Description
Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey is a vibrant, flavorful side dish that features tender, caramelized carrots seasoned with warm spices, paired with creamy, airy whipped ricotta and finished with a sweet and spicy drizzle of hot honey. This elegant yet simple recipe makes a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a standout appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 1 lb baby or heirloom carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup ricotta
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- 2 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh herbs (like mint or parsley), for garnish (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Carrots: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the carrots clean to remove any dirt. In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Roast Carrots: Arrange the seasoned carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Roast until the carrots are fork-tender and have caramelized edges, enhancing their natural sweetness and texture.
- Prepare Whipped Ricotta: While the carrots are roasting, combine the ricotta, heavy cream, and lemon zest in a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip the mixture until it becomes light, airy, and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste for a balanced creamy base.
- Assemble & Serve: Spread the whipped ricotta evenly onto a serving platter. Arrange the warm roasted carrots gracefully on top of the ricotta. Drizzle generously with hot honey to add a sweet and spicy finish. Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or parsley and sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm carrots and cool whipped ricotta.
Notes
- You can use baby carrots for a sweeter, tender finish or heirloom carrots for more color and variety in flavor.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey based on your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based alternative and heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Fresh herbs such as mint or parsley add a vibrant freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve as a side dish with roasted meats or as a light appetizer with crusty bread.
