Delight your taste buds with this simple yet sophisticated recipe for roasted carrots paired with creamy whipped ricotta and a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey. This dish is a perfect balance of earthy, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it ideal for gatherings or as a flavorful side for everyday meals.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Elegant yet simple:ย The presentation is stunning, yet the recipe is straightforward to make.
- Flavorful contrast:ย The combination of roasted carrots, creamy ricotta, and hot honey creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Versatile:ย Works as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light main course.
- Customizable:ย Easily adjust the spice level of the hot honey or experiment with different garnishes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Carrots, trimmed and peeled
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Ricotta cheese
- Heavy cream (optional, for whipping)
- Honey
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the carrots:ย Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). Toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast the carrots:ย Roast the carrots for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Whip the ricotta:ย While the carrots roast, blend the ricotta cheese in a food processor or with a hand mixer until smooth. Add a splash of heavy cream if you prefer a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Make the hot honey:ย In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat and stir in red pepper flakes. Let it infuse for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the dish:ย Spread the whipped ricotta onto a serving platter. Arrange the roasted carrots on top, drizzle with hot honey, and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve:ย Serve immediately while the carrots are warm, or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4-6 as a side dish
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 25-30 minutes
- Total Time:ย 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Cheese options:ย Swap the ricotta with goat cheese or mascarpone for a different creamy base.
- Vegetable alternatives:ย Try this method with parsnips, sweet potatoes, or squash.
- Spice it up:ย Add a pinch of cayenne to the hot honey for an extra kick.
- Herbaceous twist:ย Experiment with garnishing the dish with dill, cilantro, or mint.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Warm the carrots in a 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) oven until heated through. Reassemble with whipped ricotta and hot honey just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make the whipped ricotta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the whipped ricotta up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before using.
2. Is there a substitute for hot honey?
If you donโt have hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to create a similar effect.
3. What type of carrots work best?
Both regular and baby carrots work well. If using baby carrots, reduce the roasting time slightly.
4. Can I use store-bought ricotta?
Yes, but for the best texture and flavor, choose high-quality, fresh ricotta.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
6. How can I adjust the spice level?
Simply add more or less red pepper flakes to the hot honey based on your preference.
7. What can I serve this dish with?
Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty grain salad for a complete meal.
8. Can I make the carrots in advance?
Roasted carrots can be made ahead and reheated, but they are best served fresh for optimal texture.
9. What other toppings can I use?
Consider adding toasted nuts, crumbled feta, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
10. Can I use a different oil for roasting?
Yes, you can use avocado oil, melted butter, or any neutral cooking oil.
Conclusion
Roasted carrots with whipped ricotta and hot honey is a stunning dish that combines simplicity with gourmet appeal. Itโs a versatile recipe that can adapt to different occasions and preferences, ensuring it becomes a staple in your recipe collection. Try it today and impress your family and friends with this delicious and elegant creation.
PrintRoasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey is a delightful dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted carrots with creamy ricotta and a touch of spicy honey. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Carrots:
- 1 pound (450g) baby carrots or heirloom carrots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Whipped Ricotta:
- 1 cup (225g) ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
For the Hot Honey:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Optional Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots:
- Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Make the Whipped Ricotta:
- In a food processor, blend the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Set aside at room temperature.
- Prepare the Hot Honey:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and red pepper flakes.
- Warm gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently; do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar.
- Let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter.
- Arrange the roasted carrots on top.
- Drizzle with the hot honey.
- Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, fresh thyme leaves, and parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the hot honey to control the spice level.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the ricotta with a plant-based alternative.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or can be served as a vegetarian main course.
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