Oven Roasted Carrots, a nutritious and flavorful Italian dish, combines fresh carrots with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. This simple yet delightful recipe is versatile enough to serve as either a side dish or an entrée for lunch and dinner.
Begin by placing chopped carrots in a bowl. Add garlic powder, chili flakes, pepper powder, parsley, salt, and olive oil.
Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
Next, spread the seasoned carrots evenly on an oil-greased baking sheet, ensuring they are laid out for even cooking.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the carrots are fork-tender.
Once done, remove the carrots from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley leaves. Your delicious Oven Roasted Carrots are now ready to be savored.
To Serve
Serve these Roasted Carrots as a delightful side dish alongside steamed rice or oven-baked salmon, or enjoy them as a flavorful entrée for your lunch and dinner.
Notes
To elevate your Oven-Roasted Carrots to the next level, here are some handy tips:
Cooking Techniques and Temperatures:
Roasting Temperature: For perfect fork-tender carrots, roast them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Roasting Baby Carrots: Baby carrots can also be roasted at the same temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. They may become tender before the usual 15 to 20 minutes, so it's advisable to monitor them closely to ensure they don't overcook.
Achieving Crispiness: For an extra crisp texture, switch your oven to broil mode during the last 2 minutes of baking.
Flavor Customizations and Additions:
Flavor Customization: The basic seasonings provide a delightful sweet and savory taste, but feel free to tailor them to your liking for a personalized touch.
Herb Varieties: While parsley is the herb of choice in this recipe, experimenting with thyme, rosemary, basil, or cilantro can introduce diverse flavors.
Glazed Carrots Option: For a sweet glaze, consider seasoning the carrots with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar.
Adding Spice and Cheese: A pinch of curry powder or paprika can add a spicy edge. Grated Parmesan cheese is also a great addition for a cheesy flavor.
Garlic Butter Seasoning: For a rich, garlicky flavor, try seasoning the carrots with a classic garlic butter sauce.
Balsamic Twist: Mixing in 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and maple syrup during seasoning can offer a unique taste profile.
Incorporating Other Vegetables: To make a more comprehensive meal, add other favorite veggies like broccoli, potatoes, asparagus, or onions.
Cooking Alternatives: Besides oven roasting, try preparing these carrots in an air fryer or pan for equally delicious results.