Moroccan Carrots (a side dish for holidays and special occasions)

This recipe for Moroccan carrots makes a generous portion to serve as a side dish perfect for special occasions and holidays. An abundant dish of lightly cooked carrots, it’s flavored with garlic, lemon, parsley, and a subtle touch of cumin.

Moroccan carrots is a perfect side dish for spring holidays, both Passover and Easter. Of course, you can serve it for other occasions, like Rosh Hashanah. It’s welcome in the fall and winter, when the lemony and herbal tones wake up the sluggish palate.

Tips for Moroccan carrots

• Peeling 2 pounds of carrots isn’t that big of a task, but if you want to cut corners a little, use two 1-pound bags of baby carrots, and simply cut each into 2 to 4 segments crosswise, depending on size.
• If you prefer cilantro to parsley, feel free to swap it in. 
• Because this recipe is geared toward a holiday meal, it makes a generous portion, so feel free to cut it in half for a smaller crowd.
• If you’re looking for another classic carrot side dish, you might also like Carrot and Sweet Potato Tzimmes, a classic Jewish recipe.

More Moroccan-inspired recipes

• Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Stew (Harira)
• Moroccan Vegetable Stew
• Vegan Moroccan-Style “Chicken” Stew
• Moroccan-Inspired Tofu with Apricots, Almonds, & Olives

Explore more …

• Maple Roasted Baby Carrots
• Garlic and Maple Roasted Parsnips and Carrots
• Orange Roasted Tofu with Baby Carrots and Almonds
• Seasoned Whole Roasted Carrots

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Yield: 8 to 10

Moroccan Carrots (a side dish for spring holidays and beyond)

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This recipe for Moroccan carrots makes a generous portion for a side dish perfect for special occasions and spring holidays — both Easter and Passover. 

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced, or more for garlic lovers
• 2 pounds carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon, to taste
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, optional but highly recommended
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 to 3 tablespoons minced chives (or substitute scallion)
• 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or stir-fry pan. Add the carrots and garlic and sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the carrots are tender-crisp and beginning to turn golden, about 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Add lemon juice to taste along with the optional lemon zest.
3. Sprinkle in the cumin, chives, and parsley and toss together.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve at once, or cover until needed.

Notes

Variation: Though it's not traditional some toasted almonds or walnuts scattered over the top of the dish make it even tastier.

See lots more easy plant-forward salads & sides.