Roasted veggies are always the perfect addition to a meal and the spicy roasted carrots recipe is no exception. The blend of chili powder, paprika, and lime juice makes this recipe extra special. The rich taste of lemon and olive oil just makes these have to be tried.
What are spicy roasted carrots?
Spicy roasted carrots are a delicious and easy side dish for any meal. Roasting the carrots releases their natural sugars, which caramelize and form a sweet, sticky glaze. The spices add a perfect kick of heat to complement the sweetness of the carrots.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Place the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle the spice mixture over the carrots and toss to coat them evenly.
- Roast the carrots in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips:
- For an even spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice mixture.
- To save time, you can buy pre-cut baby carrots and use them instead of cutting whole carrots into sticks.
- Don’t overcrowd the carrots on the baking sheet, or they won’t roast properly. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Toss the carrots halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they roast evenly.
- Serve the carrots with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream on top for a cool and creamy contrast to the spiciness.
What to serve with?
Spicy roasted carrots are a versatile side dish that can complement a wide range of main dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with, along with some drink options:
- Roasted chicken: They pair well with roasted chicken. You could serve them with a whole roasted chicken, roasted chicken thighs, or MAR FAR CHICKEN.
Drink option:Â A crisp white wine like OLD OVERHOLT COCKTAIL or a light beer like a pilsner would pair well with this dish.
- Grilled steak: The sweetness of the roasted carrots helps to balance the richness of a grilled steak.
Drink option:Â A full-bodied red wine like RED DEVIL DRINK or a dark beer like a porter or stout would complement this dish nicely.
- Baked salmon: The spiciness of the roasted carrots contrasts nicely with the delicate flavor of baked salmon.
Drink option:Â A light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing beer like a wheat beer would be a good choice to serve with this dish.
- Vegetarian options: Spicy roasted carrots also pair well with vegetarian dishes such as roasted tofu, lentil soup, or quinoa salad.
Drink option:Â A light-bodied red wine like SWINGING SULTAN COCKTAIL or a refreshing beer like a pale ale would go well with these vegetarian options.
- Sandwiches: Spicy roasted carrots can also be served as a side dish to sandwiches like turkey, ham, or grilled cheese.
Drink option:Â A cold ORANGE TIC TAC SHOT or chilled iced tea would be a good choice for a sandwich pairing.
Storage
You can store the spicy roasted carrots in an airtight container for up to one week. If you want to keep them for longer, we recommend freezing them for up to three months.
Simply transfer the roasted carrots into a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer. To retain their crispness when thawed, be sure to freeze them with a layer of parchment paper between each layer of carrots.
Reheat
To reheat, place the carrots in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with plastic wrap. Microwave for one minute, then remove from the microwave and stir. Repeat this process until the carrots are heated through.
Are spicy carrots good for you?
Spicy roasted carrots are a great way to add a little kick to your side dishes. They’re also a great way to get in some extra nutrients, including vitamins A and C, as well as folate.
Vitamin A is key for healthy vision, cell growth, and immune function. It’s also essential for bone health since it helps the body absorb calcium. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect DNA from damage caused by free radicals. Folate (also known as folic acid) is important for cell division and growth during pregnancy.
Nutrition facts
- Calories: 52.5
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Carbohydrate: 11.9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Sodium: 26 mg
FAQ
What is the best spice for carrots?
The best spice for carrots is cinnamon.
Cinnamon helps to prevent the oxidation of the carrots’ natural antioxidant, beta-carotene. This helps to keep the carrots from turning yellow and brown over time. It also provides a sweet flavor that pairs well with the natural earthiness of carrots.
Conclusion
Roasted carrots are so, so easy to make. So if you’re looking for a new veggie side dish, try making these spicy roasted carrots!
Other Spicy Dishes:
Ingredients
- 1 pound of carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Place the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle the spice mixture over the carrots and toss to coat them evenly.
- Roast the carrots in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.