Spicy Harissa Roasted Carrots (Printable)
Tender carrots roasted with harissa, fresh herbs, and a smoky glaze for vibrant, flavorful side.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if thin
→ Marinade
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1.5 tbsp harissa paste (adjust to taste)
04 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
05 - 0.5 tsp ground cumin
06 - 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 0.25 tsp sea salt
08 - 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnishes
09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
10 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or chopped pistachios (optional)
11 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, harissa paste, honey or maple syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Add the carrots to the marinade and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
04 - Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the carrots are tender and edges are slightly caramelized.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped herbs and sesame seeds or pistachios. Serve with lemon wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Carrots transform into something that tastes restaurant-quality but takes barely any effort.
- The harissa-honey balance hits that perfect sweet-spicy-smoky note that keeps you coming back for more.
- It's naturally vegan, gluten-free, and actually impressive enough to serve alongside anything.
02 -
- Harissa brands vary wildly in heat level—what's mild in one brand might be fiery in another, so taste your paste before committing the full amount.
- Stirring halfway through is non-negotiable if you want even caramelization; some edges will catch the pan and need rotation to avoid burning.
03 -
- Chop your carrots to roughly the same size so they roast evenly—uneven pieces mean some edges burn while others stay soft.
- Don't crowd the baking sheet; the carrots need space to caramelize rather than steam, so use two sheets if necessary.