Description
Zesty “Lemon Garlic Roasted Carrots” dance with Mediterranean flavors, bringing sunshine to your plate. Herb-kissed and caramelized, these carrots offer a quick, elegant side dish that elevates any meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 lb (454 grams) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or coins
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
Oils and Seasonings:
- 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a sizzling 400°F (200°C), creating the perfect environment for transforming ordinary carrots into a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish.
- Trim and wash the carrots, then slice them diagonally into elegant, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum caramelization.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, massage the carrot slices with fragrant olive oil, creating a glistening base that will help seasonings adhere perfectly.
- Mince fresh garlic cloves to release their pungent aroma, then sprinkle over the carrots along with bright lemon zest that will infuse the dish with citrusy brightness.
- Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the carrots, adding a tangy counterpoint to the vegetable’s natural sweetness.
- Generously season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, then add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle, warming heat that tingles the palate.
- Arrange the seasoned carrots on a rimmed baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure each piece roasts to golden-brown perfection.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, gently turning the carrots midway to promote even caramelization and prevent burning.
- Once the carrots are tender with crispy, bronzed edges, remove from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness, then serve immediately while still warm and aromatic.
Notes
- Choose medium-sized carrots with uniform thickness to ensure even roasting and consistent texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause steaming instead of caramelization and prevent those delicious golden-brown edges.
- Pat carrots dry before seasoning to help them crisp up and achieve maximum flavor concentration during roasting.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, making the dish adaptable for mild or spicy taste lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg