Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite side dish: Honey Dijon Roasted Carrots! 🥕 I can already hear your stomach rumbling just at the mention of it. This dish feels like a warm hug from the kitchen and always brings back fond memories of family dinners and holiday gatherings. There’s something about the combination of sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and the natural sweetness of the carrots that creates a harmony of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds… who am I kidding?).
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cook-off contest at my friend’s house. Everyone had to bring a dish, and I was tasked with a veggie side. Let’s just say I knocked it out of the park! The caramelization with honey and the zest from the mustard had everyone asking for the recipe. Since then, it has become my go-to whenever I want to elevate a meal or simply impress. Trust me, these roasted carrots will make anyone a veggie lover!
What’s in Honey Dijon Roasted Carrots?
Carrots: The star of the show! Fresh, sweet, and vibrant, these veggies provide a delightful crunch. I prefer using whole, baby carrots for a touch of charm, but feel free to chop up regular carrots too. Just make sure they’re crunchy and fresh!
Honey: The sweetener that brings everything together. I love using local raw honey when I can find it because it adds a lovely floral sweetness. Plus, we get to pretend we’re being healthy!
Dijon Mustard: This adds a zing that perfectly balances the dish. I always go for a good stone-ground Dijon for that extra layer of flavor. It’s like a little kick that surprises your taste buds in the best way possible.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of this golden liquid helps everything roast beautifully and bring out the natural flavors. Extra virgin is my go-to for the richness it brings; roasted veggies deserve the best!
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential! A pinch of salt enhances all of the flavors while freshly cracked black pepper adds just enough warmth and spice.
Is Honey Dijon Roasted Carrots Good for You?
Absolutely! Let’s break it down:
Carrots: These colorful beauties are loaded with beta-carotene, which is known for good vision and antioxidant properties. Plus, they are low in calories and high in fiber — win-win!
Honey: It provides natural sweetness and is a healthier alternative to refined sugars, with some potential health benefits, such as soothing sore throats. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
Dijon Mustard: This ingredient is low in calories while adding a ton of flavor. It also contains antioxidants and can improve digestion. Who knew something so tasty could be good for your gut?
Though I can’t forget to mention that these roasted carrots get a little bit of sugar from the honey, so if you’re watching your sugar intake, just reduce the quantity a pinch!
Ingredients List
– 1 pound of fresh carrots (whole or chopped)
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
*This recipe serves about 4 as a side dish.*
How to Make Honey Dijon Roasted Carrots?
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Get ready for that heavenly smell!
2. While the oven warms up, wash and peel the carrots if needed. If they’re large, slice them into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until combined. The aromas will make you drool!
4. Toss the carrots in the mixture until they’re well-coated.
5. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they have space; we want them to roast, not steam!
6. Pop those bad boys in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through. They’re done when they’re tender and caramelized to golden perfection.
7. Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes, and then serve warm, or at room temperature.
Carrot Chronicles: Tips & Tricks for Extra Deliciousness
– If you want a bit of garlic goodness, throw in a couple of minced garlic cloves to the mixture before tossing the carrots. Who doesn’t love garlic?
– Need some color? Toss in some halved brussels sprouts or even sweet potatoes for a beautiful medley.
– Leftovers (if you have any!) make for an amazing addition to salads or grain bowls the next day. You’ll have people asking, “Can we have those carrots again?”
I can’t tell you how excited I am for you to try this recipe! Every bite of these honey Dijon roasted carrots whispers comfort and joy. If you give them a whirl, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Share your photos and variations — let’s get inspired together! Happy cooking!