If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner table with a dish that’s bursting with natural sweetness and fresh herbal notes, this Roasted Carrots with Dill Recipe is an absolute must-try. The carrots caramelize beautifully in the oven, developing a tender, slightly crispy texture, while the dill adds a refreshing, aromatic layer that elevates the entire dish. Whether you’re serving it as a simple side or impressing guests with something unexpectedly vibrant, this recipe is straightforward yet full of flavor and charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly simple but essential to making this Roasted Carrots with Dill Recipe sing. Each one plays a crucial role: from the earthy sweetness of the carrots themselves to the brightness of fresh dill and the perfect amount of seasoning that ties everything together.
- Carrots (12): Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best natural sweetness and color.
- Good olive oil (3 tbsp): This helps the carrots caramelize and adds a silky richness.
- Kosher salt (1 1/4 tsp): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
- Fresh dill (2 tbsp minced) or dried dill (2 tsp): Brings a bright, herbaceous note that complements the carrots beautifully.
How to Make Roasted Carrots with Dill Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether you peel the carrots or give them a thorough scrub is up to you, but be sure they’re clean. If your carrots are on the thicker side, slice them in half lengthwise so they roast evenly. Smaller or skinny carrots can be left whole, which helps retain moisture during roasting.
Step 2: Slice Consistently
Next, slice the carrots diagonally into 1 1/2-inch-thick pieces, or a bit bigger if you want a chunkier bite. The key here is to keep the slices roughly the same size, which ensures they cook at the same pace. Remember, carrots shrink as they roast, so don’t be afraid of slightly larger slices—you’ll just nudge up the roasting time accordingly.
Step 3: Toss with Seasonings
Place your carrots in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the dill—if you’re using dried dill at this stage, add it now so its flavor infuses during roasting. The oil will help the seasoning stick and give you that delightful caramelized exterior.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil for an easy cleanup. Pop them into the oven and roast for 20 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for fork-tender carrots with some golden-brown edges for a slight crunch. If you used fresh dill, sprinkle it over the carrots after roasting to keep that fresh herb flavor vibrant and bright. Season to taste and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Roasted Carrots with Dill Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh dill right before serving can make the dish pop visually and in flavor. A gentle drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can add brightness and elevate the roasted sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These roasted carrots make a wonderful side alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty grain bowl. They add color and freshness, making any meal feel a little more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the roasted carrots on a platter and topping with crumbled feta or toasted nuts for texture contrast. Alternatively, blend some of the roasted carrots into a hummus for an unexpected twist or serve them atop a salad to bring warmth and depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Roasted carrots with dill keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They make an easy grab-and-go side or snack during the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, allow the carrots to cool completely and pack them into freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. Just note that texture may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat your roasted carrots gently in a low oven or on the stovetop over medium heat to maintain their texture while warming through. Avoid microwaving for best flavor retention.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs instead of dill?
Absolutely! While dill is the star of this recipe, fresh thyme or rosemary can give a lovely twist if you want to experiment with flavors.
Is it necessary to peel the carrots?
Not necessarily. If your carrots are well-scrubbed and fresh, the skin adds a lovely texture and nutrients. Peeling is more about personal preference and the carrot’s condition.
How do I know when the carrots are done roasting?
The carrots should be fork-tender and caramelized around the edges. Simply poke them with a fork to check for tenderness—if it slides in easily, they’re ready!
Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This Roasted Carrots with Dill Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect side for many dietary needs.
What if I only have dried dill?
Dried dill works well too. Add it during the initial tossing of the carrots before roasting to allow the flavors time to meld wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Roasted Carrots with Dill Recipe. It’s a delightful way to celebrate simple, fresh ingredients with minimal effort but maximum impact. I promise once you try it, these vibrant, tender roasted carrots will become a regular star on your plate, bringing a touch of brightness and warmth to any meal. Give it a go and enjoy every flavorful bite!
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Roasted Carrots with Dill Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously tender and flavorful roasted carrots infused with fresh or dried dill, perfect as a healthy side dish for any meal. This simple recipe brings out the natural sweetness of carrots with a touch of olive oil, herbs, and seasoning.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 carrots
- 3 tbsp good olive oil
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp minced fresh dill OR 2 teaspoons dried dill
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Carrots: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel the carrots or scrub them well. For thick carrots, cut them in half lengthwise; for thinner carrots, leave whole.
- Slice Carrots: Cut the carrots diagonally into approximately 1 1/2-inch-thick slices ensuring the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking. Larger slices may require longer roasting time.
- Toss with Seasoning: In a bowl, toss the sliced carrots with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried dill if fresh is not available.
- Roast Carrots: Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Roast in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes until carrots are brown and fork-tender. Cooking time may vary depending on slice size.
- Add Fresh Dill and Serve: If using fresh dill, toss the roasted carrots with minced dill just before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh carrots when possible for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust roasting time depending on the size and thickness of the carrot slices.
- Foil-lining the baking sheet helps ease cleanup.
- You can substitute dried dill if fresh dill is unavailable, but add fresh dill after roasting for the best flavor.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, fish, or can be served as a healthy vegetarian side.
