Sweet, caramelized roasted carrots paired with creamy, airy whipped ricotta and a drizzle of honey. This dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients:
- For the Roasted Carrots:
- 1 pound carrots, washed and cut into 2-inch pieces (you can peel them if you want to, but it is not necessary)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Whipped Ricotta:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- Honey, for drizzling
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), chopped (optional)
- crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Carrots:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast the Carrots:
- Roast for 25-35 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
- Prepare the Whipped Ricotta:
- While the carrots are roasting, combine the ricotta cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter.
- Arrange the roasted carrots over the ricotta.
- Drizzle with honey.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the carrots before roasting.
- You can use different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, instead of thyme.
- For a little added crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts, such as pistachios or pine nuts, over the finished dish.
- If you do not have a food processor or blender, the ricotta can be whipped by hand, but it will take more effort to get the desired light and fluffy texture.
Enjoy!