Description
Crispy Smashed Carrots are a delightful side dish featuring tender carrots that are boiled until just soft, smashed to increase surface area, and then roasted to golden perfection with olive oil and aromatic herbs. This easy recipe delivers a crunchy exterior with a soft interior, making it a flavorful and healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into thick sticks
Seasonings and Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley for garnish (to taste, optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Peel and cut the carrots into thick sticks, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the carrots.
- Boil Carrots: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the carrot sticks. Cook them for about 10 minutes until tender but still firm enough to hold shape.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the carrots thoroughly and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool slightly to make smashing easier.
- Smash Carrots: Using the bottom of a glass or a sturdy spatula, gently press down on each carrot stick until it flattens to about half an inch thickness, being careful not to break the pieces apart.
- Season Carrots: Drizzle olive oil evenly over all the smashed carrots. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme evenly over them.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crisping and browning on all sides.
- Serve: Remove the roasted carrots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure carrots are cooked until just tender to avoid them falling apart during smashing.
- Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- Turning the carrots halfway through roasting ensures even crispiness.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a burst of color and fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Feel free to substitute dried thyme with any other favorite dried herbs like rosemary or oregano.
