Don’t know what to do with that bag of carrots in your fridge? These spiced carrots are the answer. Savory, smoky, and spicy, this healthy carrot recipe delivers on flavor and nutrition!
The unique spice blend is what sets this recipe apart. It’s not your average salt-and-olive-oil (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and chili flakes are combined with salted butter and roasted to perfection. I love serving these simple roasted carrots in the fall and as part of my holiday side dish lineup! The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
For more easy side dishes, see my savory pumpkin rice (another perfect one for Thanksgiving), easy roasted mushrooms with garlic and thyme, and 10-minute cannelini bean salad.
The inspiration for this spiced carrots recipe came from a dish I had at Tupelo Honey Café years ago: spiced roasted vegetables served over a harissa yogurt, which was absolutely delicious. I still think about it and immediately recreated it at home! I leave the okra out because I love serving these during the holidays, and not everyone is a fan. Honestly, this could be any combination of vegetables because the spice blend is what makes the dish unique. It’s an easy carrot side dish that’s always on my Thanksgiving and Christmas menu!
Spiced Carrots Recipe
These are the perfect side dish and a fun appetizer, which inspired this recipe. Serve the carrots with toothpicks and a zesty dipping sauce. I usually mix Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, a small pinch of salt and pepper, and a little honey for balance. I keep it simple so the sauce doesn’t compete with the carrots’ flavor. We all need an arsenal of easy side dish recipes, and this one should definitely be on it.
Health Benefits Of Carrots
Carrots are a crunchy, low-calorie veggie packed with nutrients! They’re rich in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and powerful antioxidants that can help combat cancer and inflammation. The fiber in carrots can help lower cholesterol, aid in weight management, and may even help balance estrogen levels.
Spiced Carrots Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Melt the butter in a mixing bowl and place it in the microwave. Cook on high for 15 to 20 seconds or until the butter is melted.
- Add the olive oil, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the melted butter, whisking to combine. Add the carrots and toss until they are evenly coated with the butter and seasonings.
- To prep the baking sheet, rub it with additional butter as shown in the picture. Thoroughly coat the pan, then break up any remaining pieces around it.
- Once the baking sheet is prepped, spread the carrots in a single layer, add a quarter cup of water, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Increase the heat to 400°F, remove the foil, stir the carrots, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned and tender to your liking.
Cook’s note. Have you ever noticed how roasted carrots look dry and shriveled up? It’s simply the result of roasting vegetables, especially carrots. As they roast, they lose moisture, which is actually a good thing. It intensifies their flavor and creates caramelization. Unfortunately, it can make the carrots look pretty sad. To help with that, I start the carrots covered with a splash of water, which creates steam. They cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes to get some color and caramelization.
 | Smoked Spanish Paprika Non-GMO - Sustainable Spice - Grown in USA - All Natural - Not Irradiated - Hand Crafted, Small Batch |
Recipe Tips
- When serving my spiced carrots to guests, I like to transfer them to a pretty serving platter and garnish with fresh oregano. Shaved parmesan is a nice touch, too.
- To prep the carrots the day before, toss them with the butter mixture, cover, and spread them on the sheet pan just before cooking. When you’re in the thick of cooking a big holiday meal, you’ll be grateful for anything that’s already done!
- Feel free to change it up! If you don’t have oregano, add a little dried thyme. A little chili powder is a nice touch. If you don’t want the spice or you’re serving this to kids, leave the chili flakes off.
- I typically use baby carrots, though whole-roasted or rainbow carrots make a beautiful presentation. Any carrots will work!
If you’ve tried my spiced carrots recipe or any recipe on my site, please leave a comment below!
Spiced Carrots | Easy Healthy Side Dish
Ingredients
- 32- ounces baby carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the butter to a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Cook in the microwave for 20 seconds or until the butter is melted.
- Add the olive oil and all of the seasonings to the melted butter.
- Stir the butter mixture until evenly combined.
- Add the carrots to the butter mixture, and toss well.
- Rub a large baking sheet with the remaining tablespoon of butter.
- If there's any butter left, place it around the pan.
- Add the carrots to the baking sheet, and spread them in a single layer.
- Add one quarter cup of water to the baking pan.
- Cover the baking sheet tightly with foil.
- Bake the carrots for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven, and increase the heat to 425°F.
- Uncover the carrots and stir them around. Redistribute in an even layer.
- Place the carrots back in the oven.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and adjust the salt.
Leave a Reply