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Crispy Smashed Carrots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 53 reviews

Crispy Smashed Carrots are a deliciously tender and caramelized side dish that combines boiled carrots smashed to release their natural sweetness and then roasted to achieve crispy edges. Enhanced with a flavorful blend of garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, honey, and balsamic vinegar, topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Carrots

  • 2 pounds large carrots, peeled

Seasonings and Herbs

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Finishing Touches

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook carrots: Add the peeled whole carrots to the boiling water and cook for 12-15 minutes until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape. This ensures they finish cooking properly in the oven without becoming mushy.
  3. Drain and smash: Drain the carrots and let them cool for about 5 minutes until they are safe to handle. Using the bottom of a glass or a fork, gently smash each carrot to slightly flatten it without breaking it completely.
  4. Season the carrots: Arrange the smashed carrots evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Drizzle with olive oil and season well with kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss gently with your hands to coat thoroughly.
  5. Roast to crisp: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges become golden brown and crispy. The carrots should caramelize and become tender throughout.
  6. Add herbs and finishing touches: After roasting, sprinkle fresh thyme, chopped rosemary, honey, and balsamic vinegar over the carrots to bring out aromatic flavors and a hint of sweetness.
  7. Garnish and serve: Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overboil the carrots; they should be tender but not mushy to hold their shape when smashed.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and aroma, but dried can be substituted if necessary.
  • Adjust honey according to your preferred sweetness level or omit for less sweetness.
  • Parmesan adds a savory depth, but it can be left out for a vegetarian option.
  • Flaky sea salt at the end enhances texture and adds a burst of flavor.

Keywords: crispy smashed carrots, roasted carrots, side dish, garlic carrots, caramelized carrots, healthy carrot recipe, vegetarian side

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/crispy-smashed-carrots-recipe/