Roasted Carrots with Tahini Crunch
Sweet roasted carrots get a lemony tahini drizzle and crisp seed topping for a colorful vegetable side.
Prep: 10 · Cook: 15 · Total: 25 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (83 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
This original side pairs caramelized carrots with a bright tahini sauce and a seed topping that stays crisp. Cumin warms the vegetables, lemon cuts through the richness, and parsley adds a fresh finish.
Story
Casey likes a side that looks generous before anyone has taken a bite. The carrots get sweet and bronzed, tahini turns silky with lemon, and the seed crunch makes the platter feel festive. Put it next to roast chicken, lentils, or anything that needs a bright companion.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds medium carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 450 F and toss the carrots with olive oil, cumin, and half the salt.
- Arrange the carrots cut-side down on a parchment-lined sheet pan, leaving space between the pieces.
- Roast for 12 minutes, then turn the carrots and roast for 3 minutes more until browned and tender.
- Whisk the tahini, lemon juice, warm water, garlic, honey, and remaining salt until smooth and pourable.
- Toast the pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Spread the tahini on a platter, arrange the hot carrots over it, and finish with the seed crunch and parsley.
Chef Tips
- Cut larger carrots in half so every piece roasts at the same speed.
- If the tahini seizes, whisk in warm water one teaspoon at a time until smooth.
- Toast the seeds just until fragrant because they can scorch quickly.
- Serve the carrots warm or at room temperature.
Cook's Notes
- **Roasting:** Leave space around the carrots.
- **Tahini:** Add warm water slowly.
- **Crunch:** Toast seeds briefly and watch them closely.