Roast Carrots Recipe

When it comes to holiday feasting, we often focus on the main event—the turkey, the roast, or the show-stopping centerpiece of the table. But let’s be honest, the sides are where the magic happens. If you’re looking for a side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds), these Roast Carrots Recipe with Herby Yoghurt, Harissa & Pinenut Butter are a game-changer.

Packed with flavor, easy to make, and budget-friendly, these carrots are proof that humble ingredients can turn into something truly spectacular. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, while the herby yoghurt adds creaminess and freshness. And let’s not forget the harissa-spiced pinenut butter—a nutty, spicy, and buttery topping that elevates the whole dish.

So, whether you’re planning your Christmas menu, hosting a festive gathering, or simply looking to jazz up your weeknight dinner, this recipe will have you covered.

The Magic of Roasted Carrots

Carrots are often overlooked as a star ingredient, but roasting them brings out their best qualities. When exposed to heat, the natural sugars in carrots caramelize, creating a rich, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and sweet. The addition of cumin seeds in this recipe enhances their earthy flavor, while a drizzle of olive oil ensures they roast to perfection.

Why Roast Carrots?

• Enhanced Sweetness: The natural sugars in carrots become more pronounced when roasted, creating an irresistible depth of flavor.

• Textural Perfection: Soft and tender on the inside, with a slight crispiness on the outside.

• Versatile and Affordable: Carrots are inexpensive, widely available, and easy to pair with a variety of flavors.

The Star Ingredients & Their Role

This recipe takes a simple root vegetable and turns it into a culinary masterpiece with a few key ingredients:

1. Herby Greek Yoghurt

The cool and creamy yoghurt balances the sweetness of the roasted carrots and the heat from the harissa-spiced butter. Fresh mint and dill add a refreshing, aromatic element.

2. Cumin Seeds

Toasting whole cumin seeds before roasting adds an earthy warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the carrots.

3. Harissa Paste

Harissa is a North African chili paste known for its smoky heat and deep, complex flavors. When combined with butter and pinenuts, it creates a nutty, spicy, and fragrant topping.

4. Pinenuts & Butter

Pinenuts are small but mighty in flavor. Toasting them in butter gives them a golden crunch and a rich, nutty taste that ties everything together.

Step-by-Step Recipe Breakdown

Let’s walk through how to make these Cracking Christmas Carrots step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1kg large carrots, sliced lengthways

• 2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds

• Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 cup Greek yoghurt

• Juice and zest of ¼ lemon

• 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

• ¼ cup dill, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish

• 1 teaspoon honey

• ¼ cup pinenuts

• 40g butter, cubed

• 2 teaspoons harissa paste

Step 1: Roast the Carrots

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an oven tray with baking paper.

2. Prepare the carrots by slicing them lengthwise. This increases the surface area for roasting, ensuring maximum caramelization.

3. Season the carrots with olive oil, cumin seeds, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to evenly coat.

4. Roast for 35 minutes, or until the carrots are caramelized and slightly wrinkled at the edges.

Step 2: Make the Herby Yoghurt

1. In a bowl, mix Greek yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, honey, mint, and dill.

2. Stir well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Harissa Pinenut Butter

1. Heat a small frying pan over medium heat.

2. Add the pinenuts and butter. Cook for 1 minute until the butter becomes frothy and the pinenuts turn golden.

3. Stir in the harissa paste and cook for another minute until the mixture develops a deep, terracotta color.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Spread the yoghurt mixture onto the base of a serving platter.

2. Arrange the roasted carrots on top.

3. Drizzle over the harissa pinenut butter, ensuring each carrot gets coated in the flavorful mixture.

4. Garnish with extra dill fronds and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

These carrots are incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

1. With Roast Turkey or Chicken – The herby yoghurt and spiced butter add a unique twist to a classic holiday meal.

2. Alongside a Lamb Dish – The cumin and harissa flavors pair beautifully with lamb.

3. As Part of a Vegetarian Feast – Serve with roasted cauliflower, hummus, and pita for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

4. In a Salad Bowl – Toss them with quinoa, chickpeas, and arugula for a hearty winter salad.

Tips & Variations

• Make it Vegan: Swap the Greek yoghurt for a dairy-free alternative and use olive oil instead of butter.

• Add a Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed pistachios on top for extra texture.

• Play with Spices: Try adding smoked paprika or ground coriander for a different flavor profile.

• Use Baby Carrots: If you prefer, use whole baby carrots instead of slicing large ones.

Final Thoughts

This Cracking Christmas Carrots recipe is the perfect example of how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly extraordinary. The combination of sweet roasted carrots, cool herby yoghurt, and spicy pinenut butter makes for an unforgettable dish that will stand out on any holiday table.

Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also budget-friendly, packed with nutrients, and full of bold flavors that will impress your guests. Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or just looking for a delicious new way to enjoy carrots, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Give this dish a try and let your Christmas side dishes steal the show!

Must try Chicken Soup with Vegetables Recipe

Roast Carrots Recipe

Roast carrots recipewith herby yoghurt, harissa & pinenut butter, sweet, spicy & creamy! A festive side dish that steals the show. Try it now!

Type: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Keywords: Roast carrots, Christmas side dish, harissa, herby yoghurt, pinenut butter, cumin-roasted carrots, festive recipe

Recipe Yield: 4–6 servings

Calories: 220 kcal per serving (approximate)

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1kg large carrots, sliced lengthways
• 2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
• Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup Greek yoghurt
• Juice and zest of ¼ lemon
• 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• ¼ cup dill, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ¼ cup pinenuts
• 40g butter, cubed
• 2 teaspoons harissa paste

Recipe Instructions:

Roast the Carrots:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an oven tray with baking paper. Prepare the carrots by slicing them lengthwise. This increases the surface area for roasting, ensuring maximum caramelization. Season the carrots with olive oil, cumin seeds, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to evenly coat. Roast for 35 minutes, or until the carrots are caramelized and slightly wrinkled at the edges.

Make the Herby Yoghurt:

In a bowl, mix Greek yoghurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, honey, mint, and dill. Stir well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld together.

Prepare the Harissa Pinenut Butter:

Heat a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the pinenuts and butter. Cook for 1 minute until the butter becomes frothy and the pinenuts turn golden. Stir in the harissa paste and cook for another minute until the mixture develops a deep, terracotta color.

Assemble the Dish:

Spread the yoghurt mixture onto the base of a serving platter. Arrange the roasted carrots on top. Drizzle over the harissa pinenut butter, ensuring each carrot gets coated in the flavorful mixture. Garnish with extra dill fronds and serve immediately.