Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans And Goat Cheese Recipe

This roasted carrots with candied pecans and goat cheese recipe is great for holidays! You can eat it with other foods or make it the main dish for lunch or dinner. It’s super tasty with lots of flavors in one plate.

You can eat your dish with lemonade or mint tea as I did. I love it with Moroccan mint tea. Also, It’s super good with mashed potatoes or just a simple salad. Also, you can add some sauces like mayonnaise or Jimmy John’s Kickin Ranch, which will make it tastier and more creamy as well.

Why I Love This Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans And Goat Cheese Recipe

I have a love affair with goat cheese. My brother-in-law introduced it to me one day when we were at a winery, listening to a live cover band. I then went into a craze, where I had goat cheese with everything. Pairing goat cheese and pecans makes for a great flavor and texture combination. Adding a bit of sweet and roasted carrots, and you have the full rainbow of goodness. Feel free to substitute any kind of crumbly cheese, like blue cheese or feta cheese. You can also substitute any kind of nut, like almonds or walnuts. This makes it a super versatile recipe to try.

FAQs

1. What are the best types of carrots for roasting? Roasted carrots are a versatile delight, and when it comes to choosing the right type, you’ve got options. Heirloom varieties like Purple Haze or Rainbow add a splash of color, while classics like Nantes or Danvers are known for their sweet, rich flavor. The key is to pick fresh, firm carrots. If they’re young and tender, leave the skin on for a rustic touch. Bigger carrots should be sliced for even roasting.
2. How do I prepare the carrots for roasting? To prepare your carrots for the oven, start by giving them a good wash. If they’re young and the skin is thin, just scrub them clean. For older carrots, peel away the skin. Cut them into uniform pieces, whether that’s slices, sticks, or whole if they’re small enough. This ensures they roast evenly. Toss them in a light coating of olive oil, salt, and any herbs or spices you fancy for extra flavor.
3. What’s the ideal roasting temperature for carrots? Roasting carrots is all about finding that sweet spot where they caramelize beautifully without turning mushy. An oven temperature of around 425°F (220°C) works great. This high heat allows the outside of the carrots to brown nicely, bringing out their natural sweetness, while the inside becomes tender.
4. How long should carrots be roasted? The roasting time for carrots can vary depending on their size and your oven. Generally, it takes about 20-25 minutes for them to become perfectly roasted. You’re looking for a tender but firm texture, with a nice caramelization on the outside. Keep an eye on them and do a fork test to check their doneness.
5. Can I add other vegetables to roast with the carrots? Absolutely! Roasted carrots play well with others. Try tossing in some parsnips, sweet potatoes, or red onions. These veggies complement the sweetness of the carrots and create a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Just cut them to a similar size for even cooking.
6. What’s the secret to perfect candied pecans? Candied pecans are a treat and making them is a breeze. The secret lies in a balance of sweet and savory. Coat your pecans in a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cinnamon. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Let them cool and harden into a crunchy, sweet glaze.
7. What type of goat cheese works best in this dish? When it comes to goat cheese, you’ve got choices. For a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet and earthy carrots, opt for a soft, fresh goat cheese. It will melt slightly on the warm carrots, creating a luxurious texture. If you prefer a stronger flavor, go for an aged variety.
8. How do I balance the flavors in this dish? Balancing flavors is key to this dish’s success. The sweetness of the carrots and pecans pairs wonderfully with the tanginess of the goat cheese. To add depth, include a hint of acidity with a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a fragrant touch. Lastly, a sprinkle of salt and a crack of black pepper will enhance all the flavors.
9. Can this dish be made ahead of time? Yes, this dish can be prepped ahead. Roast the carrots and candy the pecans earlier in the day or the night before. Store them separately in the fridge. Before serving, warm the carrots in the oven and sprinkle the pecans and crumbled goat cheese on top. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings.
10. Is this dish suitable for special diets? This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. It’s also vegetarian-friendly. For a vegan version, substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free alternative or a dollop
11. How should I store leftovers to maintain freshness and flavor? Transfer the roasted carrots, candied pecans, and goat cheese into airtight containers. It will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This dish, unfortunately, doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate nature of the roasted carrots and goat cheese, which can become mushy or crumbly after thawing.

Tips

• You can cut the carrots into small pieces so it cooks faster! Cut your carrots into little sticks so they get soft in the oven.
• Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes the carrots just right, soft on the inside and a little crispy on the outside.
• When you’re making the sugary pecans, keep stirring so they don’t get too sticky. Just Stir, stir, and stir.
• If you don’t like goat cheese, try using your favorite one. Feta cheese is a great alternative to try.

The Final: Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans And Goat Cheese

Continue to Content

Yield: 4 servings

Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans And Goat Cheese

Print

Roasted carrots with candied pecans and goat cheese is a delicious quick dish you can have and enjoy, it mixes sweet roasted carrots, crunchy pecans with sweet sugar, and creamy goat cheese. You can make it easily, and it's so tasty, I'm sure you will love it, perfect for lunch and dinners as well.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of fresh carrots, peeled and trimmed
• 1 cup pecans
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• pepper to taste

Instructions

Roasting the Carrots

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Put the peeled and cut carrots on a baking sheet.
3. Pour olive oil on the carrots so they're all covered.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper on them.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until carrots are soft and a bit brown.

Candying the Pecans

1. Heat pecans in a pan on medium until they smell nice.
2. Add sugar and stir a lot until the sugar melts and covers the pecans.
3. Put them on paper to cool.

Assembling the Dish

1. Put the roasted carrots on a plate.
2. Sprinkle the candied pecans and crumbled goat cheese on top.
3. Serve right away, so the goat cheese gets a little melty on the warm carrots.

Notes

• You can Cut the Carrots into Small Pieces, Smaller pieces cook faster! Cut your carrots into little sticks so they get soft in the oven.
• Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes the carrots just right, soft on the inside and a little crispy on the outside.
• When you're making the sugary pecans, keep stirring so they don't get too sticky. Just Stir, stir, stir.
• If you don't like goat cheese, try using your favorite one.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 443Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 24gCholesterol 13mgSodium 262mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 9gSugar 21gProtein 9g

Nutrition automatically generated.