Spread the love

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

Introduction

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey is a delightful dish that combines sweet roasted carrots with creamy ricotta and a spicy honey drizzle. This recipe is not only easy to make but also brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is fantastic because it is simple yet impressive. Roasting brings out the rich flavors of the carrots, while the whipped ricotta adds a creamy texture. The hot honey gives a delicious kick that balances the sweetness of the carrots perfectly. It’s a great way to enjoy your veggies and surprise your guests with a unique flavor combination!

How to Make Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs carrots, peeled & halved lengthwise
2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 cup whole-milk ricotta
2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
1 tbsp olive oil (for whipped ricotta)
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste (for whipped ricotta)
1/4 cup honey (for hot honey)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Crushed walnuts or pistachios (optional garnish)
Lemon zest (optional garnish)
Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Flaky sea salt (optional garnish)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you like. Spread them on a baking sheet with the cut side down. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
To make the whipped ricotta, blend the ricotta, milk, olive oil, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper, then chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
For the hot honey, warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the red pepper flakes and stir for 3–4 minutes, making sure it does not boil. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and let it cool slightly.
To assemble the dish, spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter. Top with roasted carrots, drizzle with the hot honey, and add any desired garnishes.

How to Serve Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

Serve this dish warm as a delightful side to meats or as part of a vegetarian meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light snack or appetizer. The creamy ricotta and spicy honey make each bite deliciously memorable.

How to Store Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

If you have leftovers, store the roasted carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The whipped ricotta should also be stored separately in a sealed container. Reheat the carrots in the oven before serving again and drizzle with fresh hot honey.

Tips to Make Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

Make sure to cut the carrots evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the hot honey to suit your spice preference.
You can use any type of nuts for garnishing, depending on what you like or have at home.

Variation

You can easily modify this recipe by adding different spices or herbs to the carrots. Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as goat cheese, for the whipped element or try using maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Yes, baby carrots work well. Adjust the roasting time since they may cook faster than larger carrots.

Q2: Is there a dairy-free option for the whipped ricotta?
Yes! You can replace the ricotta with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or a plant-based cheese.

Q3: How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can roast the carrots and prepare the whipped ricotta in advance. Just warm the carrots and mix in the honey before serving.