Description
Roasted Carrots with Tahini Sauce is a vibrant and wholesome dish combining the natural sweetness of perfectly roasted carrots with a creamy, nutty tahini sauce. This easy and quick recipe delivers rich flavor contrast, nutritious benefits, and a beautiful presentation. Ideal as a side, appetizer, or light main course, it elevates any meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Carrots and Seasoning
- Fresh medium-sized carrots – quantity as desired (e.g., 1 lb / 450 g)
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
- Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Tahini Sauce
- Tahini – 1/3 cup
- Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Minced garlic – 1 clove
- Salt – a pinch
- Water – 2 to 4 tablespoons (to thin sauce as needed)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill, mint, or thyme) – chopped, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika or chipotle powder – a pinch
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash and peel your carrots, then slice them into evenly sized sticks or rounds to ensure even roasting and prevent burning.
- Toss with Olive Oil and Seasoning: Place the sliced carrots in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss until each piece is lightly coated.
- Roast the Carrots: Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Prepare the Tahini Sauce: While roasting, mix tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Gradually whisk in water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and pourable.
- Combine and Serve: After roasting, allow the carrots to cool slightly. Drizzle with tahini sauce, garnish with chosen fresh herbs, toasted sesame seeds, or smoked paprika, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cut carrots uniformly to avoid uneven cooking.
- Roast at high heat (425°F/220°C) to caramelize and bring out natural sweetness.
- Adjust tahini sauce thickness by adding water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten and balance the sauce.
- For softer carrots, extend roasting time by 5-10 minutes.
- Store leftover carrots and tahini sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze carrots alone for longer storage; prepare fresh tahini sauce when ready to serve.
- Reheat carrots gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven to preserve texture; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: roasted carrots, tahini sauce, vegan appetizer, healthy side dish, easy roasting, plant-based