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Harissa & Honey Smashed Carrots

Tender boiled carrots smashed flat and roasted with a fiery, sticky harissa and honey glaze, served over cool yogurt with fresh herbs and pistachios.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Fusion, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 190

Ingredients
  

Carrots
  • 1.5 lbs whole medium carrots peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt for boiling water
Harissa Honey Glaze
  • 2 tbsp harissa paste adjust to spice preference
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Serving & Garnish
  • 0.75 cup labneh or Greek yogurt plain, whole milk
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint or cilantro chopped
  • 2 tbsp roasted pistachios chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Heavy glass or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrot chunks and boil for 12-18 minutes until just fork-tender. Do not overcook.
  2. Drain carrots well and let them steam dry in a colander for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the harissa, honey, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the glaze.
  5. Place the dried carrots onto the baking sheet. Use the bottom of a heavy glass or spatula to press down on each piece, smashing them flat to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  6. Brush the harissa honey glaze generously over each smashed carrot, ensuring it gets into all the crevices.
  7. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are dark, caramelized, and extremely crispy. Watch carefully at the end so the honey does not burn.
  8. Mix the labneh with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Swoop it onto a serving platter. Arrange hot carrots over the yogurt. Garnish with pistachios, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot.

Notes

Ensure carrots are properly steamed dry before smashing and roasting to get the best crispy edges.