Description
Crispy Parmesan Carrots with a cheesy crust offer a deliciously flavorful and crunchy side dish that is perfect for holiday dinners or any roast. These carrots are marinated in a blend of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and chili, then roasted to tender perfection with a crispy Parmesan cheese coating.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Carrots
- 6 medium-large carrots (approx 700 grams)
Marinade & Coating
- 70 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano cheese)
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves minced or grated
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or red pepper flakes
- Handful fresh parsley finely chopped
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400℉) to prepare for roasting the carrots.
- Prepare Carrots: Peel the carrots and slice each in half lengthways, then in half again so each piece has a flat side for even cooking and coating.
- Make Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, grated garlic, smoked paprika, cumin powder, chili powder, fresh parsley, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat Carrots: Add the sliced carrots to the marinade and toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Sprinkle a handful of grated Parmesan cheese onto a non-stick oven dish or baking sheet to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
- Apply Cheese Crust: Dip the flat sides of each carrot piece into the remaining Parmesan cheese, then place them cheese-side down on the baking sheet in a single, even layer without gaps.
- Roast Carrots: Roast the carrots in the oven for 25 minutes, checking that they are tender and fully cooked by inserting a fork or toothpick.
- Flip and Crisp: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately flip the carrots using a spatula to reveal the crispy Parmesan crust side up.
- Serve: Serve the crispy Parmesan carrots hot as a delicious side dish alongside meats or vegetarian gravies.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and crispiness.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili powder or red pepper flakes accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure your Parmesan cheese is suitable or substitute with a vegetarian hard cheese.
- Carrots can be cut thicker or thinner but adjust roasting time accordingly.
- Serving with a meat-free gravy complements this dish beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximate)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
