Delicious Smashed Roasted Carrots with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Introduction

Smashed carrots are a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy this vibrant vegetable. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, and smashing them before a second roast creates delightful crispy edges and soft centers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel the carrots and trim the ends. Toss them with half the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Step 2: Roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Use the bottom of a sturdy glass or a potato masher to gently press down on each carrot until it slightly flattens but stays whole.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the smashed carrots and sprinkle with the mixed herbs.
5. Step 5: Return the carrots to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the edges are crispy and golden.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and serve warm as a flavorful side dish.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra brightness and richness.
• Use baby carrots for a quicker cooking time and a tender texture.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a subtle heat.

Storage

Store leftover smashed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?

Fresh carrots work best for roasting and smashing because frozen carrots tend to be softer and may not hold their shape as well. If you use frozen, thaw and drain well before roasting.

What herbs pair best with the garlic in this dish?

Thyme, rosemary, and parsley all complement garlic nicely and add earthy, aromatic flavors that enhance the roasted carrots.

Delicious Smashed Roasted Carrots with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

A simple and flavorful side dish featuring roasted carrots that are smashed and roasted again with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a deliciously tender texture and enhanced flavor.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Western
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots

• 1 pound carrots, peeled

Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Roast Carrots: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the peeled carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned.
2. Smash the Carrots: Remove the carrots from the oven and use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to gently smash each carrot to flatten them slightly, creating more surface area for roasting.
3. Season and Roast Again: Drizzle the smashed carrots with the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and carrots are caramelized and slightly crispy on the edges.
4. Serve: Remove from the oven, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm as a tasty side dish.

Notes

• Choose firm, evenly sized carrots for consistent cooking.
• You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle with lemon zest or a dash of smoked paprika before the second roast.
• Serve as a side for roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.

Keywords: smashed carrots, roasted carrots, healthy side dish, garlic roasted carrots, herb roasted carrots