Description
This delightful Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey recipe features tender, caramelized carrots seasoned with aromatic spices and paired with creamy whipped ricotta cheese. Topped with a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle and crunchy pistachios, this dish makes a perfect warm side or elegant appetizer that balances flavors and textures beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 1 lb (450g) baby carrots or heirloom carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup (225g) ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt, to taste
Hot Honey
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Toppings
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Roasted Carrots: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast the Carrots: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and beautifully caramelized.
- Make the Whipped Ricotta: While the carrots roast, combine ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the honey with red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to infuse the heat. Remove from heat, stir in the apple cider vinegar, and allow to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter, smoothing it out to create a creamy base. Arrange the roasted carrots evenly on top of the ricotta.
- Add the Toppings: Drizzle the warm hot honey over the roasted carrots. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, fresh thyme leaves, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm as a flavorful side or an elegant appetizer that will impress your guests with its sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
Notes
- You can use either baby carrots or heirloom carrots depending on availability and preference.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes in the hot honey for more or less heat according to your taste.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a nut-based cheese and use a plant-based cream alternative.
- Make sure to spread the ricotta evenly to create a beautiful presentation for serving.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
