Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Chili Butter Recipe

Introduction

Roasted carrots with whipped ricotta and chili butter combine sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of heat for a simple yet impressive side dish. This recipe highlights caramelized carrots topped with a luscious ricotta spread and a flavorful chili butter drizzle. Perfect for elevating any meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots – fresh and vibrant
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a hot environment for caramelizing the carrots.
2. Step 2: Wash, peel, and trim the carrots. Cut larger carrots in half or quarters lengthwise for even cooking. Place them on a baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Drizzle olive oil over the carrots and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly, then spread them out in a single layer.
4. Step 4: Roast the carrots for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through. Roast until tender and golden brown with slightly crispy edges.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk together ricotta, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Step 6: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in chili flakes and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat promptly to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: When carrots are done, let them cool slightly. Spread the whipped ricotta evenly on a serving platter, top with roasted carrots, then drizzle chili butter over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds over the assembled dish before serving.
• Swap ricotta with goat cheese for a tangier whipped topping.
• Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference or substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to brighten the dish and add a fresh aroma.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat roasted carrots gently in the oven to preserve their texture. Add fresh whipped ricotta and chili butter fresh when serving again for best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other root vegetables instead of carrots?

Yes, vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or beets can be roasted similarly and paired with whipped ricotta and chili butter for a delicious variation.

How spicy is the chili butter?

The chili butter has a mild heat that complements the sweetness of the carrots. You can easily adjust the amount of chili flakes to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Chili Butter Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 101 reviews

A delicious and vibrant dish featuring caramelized roasted carrots paired with creamy whipped ricotta and a spicy chili butter drizzle, perfect as a unique side or a light vegetarian appetizer.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots

• 1 pound fresh carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Whipped Ricotta

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Chili Butter

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

Garnish

• Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures the carrots will roast to a perfect caramelized exterior with a satisfying texture.
2. Prepare the Carrots: Wash, peel, and trim the ends off the carrots. If large, cut them into halves or quarters lengthwise to promote even roasting. Arrange them on a baking sheet.
3. Season the Carrots: Drizzle olive oil over the carrots and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat each carrot piece evenly in oil and seasoning. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet for optimal roasting.
4. Roast the Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning the carrots halfway through. Look for tender carrots with a golden brown, slightly crispy exterior for best flavor.
5. Prepare the Whipped Ricotta: While the carrots roast, combine ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt if needed to enhance the flavor.
6. Make the Chili Butter: Heat butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add chili flakes and cook for about 1 minute until the butter is fragrant but not burned. Remove from heat immediately to preserve the flavor.
7. Assemble the Dish: After the carrots have roasted and cooled slightly, spread the whipped ricotta evenly on a serving platter. Layer the roasted carrots on top, then drizzle generously with the warm chili butter. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired for added freshness and color.

Notes

• Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference for milder or hotter butter.
• Use fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and sweetness.
• For a vegan version, substitute ricotta and butter with plant-based alternatives.
• This dish works well served warm or at room temperature.
• Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon over the finished dish for extra brightness.

Keywords: roasted carrots, whipped ricotta, chili butter, vegetarian side dish, caramelized carrots