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Honey-Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Tahini

All Holiday Middle Eastern Flavors Side Dish

THESE ROASTED CARROTS ARE SWEET, SPICED, CREAMY, AND FRESH. THE KIND OF SIDE THAT DISAPPEARS FAST!

They’re simple enough for a weeknight but stunning enough for a holiday spread. Think caramelized baby carrots over a tangy herb-studded yogurt-tahini swirl… finished with nuts, honey, and a little crunch. Pure magic.

Why I Love This Dish

There’s something about roasted carrots that feels nostalgic and new at the same time. They’re naturally sweet, take on flavor beautifully, and caramelize into those jammy, golden edges everyone picks at.
Here, the warm spices: cumin, paprika, a touch of turmeric, balance the honey-maple glaze, while the cool, creamy yogurt-tahini sauce brings everything together.

It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but is honestly so low-effort… the kind you end up making all year long.

A Better-for-You Twist

This dish leans on whole, simple ingredients:
• Olive oil for healthy fats
• Warm spices
• Greek yogurt + tahini for protein, minerals, and creaminess
• Fresh herbs for brightness and digestive support

It’s naturally gluten-free, nutrient-rich, and full of color, exactly the kind of “healthy-ish but still delicious” cooking I love.

(And if you drizzle a little Everiday Miso Garlic Chili on top… it gets even better.)

What Makes This Dish Special

It hits every flavor note: sweet, smoky, creamy, tangy, crunchy, herbaceous.
And the yogurt-tahini base? It turns this from a simple roasted veg into a restaurant-worthy plate. This is the kind of easy technique you’ll want to use with everything, roasted eggplant, cauliflower, squash, or even grilled chicken.

Ingredient Notes & Easy Swaps

• Baby Carrots: You can use regular carrots, just slice them into even sticks.
• Honey or Maple: Either works beautifully. Maple gives deeper caramelization; honey gets slightly glossier.
• Tahini: Use hulled tahini for a smooth, mild flavor. If you don’t have tahini, almond butter works in a pinch.
• Herbs: Cilantro + mint keep it bright. Parsley also works.
• Nuts: Pistachios are classic, but almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or pepitas make great alternatives.

Tips for Perfectly Roasted Carrots

🍯 Glaze at the end: Adding the honey/maple before baking gives you caramelized edges without burning.
🔥 High heat = best texture: 420°F (210°C) helps the carrots blister, brown, and soften at the same time.
🥄 Mix the sauce until silky: Add a tiny splash of water if the tahini thickens too much.
⏱️ Don’t skip the resting: Let the carrots sit for 2–3 minutes after roasting, it helps the glaze settle and soak in.

Assembly That Makes It Beautiful

For that “did you cater this?” moment:
1. Slather the yogurt-tahini sauce onto the base of your serving plate.
2. Pile the roasted carrots on top.
3. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
4. Shower with fresh herbs + nuts.

The contrast of warm carrots on cool creamy sauce is heavenly.

How to Serve It

This dish pairs beautifully with:
• Roasted chicken or turkey
• Grilled or baked salmon
• Middle Eastern-style mains
• Grain bowls
• Holiday tables (This one always gets compliments!)

It’s also amazing at room temp, which makes it ideal for entertaining.

This is more than a side dish, it’s color, comfort, and flavor all in one. It’s the kind of food that makes people linger at the table a little longer. I hope it brings some brightness to your meal, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering.

Yield/Servings: 2-4 Author: Riyana Rupani Print
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Honey-Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Tahini

A balanced, bright, beautifully textured side that feels both comforting and fresh.

PREPARATION TIME: 15 MIN COOKING TIME: 30 MIN TOTAL TIME: 45 MIN

INGREDIENTS

    Carrots
    • 1 bunch of baby carrots, washed and cut in half lengthwise
    • 1 Tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • 1 tsp cumin powder
    • 1/4 tsp turmeric
    • salt to taste
    • 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
    Yogurt Tahini Sauce
    • 1/2 cup greek yogurt
    • 2 Tbsp hulled tahini
    • juice of half a lemon
    • 1 garlic clove minced or grated.
    • 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
    • 2 Tbsp chopped mint
    • salt to taste
    Garnish
    • drizzle of honey or maple syrup
    • toasted slivered almonds or any chopped nuts or dukkah.
    • more fresh chopped cilantro & mint.

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Preheat the oven to 420F/210C
    2. Place your washed and cut carrots onto a baking sheet
    3. Drizzle with olive oil and add your spices and toss.
    4. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and pop into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until carmalized and fork tender.
    5. While the carrots are cooking, make your yogurt tahini sauce by combining the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and salt.
    6. Plate your dish - slather the yogurt tahini sauce onto a serving plate, top with the carrots, drizzle with a bit more honey or maple syrup, and garnish with more herbs and slivered almonds.
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