Sweet Roasted Carrots with Herb Sauce

These sweet roasted carrots are caramelized to perfection, then drizzled with a flavorful herb sauce for an elegant and delicious side dish. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs beautifully with fresh herbs, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Carrots:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into halves or quarters (depending on size)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (for extra sweetness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon cumin (optional, for added flavor)

For the Herb Sauce:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Carrots:
   • Place the peeled and cut carrots on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup or honey, then season with salt, pepper, and cumin (if using). Toss to coat the carrots evenly.
3. Roast the Carrots:
   • Spread the carrots out in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, tossing halfway through for even cooking.
4. Make the Herb Sauce:
   • While the carrots are roasting, prepare the herb sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, dill, and mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble and Serve:
   • Once the carrots are done roasting, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle with the herb sauce and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Add a Zesty Twist: Top with a little lemon zest or a sprinkle of sumac for added brightness.
• Nuts for Texture: Sprinkle toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios for a bit of crunch.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the herb sauce for a spicy kick.

These sweet roasted carrots with herb sauce are a delightful combination of sweetness and freshness, perfect as a side dish for any occasion!