Prepare to be dazzled by a vibrant, show-stopping dish that's not just a meal, but a sensory experience! Imagine golden-caramelized rainbow carrots resting on a cloud of creamy hummus, drizzled with a tantalizing green tahini sauce that will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just another vegetable recipe - it's a gourmet journey that proves plant-based cooking can be absolutely stunning, incredibly delicious, and surprisingly simple to create.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound rainbow carrots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup hummus
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Water, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Thoroughly wash the rainbow carrots under cool running water. Gently scrub with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. Pat dry completely with clean kitchen towels to ensure crisp roasting.
- Trim the carrot tops, leaving a small green stem for visual appeal. If carrots are thick, slice them lengthwise to ensure even cooking and create a more elegant presentation.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, ensuring each carrot is evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, massaging the seasoning into the carrots.
- Arrange the seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows them to roast evenly and develop caramelized edges.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. The carrots should be tender and have golden-brown caramelized edges when done.
- While carrots are roasting, prepare the green tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and a little water to achieve a smooth, drizzable consistency.
- Remove carrots from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow slight cooling and flavor settling.
- Spread a generous layer of creamy hummus on a serving platter as the base. Carefully arrange the roasted rainbow carrots on top of the hummus.
- Drizzle the green tahini sauce over the carrots, creating an artistic pattern. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately while the carrots are still warm, allowing guests to enjoy the contrast between the crisp, caramelized carrots and the creamy hummus.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm rainbow carrots with bright colors for the most visually appealing result.
- Make sure to thoroughly dry the carrots before roasting to achieve that perfect caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each carrot space to roast evenly and develop crispy edges.
- Use a high-quality olive oil and fresh seasonings to enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Experiment with different herb garnishes like fresh dill, parsley, or thyme to add extra flavor complexity.
- For a more intense flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to your seasoning mix.
- Let the carrots rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow their flavors to settle and intensify.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
