Crispy Smashed Carrots Recipe

Introduction

Crispy smashed carrots offer a delightful balance of tender interiors and crispy edges, making them a flavorful and vibrant side dish. Roasted with a blend of spices and optionally topped with Parmesan, they effortlessly elevate any meal.

Ingredients

• Fresh carrots
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Step 2: Boil the carrots in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 10 to 15 minutes depending on size.
3. Step 3: Drain the carrots and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Step 4: Gently smash each carrot with the bottom of a glass or potato masher to flatten slightly.
5. Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the carrots, ensuring they are well-coated.
6. Step 6: Season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
7. Step 7: Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
8. Step 8: Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on the carrots during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra spice.
• Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the aroma.
• Try a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a citrusy brightness.
• For a vegan option, omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Boil the carrots ahead of time and refrigerate to save time before roasting.

Storage

Store leftover crispy smashed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat and preserve their crispiness, warm them in a preheated oven or air fryer. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the carrots soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe?

While fresh carrots yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen carrots if thawed and drained well. Roasting time may vary slightly.

How do I make the carrots extra crispy?

To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure to smash the carrots thinly and roast them on a high temperature, flipping halfway through. Using enough olive oil and not overcrowding the baking sheet also helps.

Crispy Smashed Carrots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 73 reviews

Crispy smashed carrots are a flavorful and healthy side dish featuring tender boiled carrots smashed and roasted to achieve crispy edges and a soft interior. Seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes. Easy to prepare and versatile, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses and suits vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

Vegetables

• Fresh carrots – 1 pound

Seasonings

• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
• Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley, chopped – 1 tablespoon
• Parmesan cheese, grated – 2 tablespoons

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for roasting the carrots.
2. Boil the carrots: In a large pot of salted water, boil the fresh carrots until they become fork-tender, approximately 10 to 15 minutes depending on their size.
3. Drain and prepare carrots: Drain the cooked carrots well and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
4. Smash the carrots: Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each carrot to flatten it slightly, increasing surface area for crispiness.
5. Season and oil: Drizzle olive oil evenly over all the smashed carrots to coat them thoroughly. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly over them to impart robust flavors.
6. Roast: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the carrots for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides become golden and crispy.
7. Add Parmesan (optional): In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the carrots to melt and add savory richness.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove the carrots from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

• Boil carrots ahead of time and refrigerate to save prep time for meals.
• For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
• Customize seasoning with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
• Store roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: crispy smashed carrots, roasted carrots, healthy side dish, vegetarian side, gluten free side, easy vegetable recipe, carrot recipe