An easy and quick recipe to prepare tasty crispy and light baked carrots. You can cut them into sticks or slices and season with rosemary, paprika, or other spices to taste, or glaze with vegan honey. A roasted side dish by grandma Benedetta that will complete any main course.
CARROT SEASON – available all year round.
Other recipes for cooking carrots:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 77.15 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 11.02 (g) of which sugars 5.45 (g)
- Proteins 1.07 (g)
- Fat 3.78 (g) of which saturated 0.54 (g)of which unsaturated 0.15 (g)
- Fibers 3.22 (g)
- Sodium 176.25 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 45 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Light Baked Carrots
- 7 carrots (about half a kilo)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or peanut oil)
- to taste salt (and herbs*)
* recommended seasonings: garlic, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme. Or spices like turmeric, curry, paprika, chili.
For a different flavor, try glazing the carrots with oil, vegan honey (or maple syrup and cinnamon).
Tools
- Cutting board
- Knife smooth blade
- Baking tray oven
- Parchment paper reusable
COOKING: convection oven at 320°F for about 25 minutes.
Fast Baked Carrots
Wash the carrots, then trim the ends and scrape them lightly with a smooth blade knife. Cut into even sticks or slices.
Place the carrot sticks in a bowl, sprinkle with salt and preferred herbs, then mix by hand to evenly distribute the seasoning. If desired, you can also add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs and/or grated cheese (nutritional yeast flakes for vegans).
Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on a baking tray lined with reusable parchment paper. This ensures even cooking and crispy vegetables. During baking, turn them once or twice for even browning.
Bake in a preheated convection oven at 320°F for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and the desired level of doneness is reached (you can place the vegetables in a cold oven, but you need to increase the baking time by at least 5 minutes).
The cooking time also varies based on the quantity and size of the carrot pieces.
How to store baked carrots?
To store baked carrots, let them cool down, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you want to eat them, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Curiosities
Can people with irritable bowel syndrome eat carrots?
Carrots are generally well-tolerated, but the response can vary from person to person. Some individuals with irritable bowel syndrome may be sensitive to the fibers in carrots and might experience discomfort or gas after consuming them. It’s important to carefully monitor your reaction to carrots and adapt your diet according to your personal needs. Consult a dietitian or a specialized doctor for specific advice on your case.
What can be paired with carrots?
Carrots can be paired with a variety of foods, here are some ideas:
Potatoes: carrots and potatoes go well together, like in a mash, a creamy soup, or baked.
Ginger: adding grated ginger to roasted carrots or in a carrot soup adds a spicy and aromatic touch.
Honey: a little honey can add sweetness to oven-baked or boiled carrots.
Herbs: use herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to flavor carrots during cooking.
Nuts: carrots pair well with walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds to add extra crunch and rich flavor to your dish.
Cheese: goat cheese or grated parmesan adds flavor to carrots.
Lemon: lemon juice or zest can add acidity and freshness to carrots.
Curry: make carrot curry with spices like curry powder, cumin, and coriander.
Chicken or turkey: carrots can be served with meat to create balanced main courses.
Salads: grated or julienned carrots are a great ingredient for mixed, crunchy, and colorful salads.What are the benefits of cooked carrots compared to raw?
Cooked carrots offer some differences compared to raw carrots. They can be beneficial in cases of diarrhea as cooked carrots are easier to digest and can help firm up stools thanks to the fibers. However, it is important to consume them in small amounts and well-cooked to avoid any intestinal irritations. Additionally, the heat from cooking can release beneficial antioxidants such as beta-carotene and can increase the availability of certain nutrients like vitamin A. However, cooked carrots may lose some heat-sensitive vitamins, such as vitamin C.
Why is it better not to peel carrots?
Not peeling carrots (or just lightly scraping them) is a healthy choice because the skin is rich in nutrients such as fibers, vitamin C, and potassium. Additionally, it adds a touch of flavor and crunch to the preparations. However, it’s important to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt and surface contaminants.
