45 seconds, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Tips for Storing Roasted Carrots:
- Avoid Overcrowding: If you’re storing a large batch, use multiple containers to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the carrots to become mushy.
- Check for Freshness: Always check for any off-smell or appearance before consuming stored carrots, especially if stored for several days.
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Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Balsamic roasted carrots are a delicious side dish where whole carrots are drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then roasted to perfection with aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of carrots peeled and trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into two pieces
- Pinch of sea salt
- fresh rosemary
- fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 390°F.
- Prepare the Carrots: Rinse and peel the carrots, leaving them whole.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the whole carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Season the Carrots: Drizzle the carrots with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.
- Add Butter and Herbs: Place the butter pieces on top of the carrots. As the butter melts during roasting, it will coat the carrots. Sprinkle the rosemary and thyme leaves over the carrots to infuse them with aromatic flavors.
- Roast the Carrots: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking, until they are tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Once roasted, transfer the carrots to a serving platter. For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle additional balsamic vinegar on top before serving.
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