Crunchy Roasted Smashed Carrots Recipe
Introduction
Smashed carrots are a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots with a crispy texture. This easy recipe combines roasting and smashing to create a deliciously tender and caramelized treat perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the peeled carrots on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for about 25 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 2: Remove the carrots from the oven and gently smash each carrot using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher until they are flattened but still in one piece. Return the smashed carrots to the baking sheet, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until crispy on the edges.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before the second roasting.
- You can add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder for a different twist.
- Try using a mix of colored carrots to add vibrant color to the dish.
Storage
Store leftover smashed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
Yes, baby carrots work well. Just be sure to adjust the roasting time as needed, since smaller carrots may cook faster.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Peeling is optional. If you prefer, you can leave the skins on as long as the carrots are well washed and scrubbed.
PrintCrunchy Roasted Smashed Carrots Recipe
Smashed Carrots is a simple and flavorful roasted vegetable dish where tender roasted carrots are lightly smashed to create a pleasing texture and then roasted again to develop crispy edges. The result is a deliciously caramelized and seasoned side dish perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Roast the Carrots: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel the carrots and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with half the salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Smash the Carrots: Remove the carrots from the oven and use the bottom of a glass or a flat spatula to gently press down and smash each carrot to flatten slightly without breaking them apart completely.
- Second Roast: Drizzle the smashed carrots with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Return them to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until they are crispy on the edges and golden brown.
Notes
- Use carrots of similar size for even cooking.
- Smashed texture helps to absorb more seasoning and gives a pleasant crispy edge.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving.
- This recipe works well as a side dish with roasted meats or vegetarian meals.
Keywords: smashed carrots, roasted carrots, vegetable side dish, crispy carrots
