Description
These Honey Harissa Carrots with Whipped Feta are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. Roasted carrots tossed in honey and harissa, served on a smooth whipped feta base, create a dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Great as a side dish or appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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For the Honey Harissa Carrots:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and trimmed (keep some of the green tops for presentation if desired)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons harissa paste (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Whipped Feta:
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or water (for desired consistency)
- Toasted pistachios or other nuts
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Extra honey or olive oil (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Carrots:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, harissa paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated.
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Roast the Carrots:
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
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Make the Whipped Feta:
- While the carrots are roasting, prepare the whipped feta.
- In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add milk or water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it to be spreadable but not too runny.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Spread the whipped feta in a thin layer on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Arrange the roasted honey harissa carrots on top of the whipped feta.
- Drizzle with extra honey or olive oil, if desired.
- Garnish with toasted pistachios or other nuts and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
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Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Carrot Variety: You can use rainbow carrots or baby carrots instead of regular carrots.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of harissa paste to your preference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Herb Options: Use different herbs for garnish, such as dill, mint, or chives.
- Citrus: Use orange or lime juice instead of lemon juice in the whipped feta.
- Nut Options: Use walnuts, pecans, or almonds instead of pistachios for garnish.
- Make it Ahead: The whipped feta and roasted carrots can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the dish just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx.)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg