These carrots are not your average side dish – they are big, bold, and bursting with flavor. The secret is in the roasting process, which brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and gives them a delicious caramelized exterior. The result is a dish that is both visually stunning and incredibly tasty.
Farmer Fred and I spend the winter in Florida—a wonderful escape from the cold and snow in New York. As soon as we get down to Florida in January, we head out to the local Farmer’s Markets in search of these beauties. We roast them and make them into muffins, bread, cake, and cookies. soups, salads, and snacks. This recipe is one of our favorites. It’s simple, delicious, and good for your health.
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Key Takeaways:
- Creative Egg Salad Variations: Experiment with unique twists like roasted red peppers, avocado and bacon, or curry and raisins to elevate the classic egg salad sandwich.
- Peeling Tip for Hard-Boiled Eggs: Older eggs (2–3 weeks) are easier to peel, and a water test can determine their freshness.
- Nutritional Benefits of Eggs: Rich in choline, B12, lutein, and omega-3s, eggs support brain health, memory, and cognitive function.
- Simple Ingredients for Flavorful Sandwiches: A mix of fresh herbs, tangy lemon juice, and crisp vegetables creates a vibrant egg salad.
- SIS Tip – Simple is Smart: Plan ahead by aging eggs for easier peeling and ensure optimal ingredient freshness for the best results.
- Versatile Pairings: From spicy Sriracha to tangy pickles, creative additions can customize egg salad sandwiches to suit any palate.
SIS Tip - Simple is Smart
When you have a recipe that calls for finely diced fresh herbs use a food chopper to quickly dice up those herbs. In this recipe, I start with about a quarter of a cup of sage, thyme, and parsley. I am able to quickly reduce them to about a tablespoon of finely diced herbs using a vegetable chopper.
Nutrition Nugget For Giant Roasted Carrots
Including carrots in your diet can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. One of the key benefits of carrots is their high content of vitamin A. This essential nutrient is crucial for maintaining good eyesight and promoting healthy skin. Regular consumption of carrots can help improve vision and prevent age-related eye diseases. Moreover, vitamin A also plays a role in boosting the immune system, making carrots an excellent choice for enhancing your body’s natural defense mechanisms.
In addition to their vitamin A content, carrots are also a great source of antioxidants. These powerful compounds help protect the body against oxidative stress and free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The antioxidants found in carrots, such as beta-carotene and lutein, have been linked to a reduced risk of these diseases. By incorporating carrots into your diet, you can give your body an extra boost of protection against cellular damage and improve your long-term health.
Furthermore, carrots are packed with dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation. It also contributes to a feeling of fullness, making carrots a great snack option for weight management. By including carrots in your meals or as a snack, you can keep your digestion on track and support a healthy weight.
Lastly, carrots are low in calories and high in water content, making them a great choice for those who are watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy weight. They provide essential nutrients without adding unnecessary calories to your diet. By substituting high-calorie snacks with carrots, you can satisfy your hunger while still maintaining your weight loss goals.
Ingredients for Giant Roasted Carrots
- Giant Carrots: If you don’t have giant carrots as they may be hard to find, use 3 lbs of smaller carrots. If you use smaller carrots, you will want to cut them into 2-inch chunks and adjust the roasting time.
- Olive Oil: Extra Virgin.
- Sage leaves: Dice sage leaves are very fine.
- Fresh Thyme: remove tough stems and try to just use small tender stems and the leaves. Choose organic for the herbs and carrots.
- Parsley: Use the flat leaf parsley, not the curly leaf.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg are optional.
Step by Step Instructions:
- Clean, peel, and slice the carrots into 1/2 inch rounds.
- Coat all of the carrot pieces on all sides with the olive oil
- Chop up the sage and thyme and add to the carrots.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the carrot rounds on a baking sheet or baking pan. Make sure they don’t touch each other or the pans edges.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg to taste.
- Roast in a 425 degree F oven for 10 minutes. You may have to shorten the roasting time if you use smaller carrots. Also I’ve noticed that if your carrots have been in the fridge a wile they don’t take as long to roast.
- Flip the carrots over and roast another 10-15 minutes. With real fresh carrots I’ve had to roast them as long as 20 minutes on each side. I think that they tend to soften a bit as they sit in the fridge.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with the fresh chopped parsley.
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FAQ:
Q: How do I know if my eggs are fresh enough to boil?
A: Use the water test—fresh eggs sink and lay flat, older (but still good) eggs tilt upright, and bad eggs float.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but dried dill can be substituted in a pinch.
Q: What bread works best for egg salad sandwiches?
A: Rustic sourdough or whole-grain bread, lightly toasted if desired, pairs well with egg salad.
Q: Are eggs good for brain health?
A: Yes! Eggs are rich in choline, B12, and omega-3s, which support memory, cognitive function, and neurological health.
Q: How do I store leftover egg salad?
A: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Q: What are some quick variations to try?
A: Add avocado and bacon, curry and raisins, spicy Sriracha, or pickles and dill for new flavor profiles.
Giant Roasted Carrots
Equipment
- 1 chefs knife
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- To see the ingredient amounts in metric units, click the blue "METRIC:" button between the ingredients and the instructions for this recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs fresh raw carrots
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp himalayan or sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped sage leaves
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425℉
- Clean, peel, and slice the carrots into 1/2 inch thick sections.
- Toss the cut carrot rounds with the olive oil. Make sure each piece of carrot is coated on all sides with the olive oil.
- In a medium size bowl add the carrots, diced sage, diced thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Spread the seasoned carrot rounds on a baking sheet. Make sure they are flat on the sheet and don't touch eachother.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes and check to doneness. They should be starting to soften in the center but still firm. Flip each piece of carrot over and roast for another 10 - 15 minutes, or until they are the doneness that works for you.
- Serve with a garnish of chopped parsley.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
