Roasted Carrots with Cumin (Printable Version)

Tender roasted carrots glazed with honey and seasoned with cumin for a sweet, earthy side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch sticks

→ Seasonings

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp ground cumin
04 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
05 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Glaze

06 - 2 tbsp honey
07 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

→ Garnish (optional)

08 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
09 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Roast the carrots for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
05 - Combine honey and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl to make the glaze.
06 - Drizzle the honey-lemon mixture over the carrots and toss to coat evenly. Return to the oven and roast for 8 to 10 minutes until caramelized and tender.
07 - Transfer the carrots to a serving dish. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The honey and lemon create a glaze that caramelizes beautifully, making these carrots taste almost like candy without being cloying
  • Cumin adds an unexpected warmth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is
  • Somehow this humble side dish steals the show at every dinner, even alongside the main event
02 -
  • Don't skip stirring halfway through the first roast—this one step is the difference between evenly caramelized carrots and some that burn while others stay pale
  • Add the honey glaze only after the first roast is complete. If you add it too early, the honey will burn and become bitter instead of becoming a sweet, sticky coating
  • The carrots continue cooking slightly after they come out of the oven, so pull them out when they look almost done—they'll be perfectly tender in the next minute
03 -
  • If your carrots start to brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and add 5 minutes to the total roasting time—every oven is different, and this gives you control
  • Save any pan drippings and spoon them over the finished carrots for extra flavor and shine that makes people think you're a better cook than you are

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