Indulge in a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delightful: roasted carrots with candied pecans and goat cheese. This recipe has vibrant colors and textures and boasts impressive health benefits.
Carrots, rich in beta-carotene, enhance eye health,1 while pecans add a heart-healthy crunch. Goat cheese offers a lighter, protein-rich alternative to heavier cheeses. It’s a culinary creation that promises to enrich your diet while exciting your taste buds.
Why This Recipe Works
This delightful recipe marries the natural sweetness of carrots with the nutty flavor of pecans and the rich, creamy texture of goat cheese. The carrots are roasted until they are just tender, enhancing their sweetness, which contrasts beautifully with the slightly salty, crunchy pecans.
A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a touch of earthiness, making the flavors truly pop. What’s more, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious, providing a good dose of vitamins, fiber, and protein.
Nutritional Profile & Health Benefits
Carrots are a superb source of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. They’re also known for improving eye health and reducing cholesterol levels.
Pecans, while indulgent, offer more than just taste; they’re packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber.(ref) Goat cheese is easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese and is rich in essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus.(ref)
Combining these ingredients not only creates a harmony of flavors but also makes for a balanced, healthful dish.
Perfect Pairings
This versatile side dish complements a wide range of main courses, making it a flexible choice for any menu:
- Roast Chicken: The juiciness of roast chicken pairs beautifully with the savory-sweet profile of the carrots.
- Grilled Steak: The robust flavor of grilled steak contrasts nicely with the dish’s sweet and nutty accents.
- Vegetarian Pasta: A simple vegetarian pasta can be elevated with these flavorful carrots as a side.
- Wine Pairing: Opt for a light to medium-bodied white wine, such as Chardonnay or a dry Riesling, which balances the richness and enhances the dish’s flavors.
Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese
Ingredients
For the Roasted Carrots
- 2 pounds of carrots peeled
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pats
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
For the Candied Pecans:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 cup pecan halves roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Carrots: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange the carrots on a foil-lined baking sheet. Combine the brown sugar, butter pats, salt, pepper, and cinnamon, and sprinkle evenly over the carrots.
- Roast the Carrots: Place the carrots in the oven and roast for about 50-60 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and caramelized.
- Make the Candied Pecans: While the carrots roast, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the maple syrup, brown sugar, and pecans. Stir for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens, then sprinkle with sea salt.
- Assemble the Dish: Once the carrots are done, arrange them on a serving platter. Sprinkle evenly with the candied pecans and crumbled goat cheese. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
Nutrition
Source:
- https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2020/02/carrots-eye-health-myth-or-fact
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.