Description
Roasted Rainbow Carrots are a vibrant and healthy side dish, featuring colorful carrots roasted to perfection with olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs. This simple recipe enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, making it a deliciously wholesome addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 bunches of rainbow carrots (10 to 14 carrots)
Seasonings & Dressings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Several sprigs of oregano or thyme
- Optional – additional chopped fresh herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the carrots.
- Clean the Carrots: Scrub the rainbow carrots thoroughly under running water until they are fully cleaned of any dirt or debris.
- Season the Carrots: Toss the cleaned carrots with olive oil, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even roasting.
- First Roast: Place the carrots in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing them to start softening and caramelizing.
- Add Glaze and Herbs: Remove the tray from the oven, then drizzle the carrots with honey and balsamic vinegar. Add the sprigs of thyme or oregano and toss to evenly coat all the carrots with the glaze and herbs.
- Final Roast: Return the carrots to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to deepen the flavor and fully roast the carrots.
- Serve: Once done, remove the carrots from the oven and serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- Scrubbing the carrots instead of peeling preserves their nutrients and vibrant colors.
- Using honey and balsamic vinegar adds a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano complement the natural flavor of the carrots but can be substituted with rosemary or parsley.
- Ensure carrots are spread in a single layer to roast evenly and get slightly caramelized edges.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings by using additional sheet pans.
