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Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey

An elegant and easy side dish featuring deeply caramelized roasted carrots on a bed of cool, creamy whipped ricotta, all drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Carrots
  • 2 lbs carrots scrubbed, halved lengthwise if thick
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
For the Whipped Ricotta
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon zest only
  • 0.25 tsp salt
For the Hot Honey
  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika optional
For Garnish
  • 0.25 cup toasted, chopped nuts e.g., pistachios, walnuts
  • 1 tbsp fresh herbs e.g., parsley, thyme

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Food processor or blender
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Toss the carrots with 3 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on the baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer.
  3. Roast for 25-35 minutes, tossing halfway, until carrots are tender and caramelized.
  4. While carrots roast, make the whipped ricotta. Add ricotta, heavy cream, 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp salt to a food processor.
  5. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and airy.
  6. Make the hot honey. In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey, red pepper flakes, and paprika over low heat for 2-3 minutes to infuse. Do not boil.
  7. To serve, spread the whipped ricotta on a platter. Top with the warm roasted carrots.
  8. Drizzle the hot honey all over the carrots and ricotta. Garnish with toasted nuts and fresh herbs.

Notes

Ensure carrots are in a single layer when roasting for best caramelization. Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture. The whipped ricotta and hot honey can be made 1-2 days in advance.