Roasted Carrots with Ricotta
Roasted Carrots with Ricotta is a simple yet elegant side dish that combines the natural sweetness of caramelized roasted carrots with the creamy, tangy richness of whole-milk ricotta cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this colorful and nutritious dish enhances any meal with vibrant flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Carrots
- 1 lb fresh medium-sized carrots, washed, peeled, and cut into uniform sticks or halves
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for tossing carrots)
- Pinch of sea salt
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), for garnish
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots. Cut them into uniform sticks or halves to ensure even roasting. Toss the carrots evenly in olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to coat every piece.
- Roast to Perfection: Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until the carrots are tender, caramelized, and have golden edges.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: While the carrots roast, whisk the ricotta cheese together with lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. This mixture adds brightness and silky texture that pairs wonderfully with the roasted carrots.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the warm roasted carrots on a serving platter. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs and a crack of black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture contrast.
Notes
- Cut carrots into similar sizes for even cooking and to prevent some pieces from drying out.
- Choose the freshest carrots to maximize sweetness and texture.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure roasting rather than steaming.
- Season generously with salt to enhance the natural flavors of both carrots and ricotta.
- Serve the dish warm for optimal flavor and texture contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: roasted carrots, ricotta, simple side dish, healthy side, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten free