Imagine biting into a perfectly roasted carrot that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with a warm, aromatic cumin flavor that dances on your taste buds. These Cumin Roasted Carrots with Garlic Butter aren't just a side dish—they're a culinary experience that will elevate even the most ordinary meal into a gourmet sensation. Prepare to be amazed by how a few simple ingredients can create a dish so delicious, your family and guests will be begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash and peel the carrots thoroughly. Cut them into uniform sticks approximately 3-4 inches long and about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and consistent roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrot sticks with olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure each carrot is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and achieve crispy, caramelized edges.
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning them once halfway through cooking. The carrots should be tender and have golden-brown edges when done.
- While carrots are roasting, prepare the garlic butter. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Remove the roasted carrots from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Immediately drizzle the warm garlic butter over the carrots, ensuring even distribution.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. The cumin-roasted carrots pair wonderfully with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main course.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Carrots: Select firm, vibrant carrots with smooth skin for the best roasting results.
- Uniform Cutting: Cut carrots into similar-sized sticks to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation and achieve those coveted crispy edges.
- Low and Slow Garlic Butter: When making the garlic butter, use low heat to prevent burning and preserve the delicate garlic flavor.
- Seasoning Secrets: Massage the olive oil and cumin into the carrots thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Garnish Options: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of za'atar for added complexity.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after drizzling with garlic butter to enjoy the maximum flavor and temperature contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
