27 May 2025
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
18 carrots
2 tbsp olive oil
1/8 tsp red pepper (spice)
1 dash salt
2 tbsp honey
5 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Honey-lemon roasted carrots with red pepper is a simple yet flavorful side dish that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a hint of spice from red pepper and a refreshing touch of lemon. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy dish that will pair wonderfully with your main course.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Carrots:
Peel the carrots and cut them into uniform sticks or rounds, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
3. Season Carrots:
Place the carrot pieces into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle the 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper over the carrots. Add a dash of salt. Toss the carrots well to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Roast Carrots:
Spread the seasoned carrots out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper roasting.
5. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Halfway through the baking time, toss the carrots to ensure even roasting.
6. Prepare Honey-Lemon Glaze:
While the carrots are roasting, prepare the honey-lemon glaze. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of honey, 5 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix well until the honey is fully dissolved and the ingredients are combined.
7. Glaze Carrots:
Once the carrots are tender and slightly golden, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the honey-lemon glaze over the hot carrots, and gently toss or stir them to ensure each piece is coated with the glaze.
8. Finish Roasting:
Return the glazed carrots to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and infuse the carrots with flavor.
9. Serve:
Remove the carrots from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with a bit more lemon zest or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Tips:
- Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and flavor.
- Preheat your oven to ensure even roasting of the carrots.
- Cut the carrots into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Mix the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and zest together ahead of time for a more seamless preparation.
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for an easier cleanup.
- Toss the carrots halfway through roasting for even caramelization.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your spice preference.
These honey-lemon roasted carrots with red pepper are a delightful addition to any meal. The combination of sweet honey, tangy lemon, and a hint of spice results in a nuanced flavor profile that will impress your family and guests. Enjoy your perfectly roasted, flavorful carrots!