Ready to elevate your roasted veggie game? These roasted carrots are everything you want in a side dish—sweet, smoky, herby, and smothered in a dreamy ricotta-feta sauce that’s bursting with flavor! Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a delicious and nutritious showstopper.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally sweet and caramelized carrots roasted to perfection
- A creamy, herbed sauce made with ricotta and feta
- Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors
- Ideal as a vegetarian main or a flavorful side
- Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal prep!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Roasted Carrots:
- 450g carrots (peeled and halved lengthwise)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp persillade (or mix garlic + parsley)
- 3 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
For the Ricotta-Feta Sauce:
- 150g ricotta
- 90g feta cheese
- 10g fresh basil
- 10g fresh chives
- 20g toasted pistachios
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Juice of ½ lemon
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Carrots
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Peel and slice your carrots lengthwise to ensure even roasting.
2. Season & Roast
In a large bowl, toss the carrots with:
- Olive oil
- Maple syrup
- Persillade
- Sliced shallots
- Smoked paprika
- Minced garlic
- Sesame seeds
Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking tray. Make sure they’re not overcrowded—this helps them roast instead of steam.
Roast for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even caramelization.
3. Make the Sauce
While your carrots roast, combine all the sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender:
- Ricotta
- Feta
- Basil
- Chives
- Pistachios
- Olive oil
- Maple syrup
- Lemon juice
Blend until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Serve & Enjoy
Spoon the creamy ricotta-feta sauce onto a serving plate. Top with the hot roasted carrots. Garnish with extra herbs, chopped pistachios, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
🧠Pro Tips for Perfect Roasted Carrots
- Use rainbow carrots for a beautiful presentation and a variety of subtle flavor notes.
- Don’t skip flipping halfway through baking—this gives that golden caramelized edge!
- For extra flavor, roast your carrots with a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- A simple arugula or spinach salad
- Grilled chicken or lamb for protein
- A warm bowl of quinoa or couscous
- As a show-stopping holiday side dish
🧀 Can You Prep It Ahead?
Absolutely! You can roast the carrots and prep the sauce ahead of time. Just reheat the carrots in the oven and give the sauce a good stir before serving.
🥄 Why Ricotta and Feta?
The combination of ricotta and feta gives this sauce an amazing balance. Ricotta adds that creamy, fluffy texture while feta delivers a salty, tangy kick. Blended with herbs and citrus? Chef’s kiss. 😘
📌 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) or in a skillet over low heat.
💬 Final Thoughts
This roasted carrot dish is more than just a side—it’s a flavor-packed, color-rich, and nutrient-dense experience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy dinner for two, it delivers elegance and ease in every bite.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to snap a pic! 📸 Tag me on Instagram @keirarecipes—I’d love to see your version!