Ingredients
Carrots and Seasoning
- 1 lb. petite carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Whipped Feta Spread
- 1 garlic clove
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled or broken into pieces
- ½ to ¾ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (start with ½ cup, add more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Chopped cilantro or mint for garnish
Instructions
- Prep: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 425ºF (220ºC).
- Toss the Carrots: Place the peeled and trimmed carrots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with avocado oil. In a small bowl, mix ground coriander, Aleppo pepper, and kosher salt. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the carrots and toss to coat thoroughly. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the sheet.
- Roast the Carrots: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Thicker carrots may require up to 35 minutes. The carrots should be tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Whipped Feta: While the carrots roast, add the garlic clove to a food processor and pulse until finely minced. Add the crumbled feta, ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse the mixture until thick and spreadable for about 20-30 seconds. Add more yogurt/sour cream up to ¾ cup if the mixture is too thick or salty. For a thinner consistency, pulse an additional 20-60 seconds, but avoid over-purée to prevent it from becoming liquidy. Transfer the whipped feta to a serving platter and spread evenly.
- Baste with Harissa Mix: In a small bowl, combine the harissa paste and honey. Remove the carrots from the oven once fork tender, baste them evenly with the harissa-honey mixture, then return the carrots to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until caramelized and slightly sticky.
- Serve: Allow the roasted carrots to cool slightly, then arrange them over the whipped feta spread. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or mint. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use petite carrots or baby carrots for quicker and more uniform roasting.
- The spice level of the harissa paste can be adjusted to suit your taste; start with less if you prefer milder heat.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream in the whipped feta for a slightly tangier flavor.
- The whipped feta can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bring it to room temperature before serving.
- For a dairy-free option, try a vegan feta substitute and coconut cream, although flavor and texture will differ.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian