Seasoned Whole Roasted Carrots

Here’s a fantastic, super-easy recipe for oven roasted whole carrots. These roasted carrots are spiced with za’atar or all-purpose seasoning blend. A quick turn in a hot oven brings out their best flavor.

Whole carrots like the ones shown here are most commonly available in farm markets and produce markets. If unavailable, feel free to use any kind of whole carrots such as the ones available in supermarkets, cut in half lengthwise if thick.

If the carrots you purchase (or grow!) have their tops attached, you may want to consider using them. The tops have a parsley-like flavor and texture, though sometimes they can be a bit tough and more bitter. If you’d like to try to use them, here are some ideas for using carrot tops.

What is Za’atar? My favorite seasoning for this simple presentation of carrots is za’atar. This Middle Eastern herb and spice blend that is typically made with dried herbs (like oregano or marjoram), along with toasted sesame seeds and cumin.

You’ll find it wherever spices are sold, in Middle Eastern groceries, and online sources. Learn all about za’atar; you can even easily make your own za’atar blend. All that said, your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend (like (like Mrs. Dash® or Spike®) works well, too.

Explore more …

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

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Yield: 4 to 6

Seasoned Whole Roasted Carrots

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Whole roasted carrots are spiced with za’atar or all-purpose seasoning blend. A quick turn in the oven brings out their best flavor.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds whole carrots
• Olive oil or olive oil cooking spray
• Za’atar (see Notes) or salt-free seasoning (like Mrs. Dash® or Spike®)
• Natural granulated sugar
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Trim the carrots of their tops ( if any; and if not bitter, save them for another use) and peel them. If they’re slender, leave them whole. if you’ve got the thicker type of bagged carrots, cut them in half lengthwise.
3. Arrange the carrots on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking pan or roasting pan. 
4. Spray or brush lightly with olive oil on all sides. Sprinkle on the za’atar or salt-free seasoning, followed by a light sprinkling of sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the outsides of the carrots are touched with golden spots and can be easily pierced with a fork.
6. Transfer to a serving platter and serve at once.

Notes

Za’atar is Middle Eastern herb and spice blend typically made with dried herbs (like oregano or marjoram), along with toasted sesame seeds and cumin. You’ll find it wherever spices are sold, in Middle Eastern groceries, and online sources. 

Above the recipe box, you'll find more about it, as well as a way to make your own.

All that said, your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend (like (like Mrs. Dash® or Spike®) works well in this recipe, too.

See lots more plant-forward salads & sides.