🥕 Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey
✨ Description
This elegant yet simple dish layers caramelized roasted carrots over creamy whipped ricotta and finishes with a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey. It’s a vibrant blend of textures and flavors — savory, creamy, sweet, and spicy — perfect as an appetizer, side, or vegetarian main.
🍽️ Servings
Serves: 4 as a side or appetizer
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
📝 Ingredients
Roasted Carrots
- 1½ lbs carrots (6–8 medium), peeled & halved lengthwise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth and color)
Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Hot Honey
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Optional Garnishes
- Crushed walnuts or pistachios
- Lemon zest
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped
- Flaky sea salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Roast the Carrots
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
2. Make the Whipped Ricotta
- In a food processor or blender, combine ricotta, milk/heavy cream, olive oil, and lemon zest.
- Blend until light and smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Hot Honey
- In a small saucepan, heat honey and red pepper flakes over low heat for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in apple cider vinegar.
- Let steep while carrots finish roasting.
4. Assemble
- Spread whipped ricotta onto a serving plate or individual plates.
- Top with roasted carrots.
- Drizzle with hot honey.
- Garnish with nuts, herbs, extra lemon zest, and flaky sea salt.
💡 Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the carrots while roasting — use two pans if needed.
- For extra flavor, char carrots slightly under a broiler for the final 2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Whipped ricotta and hot honey can be made up to 2 days in advance.
- Use rainbow carrots for a stunning visual presentation.
🥗 Nutritional Information (per serving, est.)
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
(Note: Values may vary based on ingredients and portions.)
🌱 Health Benefits
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), fiber, and antioxidants.
- Ricotta: Good source of calcium and protein.
- Hot honey: Adds sweetness with minimal sugar and anti-inflammatory capsicum from chili flakes.
- Lemon zest: Adds brightness and vitamin C.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use baby carrots instead?
A: Yes, but halve them lengthwise to ensure even roasting.
Q: Is whipped ricotta the same as regular ricotta?
A: Whipped ricotta is just regular ricotta that’s blended until smooth and airy — it’s creamier and more spreadable.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute with a dairy-free ricotta alternative like almond-based ricotta and use plant-based cream or milk.
Q: How spicy is the hot honey?
A: Mild to moderate heat — reduce or increase red pepper flakes to taste.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Crusty bread, roasted meats, grain bowls, or as a beautiful appetizer on a holiday or dinner party spread.