Get ready to transform the humble carrot into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This Roasted Carrots with Zesty Gremolata recipe is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that turns ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary dining experience. With a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and bright, fresh herbs, these carrots are about to become the star of your dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Wash and peel the carrots, then cut them into uniform sticks approximately 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even roasting and consistent cooking.
- Place the carrot sticks in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the carrots and sprinkle with salt. Toss thoroughly to coat each carrot evenly with oil and seasoning.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows them to roast and caramelize instead of steaming.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. The carrots should be tender and have golden-brown edges when done.
- While carrots are roasting, prepare the gremolata. Finely chop fresh parsley, mince the garlic, and zest the lemon. Combine these ingredients in a small bowl.
- Once carrots are roasted, remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the gremolata mixture over the hot carrots. The heat will help release the herbs' aromatics.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately while warm, allowing the zesty gremolata to enhance the roasted carrots' natural sweetness.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your carrots into uniform sticks to ensure even roasting. Uneven pieces will result in some carrots being undercooked while others burn.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your carrots breathing room on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of that desirable golden-brown caramelization.
- High Heat is Key: The 425°F temperature is crucial for creating those delicious crispy edges while keeping the inside tender.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh parsley and lemon zest for the gremolata to maximize the bright, zesty flavors.
- Timing is Everything: Sprinkle the gremolata immediately after roasting to help release the herbs' full aromatic potential.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gremolata for an extra kick, or experiment with different herb combinations.Pro Tip: For an even more intense flavor, try roasting whole garlic cloves alongside the carrots and incorporate them into the gremolata for a deeper, more complex taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
