Roasted Carrot Lemon Herb Tahini (Printable)
Caramelized carrots meet creamy tahini sauce with fresh herbs and lemon for a vibrant, healthy Mediterranean side dish.
# List of ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 lbs medium carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
04 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce
05 - 1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)
06 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
07 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
10 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
11 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
12 - 2–4 tbsp cold water, as needed
13 - 1/4 tsp ground cumin
14 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
15 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
16 - Additional fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or dill), chopped
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange the carrots on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Arrange in a single layer, cut side down.
03 - Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots are golden and tender with caramelized edges.
04 - While the carrots roast, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, parsley, cilantro, dill (if using), cumin, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
05 - Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the lemon herb tahini sauce.
06 - Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped fresh herbs. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Roasting transforms ordinary carrots into something deeply caramelized and almost candy sweet with almost zero effort.
- The tahini sauce is one of those magic condiments you will start putting on everything from salads to sandwiches.
- It looks stunning on a platter but comes together with pantry staples and a single baking sheet.
02 -
- If your tahini seizes and becomes grainy when you add lemon juice, keep whisking and add cold water gradually because it will eventually smooth out.
- Cut side down is not a suggestion but the key to that gorgeous golden crust everyone notices.
03 -
- Flip the carrots at the fifteen minute mark and check the ones at the edges of the pan because they brown faster than the center pieces.
- The sauce thickens as it sits so whisk in a splash of water right before drizzling to get that beautiful ribbon effect.