Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

Here’s a beautiful, restaurant-worthy dish that’s deceptively simple to make:

🥕 Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

This dish balances sweet, creamy, spicy, and earthy flavors — perfect as an appetizer, side, or even a light vegetarian main. It’s the kind of plate that disappears fast at dinner.

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🔥 Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey

🕒 Total Time: 40–45 minutes

🍽 Serves: 4

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🥕 Ingredients:

For the Roasted Carrots:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and trimmed (rainbow carrots if you can find them)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin or smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)

• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional for roasting)

For the Whipped Ricotta:

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta

• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional for brightness)

For the Hot Honey:

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to heat level)

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)

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👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Roast the Carrots

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin/paprika if using.

3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Add herb sprigs if desired.

4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.

2. Make the Whipped Ricotta

1. In a food processor or with a hand mixer, blend ricotta, cream/milk, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

2. Whip until smooth and creamy (about 1–2 minutes).

3. Stir in lemon zest if using. Chill if prepping ahead.

3. Prepare the Hot Honey

1. In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey with red pepper flakes over low heat for 2–3 minutes — don’t boil.

2. Stir in vinegar if using.

3. Remove from heat and let it infuse while carrots finish.

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4. Assemble

• Spread whipped ricotta generously on a serving platter.

• Top with roasted carrots.

• Drizzle warm hot honey over everything.

• Garnish with fresh herbs (like mint or parsley), toasted nuts, or flaky sea salt if desired.

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🍽 Tips & Variations:

• Add crunch: Top with chopped pistachios, almonds, or pumpkin seeds.

• Want more heat? Add a drizzle of sriracha or Calabrian chili oil.

• Vegan version: Use a plant-based ricotta and maple syrup + chili flakes instead of honey.