Roasted carrots are a simple yet delicious side dish that brings out the natural sweetness and earthy flavours of the carrots through the roasting process. This dish is versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customised with various seasonings and herbs to suit your taste. In this recipe, I paired them with my cumin-mint yogurt dressing/sauce to add freshness and unique flavour. Perfect match with the sweetness of carrots.

My daughter really loves carrots that I actually don’t really have to cook them to serve them to her. She loves raw carrots also just as much! 😀 However, I try to prepare carrots in different ways to introduce her more to flavours and the diversity of carrot dishes. Either it’s a simple carrot fries, soup with carrots in it, rice porridge, lumpia and pastel filling, salad, bake and roasted carrots, pureed soup, juices/smoothies, and also carrot cakes. I think by incorporating carrots into these varied dishes, you can enjoy their versatility and nutritional benefits in many delicious forms.

Cleaning carrots properly is important to remove dirt, pesticides, and bacteria. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning carrots effectively:

Steps to Clean Carrots:

Materials Needed:

• Fresh carrots
• Cold running water
• Vegetable brush or scrubber
• Paring knife or vegetable peeler
• Cutting board (optional)
• Bowl (optional)

Cleaning Process:

1. Inspect the Carrots:
   • Check the carrots for any obvious signs of dirt, blemishes, or damage. Discard any that are excessively bruised or rotting.
2. Rinse Under Cold Water:
   • Hold each carrot under cold running water. Use your hands to rub away any visible dirt and debris.
3. Use a Vegetable Brush:
   • For a more thorough cleaning, use a vegetable brush or scrubber. Gently scrub the surface of the carrot, especially around any crevices where dirt may be trapped. Focus on the areas near the top and bottom of the carrot, as these are usually the dirtiest.
4. Trim the Ends:
   • Use a paring knife or vegetable peeler to trim off the tops and tips of the carrots. If the carrots have leafy greens attached, remove them and set them aside if you plan to use them (they can be used to make carrot top pesto or added to salads).
5. Peel the Carrots (Optional):
   • If you prefer peeled carrots or if the skin is tough, use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer. This step is optional, as the skin contains nutrients and can be left on for most preparations.
6. Rinse Again:
   • After peeling, give the carrots a final rinse under cold water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
7. Dry the Carrots:
   • Pat the carrots dry with a clean paper towel or let them air dry. This step is especially important if you plan to store the carrots, as excess moisture can lead to spoilage.

Additional Tips:

• Storage: If you’re not using the carrots immediately, store them in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag or wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them fresh.
• Organic Carrots: If you’re using organic carrots, the cleaning process is the same, but you might find less pesticide residue on the surface.
• Leafy Tops: If your carrots have leafy tops, consider using them in soups, salads, or as a garnish. Wash the greens thoroughly before use.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Carrots:

• Uniform Size: Cut the carrots into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature helps to caramelize the carrots, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the carrots out in a single layer to avoid steaming them. Overcrowding the pan will result in less caramelization.
• Mix It Up: Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to find your favorite flavor combinations.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or vegetarian mains.
• In Salads: Add roasted carrots to salads for a warm, sweet contrast to fresh greens.
• With Dips: Serve with a side of yogurt-based dip, like cumin-mint yogurt, or a tahini sauce for added flavor.

Cumin Mint Yogurt

Cumin mint yogurt is a refreshing and flavorful dip or sauce that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, such as roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or as a salad dressing. It combines the earthy warmth of cumin with the cooling freshness of mint, all brought together in a creamy yogurt base. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the yogurt for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the cumin mint yogurt as a dip, sauce, or dressing. If desired, drizzle a little olive oil on top for added richness.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve as a dip for roasted carrots, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes.
• With Grilled Meats: Pair with grilled chicken, lamb, or beef for a refreshing contrast.
• In Wraps and Sandwiches: Use as a spread in wraps or sandwiches for added flavor.
• As a Salad Dressing: Thin with a little water or extra lemon juice and drizzle over salads.
• With Pita Bread or Naan: Serve as a dip with warm pita bread or naan for a tasty appetizer.

Tips:

• Yogurt Type: Greek yogurt is preferred for its thick and creamy texture, but you can use regular plain yogurt if desired. If using regular yogurt, you may want to strain it through a cheesecloth to achieve a thicker consistency.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh mint provides the best flavor, but dried mint can be used in a pinch. If using dried mint, remember that it is more concentrated, so use less.
• Adjusting Consistency: If the yogurt is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or extra lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency.

Roasted carrots and cumin mint yogurt are a delightful side dish that is easy to prepare and can be adapted to various flavour profiles. The natural sweetness and caramelized exterior of roasted carrots and the refreshing and creamy element of the cumin mint yogurt make them a crowd-pleaser, enjoy!