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Flavorful Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe with Fresh Thyme and Orange Zest

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A simple and delicious side dish featuring honey roasted carrots with fresh thyme and bright orange zest, perfect for any occasion and ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into evenly sized sticks or rounds
  • 2 tablespoons honey (mild, floral like clover or wildflower recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Zest of one medium orange
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Peel and slice the carrots into sticks or rounds about ½-inch thick, keeping them uniform for even roasting.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir gently to coat all pieces well.
  4. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan, avoiding overcrowding.
  5. Roast for 20 minutes, tossing or flipping the carrots halfway through to ensure even browning and caramelization.
  6. Remove the carrots from the oven and immediately sprinkle the orange zest over them. If using, add lemon juice and toss gently to combine.
  7. Serve warm, ideally fresh from the oven.

Notes

If carrots brown too quickly, reduce oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) or cover loosely with foil. Toss carrots halfway through roasting for even caramelization. Fresh thyme is preferred; if using dried, add earlier in the roasting process. Add orange zest after roasting to preserve its bright flavor. For a bolder flavor, try smoked sea salt. For a vegan variation, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey roasted carrots, thyme, orange zest, easy side dish, healthy carrots, roasted vegetables, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/flavorful-honey-roasted-carrots-recipe-with-fresh-thyme-and-orange-zest-easy-and-perfect-side-dish/