Balsamic Roasted Carrots (Easy Recipe) - Not Enough Cinnamon (2024)

FAQs

Should you peel carrots before roasting? ›

When to Skip Peeling Carrots. “Juicing and roasting carrots are good times to avoid peeling,” says Hilowitz. “If you are making a rustic dish, then leaving the peel on could potentially enhance the look and experience of the dish.

So if you can't find the stubby little orange gems, go ahead and substitute baby carrots, or chunks of regular carrot cut on the bias, or even farmstand purple carrots if you can find them.

You're Overcrowding the Pan

If the pan is packed too tightly, the vegetables will steam instead of caramelizing. The result is sad, limp, less-than-flavorful vegetables. The solution: Give your vegetables some room to breathe. Arrange the veggies in a single layer, keeping at least a quarter inch of space between them.

As they cook, vegetables give off moisture, and when arranged too close together it results in a soggy outcome. Follow this tip: To achieve beautiful browning and crisp, roasted perfection, vegetables need some breathing room. Arrange vegetables in a single layer and don't overcrowd the pan.

Cooking instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan, then add the carrots and parsnips and toss to coat in the oil. Add the thyme, cinnamon, star anise and some seasoning. Cook over a medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning the vegetables frequently, until golden brown and almost cooked through.

Select carrot varieties known for their sweet flavor. Dantes, Little finger, Short 'n Sweet, Sweetness, and Tendersweet are just a few to consider.

Seared or Roasted (Sides)

To replace a carrot-centric side, I'd recommend parsnips, sweet potatoes, rutabaga, or turnips. You can even combine several for a hearty and flavorful side dish!

No matter what vegetales you choose to roast, you'll first want to wash, dry, and, if desired, peel them. Then, cut them in even pieces to ensure they cook at the same time. Generally, if you want bite-sized vegetables, you'll cut them to about the size of your thumb.

Do You Need to Peel Carrots? "There is no need to peel carrots before eating—many people enjoy eating them with the skin on," says Alan Hilowitz, Communications Director at Bolthouse Farms. "However, since carrots are grown in the ground, washing/scrubbing is important if you do choose not to peel," he adds.

The peel of carrots has the highest concentration of several nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B3 (niacin), and phytonutrients. There is no need to peel your carrots, however, you can do so if the skin is really filthy or has been damaged.