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Vibrant Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Easy Zesty Carrot Top Pesto

roasted rainbow carrots - featured image
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A colorful and flavorful side dish featuring roasted rainbow carrots paired with a zesty carrot top pesto made from fresh carrot greens. This recipe celebrates the whole carrot with a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) rainbow carrots, peeled and trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided: 2 tablespoons for roasting, 1 tablespoon for pesto)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup packed carrot tops, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Peel and trim the rainbow carrots. Slice thicker carrots in half lengthwise for even roasting.
  3. Toss the carrots with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper until lightly and evenly coated.
  4. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding.
  5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
  6. While the carrots roast, prepare the carrot top pesto: In a food processor, combine carrot tops, minced garlic, toasted nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Pulse until smooth but still textured, scraping down the sides as needed. Add more olive oil or water if too thick. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Transfer roasted carrots to a serving dish and drizzle with the carrot top pesto or serve pesto on the side.
  9. Optional: Garnish with extra toasted nuts or grated Parmesan.

Notes

If carrot tops taste bitter, blanch them briefly in boiling water for 30 seconds before making pesto. Toast nuts to intensify flavor. Add lemon juice gradually to avoid overpowering the pesto. For uneven roasting, slice thicker carrots thinner. Pesto can be made with parsley or basil if carrot tops are unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted carrots, carrot top pesto, rainbow carrots, healthy side dish, vegetable recipe, easy pesto, food waste reduction, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/vibrant-roasted-rainbow-carrots-with-easy-zesty-carrot-top-pesto-recipe/