Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe
Bright, flavorful, and downright irresistible, this Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly elevates any meal. The natural sweetness of perfectly roasted carrots pairs beautifully with the tangy, creamy whipped feta, enhanced by vibrant spices like sumac and za’atar. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. Trust me, this combination will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe is straightforward, yet each item plays an essential role. Together, they create a dish that balances sweetness, tang, earthiness, and creaminess, making every bite shine.
- Small to medium carrots (1 1/2 lbs): Heirloom or organic choices add vibrant color and the perfect natural sweetness when roasted.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup): Used for roasting the carrots and whipping the feta, it adds a luscious richness and helps carry flavors.
- Honey (2 tablespoons total): This natural sweetener enhances the carrots’ caramelization and mellows out the feta’s tang.
- Sumac (2 teaspoons): Its lemony, tangy flavor brightens the dish with a subtle acidity.
- Za’atar (1 1/2 teaspoons): Provides a warm, herby depth that pairs amazingly with both carrots and feta.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and complexity to the dish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, green garnish that adds color and a pop of herbal brightness.
- Greek yogurt (3/4 cup): Contributes creaminess and smoothness in the whipped feta, softening its sharpness.
- Feta cheese (8 oz): The star of the whipped feta, bringing a salty, tangy creaminess to the recipe.
- Lemon zest (2 teaspoons) and juice (1/2 lemon): Boosts freshness and adds a zesty punch to the whipped feta.
- Garlic cloves (2): Lend a subtle punch of savory flavor that complements the creaminess of the feta.
How to Make Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup an absolute breeze. These little prep steps set you up for perfectly roasted carrots with no fuss.
Step 2: Whip Up the Feta
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the feta, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic cloves, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. This whipped feta can be made up to three days ahead, making your life easier on serving day.
Step 3: Clean and Prep the Carrots
Give your carrots a good scrub to wash away any dirt, trim off the tops, and rinse well. You can peel them if you prefer a softer skin, but leaving it on adds lovely texture and earthy flavor. Pat them dry so they roast beautifully instead of steaming.
Step 4: Toss Carrots in Spices and Roast
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, za’atar, sumac, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss the carrots in this fragrant mixture until they are fully coated. Spread them out evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until they are tender and have those irresistible golden edges.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spread the whipped feta onto a serving plate as the creamy base. Arrange the roasted carrots on top, then drizzle a little extra olive oil over everything. Finish by sprinkling flaky sea salt and some chopped parsley if you like for a fresh herbal pop. It’s ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds vibrant green color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the warm orange carrots and creamy white whipped feta. For a little extra crunch and flavor, consider toasted pine nuts or a pinch of chili flakes to add some subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb and is also fantastic alongside a simple grain salad such as quinoa or couscous. It can serve as a standout side dish or even a light vegetarian main when paired with warm pita or crusty bread for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning appetizer or party plate, serve the roasted carrots and whipped feta in individual small bowls or spread the whipped feta on crostini and stack the carrots on top. Layering the carrots on a bed of fresh greens like arugula or baby spinach can also turn this into a refreshing salad component.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the roasted carrots and whipped feta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The carrots will keep for about 3 to 4 days, and the whipped feta lasts up to 5 days, maintaining its velvety texture and flavor.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze the roasted carrots or whipped feta, as freezing can affect the texture and creaminess. Instead, enjoy leftovers fresh within a few days for the best taste experience.
Reheating
Reheat the roasted carrots gently in a warm oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat to retain their softness without drying out. The whipped feta is best served cold or at room temperature as reheating will change its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular feta instead of Greek feta?
Yes, you can use regular feta, but Greek feta tends to be creamier and less salty, which makes it perfect for whipping into a smooth dip. If your regular feta is very salty, adjust the added salt accordingly.
What if I don’t have sumac or za’atar?
While sumac and za’atar add distinctive flavors, you can substitute sumac with a squeeze of lemon juice and za’atar with a mixture of thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds to keep the flavor profile close.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the whipped feta with a creamy cashew cheese or vegan feta alternative. The roasted carrots remain the same deliciously sweet and spiced.
Is it necessary to peel the carrots?
Peeling the carrots is optional. Keeping the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients, especially with organic or well-scrubbed heirloom carrots, but if you prefer a smoother bite, peeling is fine.
How do I make this recipe more spicy?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice mix before roasting or drizzle a bit of harissa or chili oil over the finished dish to introduce some heat that balances the creaminess and sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe enough if you want a dish that’s simple, flavorful, and impressive all at once. Whether for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, it brings together beautiful colors and layers of flavor that everyone will love. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender roasted carrots seasoned with za’atar, sumac, and honey, paired perfectly with creamy, tangy whipped feta. This recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory Mediterranean-inspired flavors, making it a perfect side dish or light appetizer.
Ingredients
Roasted Carrots
- 1 1/2 lbs small to medium carrots (about 12-14), heirloom or organic preferred
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons sumac
- 1 1/2 teaspoons za’atar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped parsley, for serving (optional)
Whipped Feta
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 8 oz feta cheese
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Whipped Feta: In the bowl of a food processor, combine Greek yogurt, feta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic cloves, honey, and olive oil. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. This can be made up to 3 days in advance for convenience.
- Clean Carrots: Thoroughly scrub the carrots to remove dirt, remove the tops, rinse under cold water, and pat dry. Peel the carrots if you prefer a smoother texture, though it’s optional.
- Roast Carrots: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, za’atar, sumac, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a flavorful coating. Toss the carrots well to ensure they are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are fork tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Spread the whipped feta on a serving plate or dish, then arrange the roasted carrots on top. Drizzle with additional olive oil, sprinkle flaky sea salt, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.
Notes
- Use heirloom or organic carrots for the best flavor and texture.
- Whipped feta can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- If you do not have za’atar or sumac, a blend of thyme and lemon zest can be substituted for za’atar, and a squeeze of lemon can mimic sumac’s tartness.
- Peeling carrots is optional and depends on personal preference.
- This dish is best served fresh but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
