Description
A simple and delicious recipe for smashed carrots, featuring tender roasted carrots with a crispy edge, seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and garnished with fresh parsley and cheese. This flavorful side dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or vegetarian mains.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds medium carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
Seasonings and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Boil Carrots: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrot chunks and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are very tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the carrots well and let them sit for 2 minutes to dry slightly.
- Smash the Carrots: Transfer the carrots onto the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass, mug, or a potato masher, gently press down on each carrot piece until it is flattened but still in one piece.
- Season: Drizzle the smashed carrots with olive oil and dot with butter if using. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for flavor.
- Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the carrots once halfway through the cooking time until they develop a crispy, golden-brown edge.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and your choice of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve warm as a tasty side dish.
Notes
- Smashed carrots make a flavorful and unique side dish perfect alongside roasted meats or vegetarian entrees.
- For extra flavor, try drizzling with honey or a balsamic glaze before serving.
- Baby carrots can be used instead; boil them a few minutes longer until tender before smashing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
