If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, vibrant colors, and a unique twist on a humble vegetable, this Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Tender, slightly caramelized roasted carrots paired with a creamy, zesty tahini sauce enriched by fresh mint make this dish absolutely irresistible. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests. The crunchy toasted hazelnuts add a delightful texture contrast that pulls everything together into a memorable experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each plays an essential role, from bringing out the natural sweetness of the carrots to creating a luscious, bright sauce that ties the dish together. Every component adds depth, texture, and a hit of freshness that’s simply irresistible.
- Carrots (10–12): The star of the show, these lend natural sweetness and a lovely bite when roasted.
- Olive oil (1/2 tbsp): Helps with roasting and adds richness without overpowering flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the carrots perfectly.
- Tahini (1/4 cup): Creamy sesame paste that gives the sauce its signature nutty, smooth texture.
- Garlic clove, crushed: Adds a punch of aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the sauce with fresh acidity, balancing the richness.
- Fresh mint (1/3 cup, roughly chopped): The refreshing herb that beautifully contrasts the warm roasted flavors.
- Honey (1/2 tbsp) or orange juice (1 tbsp): Introduces subtle sweetness, with an option for Whole30 friends.
- Water (3 tbsp, plus more if needed): Adjusts the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Hazelnuts (2/3 cup, toasted and roughly chopped): Provides a wonderful crunch and nutty aroma.
- Fresh mint (2 tbsp, chopped): For garnishing and an extra layer of fresh flavor.
How to Make Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by cranking your oven up to 200°C (390°F). This temperature will roast the carrots perfectly, caramelizing their natural sugars without burning them.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
Give your carrots a good wash and pat them dry so they don’t steam during roasting. Lay them out evenly on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and toss well to coat each carrot. This simple step is key to getting that lovely golden exterior.
Step 3: Roast the Carrots
Pop the carrots into your preheated oven and let them roast for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want them tender yet still firm enough to hold their shape. To test, just prick a carrot with a fork — if it slides in easily but the carrot holds up, you’re done!
Step 4: Make the Tahini Sauce
While the carrots are roasting, blend together tahini, crushed garlic, lemon juice, chopped mint, water, and honey or orange juice. Purée everything until silky smooth. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time to get the perfect pourable consistency. This sauce is where the magic really happens, giving the dish that luscious, bright character.
Step 5: Toast the Hazelnuts
In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the hazelnuts until they smell nutty and toasty—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Give them a rough chop once cooled to sprinkle on top of the finished dish, adding irresistible crunch.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Arrange those gorgeous roasted carrots on a serving platter, drizzle them generously with the tahini sauce, then sprinkle with the toasted hazelnuts and extra chopped mint. Serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy every beautiful bite.
How to Serve Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like mint add a refreshing burst of color and flavor. Toasted nuts such as hazelnuts or even pistachios elevate the dish with texture and enhance its nutty notes. A sprinkle of lemon zest can also brighten things up further for an added zing.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish, making it a vibrant side that livens up any plate. It also works beautifully alongside grain bowls featuring quinoa or couscous, or even as a standout in a Mediterranean mezze spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these roasted carrots on a rustic wooden board for casual gatherings or arrange them neatly on a white platter for a more elegant look. Drizzle extra tahini sauce artistically across the plate and scatter microgreens or edible flowers for a wow factor that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for an easy grab-and-go side or snack.
Freezing
While roasted carrots freeze reasonably well, it’s best to store roasted carrots and tahini sauce separately. Freeze the roasted carrots in a sealed container for up to 1 month. The tahini sauce will keep longer in the fridge but doesn’t freeze as successfully due to texture changes.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the carrots gently in an oven or skillet to retain their texture—avoid microwaving which can make them mushy. Serve with fresh tahini sauce drizzled on top for that freshly made taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios work beautifully as alternatives, each imparting their own flavor and texture nuances. Just toast them for maximum aroma and crunch.
Is this recipe vegan?
It’s easy to make vegan by using maple syrup or agave instead of honey. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based and naturally wholesome, making it a great vegan option.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can roast the carrots and prepare the sauce a few hours in advance. Store them separately and assemble right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
How spicy is the tahini sauce?
The tahini sauce is mild and creamy with a zesty lemon kick. If you like, you can add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to give it a gentle heat, but the original recipe stays on the mellow, refreshing side.
Can I substitute fresh mint?
If you don’t have fresh mint, chopped cilantro or parsley can be interesting substitutes, though the bright, distinctive flavor of mint is definitely a highlight of the recipe.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce Recipe a try – it’s one of those dishes that surprises and delights with every bite. It’s simple, bursting with layers of flavor, and versatile enough to fit into any meal. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to enjoy carrots beyond the usual. So get roasting, blend that sauce, and enjoy every vibrant, creamy, nutty mouthful!
Print
Roasted Carrots with Mint & Tahini Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and healthy side dish featuring roasted carrots topped with a creamy tahini and mint sauce, garnished with toasted hazelnuts. This recipe combines sweet, nutty, and fresh flavors for a satisfying and colorful plate perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 10–12 carrots
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Tahini Sauce
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
- 1/2 tbsp honey (or 1 tbsp orange juice for Whole30)
- 3 tbsp water (add more if needed for consistency)
Garnish
- 2/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for roasting the carrots.
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash and dry the carrots thoroughly. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt, then toss to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Roast the Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the carrots for 15–20 minutes until they are tender but still retain some firmness. Test doneness by piercing a carrot with a fork; adjust time if carrots are thicker.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: While roasting, combine tahini, crushed garlic, lemon juice, 1/3 cup chopped fresh mint, water, and honey (or orange juice) in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add additional water one tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick, to achieve your desired consistency.
- Toast the Hazelnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the hazelnuts for about 5 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow them to cool before roughly chopping.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the roasted carrots on a serving plate. Drizzle the tahini sauce generously over the carrots. Sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts and the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint for garnish.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious side dish or a light main course. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors!
Notes
- For a Whole30-friendly option, substitute honey with 1 tablespoon of orange juice.
- Add more water to the tahini sauce if it appears too thick for easier drizzling.
- The roasting time may vary depending on carrot size; adjust accordingly for tenderness.
- To toast hazelnuts evenly, stir frequently to prevent burning.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as a vegan main when served with quinoa or couscous.
