Caramelised carrot and rocket salad
This caramelised carrot and rocket salad features sweet, tender carrots tossed with peppery arugula and crispy prosciutto, topped with grated parmesan. A delightful blend of flavours and textures makes it an ideal starter or light main course.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cumin
4 cups carrots
3 slices prosciutto
1/3 cup vinegar
6 cups arugula
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Caramelized carrot and rocket salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines sweet, caramelized carrots with the peppery bite of arugula and the savory crunch of prosciutto. Topped with grated parmesan cheese, this salad is perfect as a starter or a light main course. Let's dive into the steps to create this delicious salad.
Instructions:
- Peel and slice the carrots into thin rounds or sticks, depending on your preference.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced carrots to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cumin over the carrots. Stir well to ensure the carrots are evenly coated.
- Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until the carrots are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Heat a separate, smaller skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the prosciutto slices and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
- Remove the prosciutto from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat. Optionally chop it into smaller pieces if desired.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil and vinegar until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- In a large salad bowl, add the arugula (rocket) leaves.
- Top with the caramelized carrots and crispy prosciutto.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients and ensure even distribution of dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious caramelised carrot and rocket salad!
This caramelized carrot and rocket salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will surely impress your family and guests. The sweetness of the caramelized carrots, the savory prosciutto, and the peppery arugula create a harmonious balance, while the parmesan cheese adds a rich, umami finish. Enjoy this fresh and vibrant salad that is both easy to make and satisfying to eat.
Caramelised carrot and rocket salad FAQ:
You can use crispy bacon or pancetta as alternatives to prosciutto. For a vegetarian option, consider using roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for crunch.
The carrots are properly caramelized when they are tender and have a golden-brown color on the outside. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes after adding the brown sugar and cumin.
While the salad can be partially prepared ahead, it's best to keep the components separate until serving. Store the caramelized carrots and prosciutto in the fridge and add them to the arugula just before serving to maintain freshness.
A light vinegar like white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar works well for the dressing. Each provides a nice tang that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
A large skillet or frying pan is recommended to ensure the carrots cook evenly and have enough space to caramelize. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Tips:
- To ensure even caramelization, cut your carrots into uniform slices.
- Monitor the caramelization process closely to avoid burning the sugar.
- Add the arugula just before serving to maintain its fresh and crisp texture.
- For added flavor, you can lightly toast the prosciutto slices before adding them to the salad.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of parmesan cheese to suit your taste preference.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 200kcal
Protein 8g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 3.92g
Sugar 24g
Fat 20g
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