Carrots with Ricotta Hot Honey (Print-Friendly Version)

Tender carrots over creamy ricotta cheese, drizzled with spicy-sweet honey and crunchy pistachios for perfect contrast.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Roasted Carrots

01 - 450g baby carrots or heirloom carrots
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
04 - 1 tsp ground cumin
05 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
06 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For the Whipped Ricotta

07 - 225g ricotta cheese
08 - 2 tbsp heavy cream
09 - 1 tsp lemon zest
10 - Salt, to taste

→ For the Hot Honey

11 - 60ml honey
12 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes
13 - 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

→ For Topping

14 - 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
15 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
16 - Fresh parsley (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 200°C. Toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
02 - In a food processor, blend the ricotta, heavy cream, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
03 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and red pepper flakes. Heat gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. Let cool slightly.
04 - Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter, creating a smooth base. Arrange the roasted carrots on top of the ricotta.
05 - Drizzle the hot honey over the carrots. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios, fresh thyme leaves, and parsley for garnish.
06 - Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.

# Notes & Tips:

01 - You can adjust the sweetness or spice level by varying the amount of honey or red pepper flakes.
02 - For extra richness, substitute sour cream or cream cheese for a portion of the ricotta.
03 - This dish can be served as a light vegetarian main dish or a hearty side dish for larger meals.