If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious dish, the Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce Recipe is here to brighten your table and your taste buds. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of roasted carrots with a creamy, zesty tahini sauce infused with fragrant mint and a hint of garlic. The toasted hazelnuts add just the right crunch, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds. It’s a simple, wholesome dish that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any weeknight. Trust me, once you try this combination, it might become one of your favorite veggie recipes to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Collecting these ingredients is a joy because each component plays a crucial role. From the naturally sweet carrots to the refreshing mint and nutty tahini, every ingredient combines to create that irresistible blend of flavors and textures.
- 10-12 carrots: Fresh, firm carrots are key—they roast beautifully, becoming tender with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a bit of richness and helps the carrots roast evenly without drying out.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and balances the flavors.
- 1/4 cup tahini: Creamy sesame paste that forms the base of the sauce, lending a nutty depth.
- 1 clove garlic (crushed): Adds a pungent, aromatic punch to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Provides bright, citrusy acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- 1/3 cup mint (roughly chopped): Brings a fresh, cooling element to the sauce with a lovely herbal note.
- 1/2 tbsp honey: A touch of sweetness balances out the tartness; can be swapped with 1 tbsp orange juice for a Whole30-friendly option.
- 3 tbsp water: Used to thin the tahini sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- 2/3 cup hazelnuts (toasted and roughly chopped): Toasted nuts add a crunchy contrast and complement the sauce’s nuttiness.
- 2 tbsp mint (chopped): Fresh mint sprinkled on top adds color and a vibrant final note.
How to Make Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Carrots
Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit). Wash the carrots thoroughly and lay them out on a baking sheet. Toss them gently with olive oil and a pinch of salt to ensure every carrot is lightly coated. Roast them in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the carrots, testing with a fork to ensure they are cooked through yet still hold a bit of firmness—this balance keeps them vibrant and pleasant to bite into.
Step 2: Create the Mint & Tahini Sauce
While your carrots are roasting, make the luscious sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, crushed garlic, lemon juice, chopped mint, water, and honey. Blend everything thoroughly until smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more water to reach your desired pouring consistency. This sauce is truly the star that brings everything together with its rich, herbaceous flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Once the carrots are perfectly roasted, take them out and arrange them on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the freshly made tahini sauce, then sprinkle with the chopped fresh mint and toasted hazelnuts. The nuts add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy sauce and tender carrots beautifully. Now it’s ready to serve and impress!
How to Serve Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only boosts the visual appeal but also enhances each bite. Fresh chopped mint on top keeps the dish bright and cooling, while toasted hazelnuts give a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma that perfectly contrasts the creamy sauce and sweet carrots.
Side Dishes
This roasted carrot dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, or quinoa salad. It also works beautifully alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken, acting as a fresh, flavorful counterpoint to richer proteins.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, consider serving the roasted carrots on a long platter or rustic wooden board. Drizzle the sauce artfully with a spoon and sprinkle the hazelnuts and mint with a light hand for that elegant touch. You could also serve the sauce on the side for dipping, giving guests a fun, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover roasted carrots and tahini sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Carrots will keep well for about 3 days, while the sauce maintains its creaminess for up to 5 days. Keeping them separate is best to preserve the fresh texture of the carrots.
Freezing
While roasted carrots can be frozen, it’s not ideal because their texture may become mushy upon thawing. The tahini sauce is best enjoyed fresh and should not be frozen as it can separate. For best results, enjoy this recipe fresh or store leftovers in the fridge rather than freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the roasted carrots in a preheated oven or a skillet over medium heat until heated through—this keeps them tender but not soggy. The tahini sauce is best served at room temperature, so pull it out of the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts can all work well to add crunch and complement the tahini sauce’s nuttiness. Just toast them lightly to bring out their flavor.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
It certainly can be. Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or use orange juice as a Whole30-friendly substitute to keep it fully plant-based.
How long do roasted carrots take to cook?
The cooking time varies based on the thickness of your carrots, but generally, 15 to 20 minutes at 200°C (390°F) is enough until they’re tender yet still have a slight bite.
Can I prepare the mint & tahini sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, and you might need to add a little water to adjust the consistency.
What if I don’t have a blender or food processor?
You can finely mince the garlic and mint and whisk the sauce together by hand, adding water gradually until creamy. It’s a bit more work but still very doable and delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of sweet, tender roasted carrots with the cool, rich tahini sauce dotted with fresh mint and crunchy hazelnuts. The Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce Recipe strikes a wonderful balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it a standout addition to any meal. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—it’s a guaranteed way to bring a little extra warmth and flavor to your table.
Print
Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously sweet and tender roasted carrots paired with a creamy, tangy mint and tahini sauce, topped with crunchy hazelnuts for added texture. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect as a side or a light appetizer, balancing earthy roasted flavors with fresh herbs and rich tahini.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 10–12 carrots
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Tahini Sauce
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 cup mint (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 tbsp honey (substitute 1 tbsp orange juice for Whole30)
- 3 tbsp water (plus more if needed)
Toppings
- 2/3 cup hazelnuts (toasted and roughly chopped)
- 2 tbsp mint (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit) to get it ready for roasting the carrots.
- Prepare and Roast Carrots: Wash the carrots thoroughly and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt, tossing to coat evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Depending on the thickness, you may need to roast them longer. Check by piercing the carrots with a fork—they should be cooked through but remain slightly firm.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: While the carrots roast, combine tahini, crushed garlic, lemon juice, chopped mint, honey, and water in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if the sauce is too thick.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the carrots are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the mint tahini sauce. Sprinkle the toasted, roughly chopped hazelnuts and additional chopped mint on top for a fresh and crunchy finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust roasting time based on carrot thickness for the perfect texture.
- Substitute honey with orange juice for a Whole30-compliant version.
- Use a high-quality tahini to enhance the sauce’s creaminess and flavor.
- Toast hazelnuts just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
