Description
Roasted carrot medallions with whipped ricotta blend Mediterranean flavors in a simple side dish that surprises palates. Zesty hot honey and creamy ricotta elevate humble carrots into an elegant culinary experience you’ll want to savor again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps heavy cream or milk
- 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Crushed pistachios, almonds, or walnuts
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to a searing 400F (200C), priming the cooking environment for transformative caramelization.
- Carrot Preparation: Thoroughly cleanse and trim carrots, creating uniform pieces. Coat with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary for maximum flavor infusion.
- Roasting Process: Spread seasoned carrots across a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to achieve golden-brown edges and tender, caramelized interiors while promoting even cooking.
- Ricotta Enhancement: Whip ricotta to a cloud-like consistency using a hand mixer, incorporating olive oil and a touch of salt to develop a silky, luxurious texture that complements the roasted vegetables.
- Hot Honey Creation: Gently warm honey with red pepper flakes, allowing the spicy essence to meld and create a complex, fiery-sweet drizzle that will elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Final Presentation: Artfully arrange roasted carrots, crown with billowy whipped ricotta, and finish with a dramatic drizzle of hot honey. Sprinkle fresh herbs to introduce a vibrant, aromatic flourish that brings the entire dish to life.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Carrots: Space carrots evenly on the baking sheet to ensure crispy, caramelized edges instead of steaming them.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust hot honey’s heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes to match personal taste preferences.
- Whip Ricotta Perfectly: Use room temperature ricotta and whip until light and fluffy, avoiding over-mixing to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs like za’atar, smoked paprika, or cumin to transform the dish’s flavor profile and keep it exciting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg