Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey

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Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey

Tender, caramelized carrots layered over silky lemon whipped ricotta, finished with crunchy pistachios, herbs, and a drizzle of spicy hot honey.
A stunning appetizer, elegant side dish, or mezze-style plate!

Serves: 4

Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Roasted Carrots

  • 1 lb petite carrots (or standard carrots, halved lengthwise)
  • 2 tbsp fruity olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Whipped Ricotta

  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Hot Honey

  • 3 tbsp honey
  • ¼–½ tsp chili flakes (or 1 tsp chili crisp)
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Toppings

  • ¼ cup chopped pistachios, toasted
  • Fresh parsley, dill, or mint
  • Optional: extra lemon zest, flaky salt

⭐ Instructions

1. Roast the Carrots

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Toss carrots with:
    • olive oil
    • smoked paprika
    • cumin
    • garlic powder
    • salt & pepper
  3. Spread on a lined sheet tray.
  4. Roast 22–28 minutes, turning once, until caramelized and tender with slight char.

2. Make the Whipped Ricotta

While the carrots roast:

  1. Add ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
  2. Blend 30–60 seconds until ultra-smooth and fluffy.
    • (Or whisk vigorously by hand.)
  3. Chill until serving.

3. Make the Hot Honey

In a small bowl or pan:

  1. Warm honey with chili flakes and apple cider vinegar for 15–20 seconds (microwave or stovetop).
  2. Let steep for 5 minutes.
  3. Adjust heat level with more chili if desired.

4. Assemble the Dish

  1. Spread the whipped ricotta onto a large serving plate or shallow bowl.
  2. Arrange the roasted carrots on top.
  3. Drizzle generously with hot honey.
  4. Sprinkle with:
    • toasted pistachios
    • fresh herbs
    • flaky salt or extra lemon zest (optional)

Serve Warm

Pairs perfectly with crusty bread, grilled chicken, lamb, or as part of a mezze platter.

Tips & Variations

Make it extra creamy:

Add 1–2 tbsp mascarpone to the ricotta.

Add more smokiness:

Use hot smoked paprika or a drizzle of smoked chili oil.

Sweet variation:

Replace hot honey with maple–chili syrup.

Make ahead:

Whipped ricotta can be made 2 days ahead; assemble just before serving.

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