Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe

Introduction

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines sweet, earthy carrots with a creamy, tangy cheese spread. This recipe is perfect as an appetizer or a side that impresses with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs small to medium carrots (about 12-14), heirloom or organic preferred
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons sumac
• 1 1/2 teaspoons za’atar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped parsley, for serving (optional)
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 8 oz feta cheese
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Prepare the whipped feta by placing the Greek yogurt, feta, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic cloves, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to an airtight container and chill until ready to serve. This can be made up to three days ahead.
3. Step 3: Clean the carrots thoroughly by scrubbing off dirt and removing the tops. Rinse and pat dry. Peel them if you prefer, though it’s optional.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, za’atar, sumac, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss the carrots in this mixture until they are evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Arrange the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Step 6: To serve, spread the whipped feta on a serving platter. Top with the warm roasted carrots, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use heirloom carrots for a sweeter, more complex flavor and a colorful presentation.
• If you don’t have za’atar, a mix of thyme and sesame seeds can work as a substitute.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of chili flakes to the carrot seasoning mix before roasting.
• Make the whipped feta a day ahead to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Storage

Store leftover whipped feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Roasted carrots are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat carrots gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular feta instead of Greek-style feta?

Yes, you can use any feta cheese you have on hand. Just ensure it’s drained well if it’s packed in brine, to avoid a watery whipped feta.

What if I don’t have sumac or za’atar?

Sumac adds a tangy, lemony flavor, so lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon can be a simple substitute. Za’atar is a blend of herbs and sesame seeds; thyme with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also works well.

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 423 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta recipe offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired side dish that combines tender, sweet roasted carrots with a creamy, tangy whipped feta spread. Seasoned with za’atar, sumac, and honey, the carrots develop a rich flavor profile, complemented perfectly by the luscious feta and Greek yogurt blend. It’s an easy recipe suitable for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Roasted Carrots

• 1 1/2 lbs small to medium carrots (about 12-14), heirloom or organic carrots are best
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons sumac
• 1 1/2 teaspoons za’atar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped parsley, for serving (optional)

For the Whipped Feta

• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 8 oz feta cheese
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the whipped feta: In a food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, feta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic cloves, honey, and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. This can be prepared up to three days ahead.
3. Clean the carrots: Rinse the carrots thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Remove the carrot tops and dry them well. Peel the carrots if desired, though leaving the skin on can add a rustic texture.
4. Season the carrots: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, za’atar, sumac, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Toss the carrots in this mixture until they are evenly coated.
5. Roast the carrots: Spread the seasoned carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are fork tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Serve the dish: On a serving plate, spread a generous layer of the whipped feta. Top with the roasted carrots, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and garnish with chopped parsley if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Whipped feta can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it convenient for meal prep.
• Heirloom or organic carrots add color and sweetness but feel free to use regular carrots if preferred.
• Adjust the honey level to suit your taste for sweetness in both the carrots and whipped feta.
• Sumac and za’atar provide unique Middle Eastern flavors but can be substituted or omitted if unavailable.
• Serve this dish as an elegant side or a part of a Mediterranean-themed mezze platter.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: roasted carrots, whipped feta, Mediterranean side dish, za’atar carrots, sumac, healthy side, easy vegetable recipe, Greek yogurt, feta cheese