Baby carrots – perfect for snacking AND roasting
Something I always have on hand are baby carrots. They’re the perfect snack, any time of year. Some call them the perfect health food, too, as they provide beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. They are also thought to lower cholesterol levels and improve eye health. Sign me up!
I like carrots raw as well as steamed. But if you haven’t yet discovered the rewards of roasting vegetables, using this method to make roasted baby carrots takes them to another level.
Are these carrots really babies?
According to the carrotmuseum.co.uk (there is a website for EVERYTHING), a “true” baby carrot is basically an immature carrot. If this is the case, you will see a “shoulder” on each carrot. Manufactured baby carrots are much more common. These are carrots that are peeled, cut and shaped by machines into the shape we see today. Today, 70% of carrot sales are baby carrots!
How to roast baby carrots
Since not all baby carrots are created equal I am providing a range of roasting times.
The only ingredients you need are carrots and oil.
Roast at 400°F
The skinny carrots only need 30 minutes, but the chubby ones probably need another 10 minutes or so. What you’re trying for is a carrot that is fully cooked with a slightly charred exterior. The natural sweetness of the carrot caramelizes and gives you a whole different taste. So good!
These roasted baby carrots are a great component in a Buddha bowl – and so easy! – as well as a vegetable side for any of your meals. Enjoy!
Roasted Baby Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1 TB olive oil
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Drain liquid from the carrots and spread them out on a paper towel to blot dry.
- Place carrots in a bowl and add olive oil. Stir to coat the carrots with the oil. Salt lightly.
- Spread the oiled carrots out on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 30 minutes, shaking the pan midway through this time to even out the heat.
- Check for “doneness” by piercing one of the largest carrots with a fork. If the fork easily enters the carrot, the baking time is complete. If you hit a hard spot, place the sheet back in the oven for 5-10 additional minutes, until all carrots are cooked through.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Enjoy with quinoa and a salad for a healthy Buddha bowl meal! A great side dish for many meals, like Cheesy Brat Stew or Pepper Steak. There are so many possibilities!
I just made these and they turned out really good! I love how easy it is to make these, too, because I loathe cooking. Thank you for keeping the recipes simple!
Sometimes simple is all we need 🙂