Fancy Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Top Gremolata | Low carb Side-dish

Delight in the stunning array of colors and flavors offered by this revitalizing side dish featuring rainbow carrots. If you’ve grown tired of the same old sides, this dish promises a vibrant alternative that’s sure to rejuvenate your love for vegetables. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion or holiday to treat your family and guests to this flavorful creation. Packed with an array of flavors, textures, and abundant health benefits, every mouthful is an explosion of garlic, thyme, olive oil, lemon, and that satisfying crunch we all adore.

It’s not just an incredibly delicious side; it also offers a visually stunning addition to any meal with the beautiful spectrum of colors from the rainbow carrots.

Ingredients:

2 pounds rainbow or regular carrots

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 lemon, squeezed

1 tsp honey/ maple

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tsp dry thyme

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

For the gremolata:

1 bunch carrot leaves/parsley

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

2-3 tbsp olive oil

6 cloves garlic, chopped

1 lemon zested (we need only the zest)

2 tbsp pinenuts

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1). Preheat oven to 375 F.

Cut the leaves from the carrots and place them into a bowl filled with water and some kosher salt. Soak for about 10 minutes.

Scrab and wash the carrots very well, or peel them if you prefer.  Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2). To season the carrots: mix in a small bowl olive oil, garlic, lemon, honey, thyme, salt and pepper and mix very well. Brush all the carrots with the mixture, making sure they are all coated well. Place in the oven and roast for about 35-45 minutes until golden and tender on the inside.

3). For the Gremolata topping: drain and wash the carrot leaves, or parsley if you wish, and chop with a knife. Chop the garlic and dill as well and zest the lemon.

Heat up a skillet on medium-high heat,  add the olive oil and garlic, and mix until fragrant, then add the lemon zest and mix until golden. Add the chopped carrot leaves and dill and mix frequently. then to finish it off, add the pinenuts, salt and pepper and mix until golden brown. Turn off the heat and set the skillet aside.

4). Once the carrots are out of the oven, transfer them to a nice serving plate, and place the gremolata on top.

Nutritional Value of Fancy Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Top Gremolata

Ranbow Carrots

Say goodbye to boring veggies and hello to a color explosion with rainbow carrots! Unlike their traditional orange relatives, these colorful roots come in purple, yellow, white, and red hues, each providing its unique nutritional punch. Purple carrots, for example, are rich in anthocyanins – a type of antioxidant-loaded flavonoid that gives your heart a healthy boost. On the other hand, the ever-familiar orange carrots come loaded with beta-carotene that our bodies happily turn into Vitamin A for improved vision, a stronger immune system, and radiant skin. And let’s not forget, all carrots are a fantastic source of dietary fiber to keep your digestion in tip-top shape.

Olive Oil

Adding to the mix is olive oil, a true powerhouse of the Mediterranean diet and a fantastic source of monounsaturated fats like oleic acid. Not only does this help lower inflammation, but it’s also linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. Plus, its antioxidant properties support the overall health of your cells and may even prevent chronic diseases.

Lemon

Next up is lemon, our humble hero full of Vitamin C that provides a strong defense against immune system deficiencies. But that’s not all, lemons also contain trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid, copper, and manganese, all crucial for a healthy body.

Garlic

Then we’ve got garlic, a low-calorie superfood teeming with nutrients like manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium, and fiber. And let’s not forget its reputation for promoting heart health and boosting your immune function.

Thyme

Our trusty herb, thyme, is a Vitamin C superstar and an excellent source of vitamin A, copper, fiber, iron, and manganese.

Carrot Tops

Don’t discard those carrot tops! Carrot leaves are an edible source of protein, calcium, and vitamin C. Alongside parsley, which is bursting with vitamins A, C, and K and essential minerals like iron and potassium, they form an integral part of this vibrant dish.

Dill

Our aromatic dill is another source of vitamins A and C, fiber, folate, calcium, and iron, and it brings along its own host of antioxidants.

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts may be small, but they’re packed to the brim with healthy fats, protein, and a variety of vital nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc.

Remember, this rainbow carrot dish, while an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, can have its nutritional value vary depending on serving sizes and individual dietary needs. But there’s no doubt that this lively, flavor-rich side dish is a delicious and simple way to incorporate a wide range of nutrients into your meal.

So, don’t hesitate! Treat yourself to this stunning, wholesome, and absolutely delicious side at your next meal. Dig in and savor every nutritious bite!

Watch this recipe on YouTube:

Here are the steps: