Description
Ina Garten’s Charred Carrots bring Mediterranean magic to your dinner table with roasted orange and cumin-spiced roots. Crispy edges and tender centers create a simple yet sophisticated side dish that elevates any meal with California-inspired elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) rainbow carrots, tops removed, unpeeled and scrubbed
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 1.5 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon syrupy balsamic vinegar
- Good olive oil
- Zest of ½ orange
- Juice of ½ orange
- Fleur de sel or sea salt
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 220°C / 425°F, positioning the rack 4 inches beneath the broiler element and activate the broiler function.
- Prepare the carrots by carefully trimming and cutting baby rainbow carrots in half lengthwise, or slice larger carrots into 4-inch uniform segments, ensuring each piece is approximately ½ inch thick for consistent roasting.
- Transfer the prepared carrots onto a sheet pan, creating an even single layer for optimal exposure to heat.
- Generously coat the carrots with 45 milliliters / of olive oil, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme, 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper over the carrots, using hands to gently toss and distribute seasonings evenly.
- Place the sheet pan under the broiler and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, carefully tossing the carrots every few minutes to achieve even charring and tenderness.
- Keep the oven door slightly ajar during broiling to prevent automatic shutoff of the broiler element.
- Once carrots are perfectly caramelized and tender, remove from the oven and immediately zest and squeeze ½ an orange over the hot vegetables.
- Elegantly drizzle of syrupy balsamic vinegar across the roasted carrots for an additional layer of complexity.
- Finish by delicately sprinkling fleur de sel or sea salt to enhance the flavors, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Balsamic drizzle adds a luxurious sweetness that transforms simple roasted carrots into a gourmet side dish.
- Consistent carrot sizing ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
- High-quality olive oil elevates the entire flavor profile, making a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Frequent tossing during broiling prevents burning and helps create those delicious caramelized edges.
- Quick taste test at the end allows for final seasoning adjustments, guaranteeing a perfectly balanced dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings (200g)
- Calories: 181
- Sugar: 9.4g
- Sodium: 737.5mg
- Fat: 11.4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Carbohydrates: 18.8g
- Fiber: 6.05g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg