Maple Roasted Carrots With Carrot Top Pesto Ricotta
Ingredients
For the Carrots:
- 1 pound small - medium size carrots cleaned, peeled (leave a little green top if you like)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or to taste
- 1 sprig fresh thyme leaves cleaned, picked
- A pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper or to taste
For the Carrot Top Pesto Ricotta:
- 1 cup carrot tops (tender greens only) cleaned and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts walnuts, almonds, cashews or pistachios work beautifully
- 3-5 cloves garlic or to taste
- 1/2 cup Basil or to your liking
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated, or to taste
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil as needed or to taste
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Roast the Carrots:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss carrots with maple syrup, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway, until tender and caramelized at the edges.
2. Make the Carrot Top Pesto Ricotta:
- In a food processor, pulse the carrot tops, toasted nuts, garlic, basil, and parmesan until roughly chopped.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture becomes a loose, spoonable pesto.
- In another mixing bowl, fold the pesto into the ricotta cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper
3. Plate and Serve:
- Spread a generous swoop of carrot top pesto ricotta onto a serving platter or individual plates.
- Arrange the warm maple-roasted carrots over the top.
- Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired.
- Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a beautiful finish.
Video
Notes
Why You’ll Love It
- A beautiful way to use the whole carrot — root to leaf
- Sweet, earthy carrots paired with cool, creamy, herbaceous ricotta
- Naturally gluten-free, farm-fresh, and feel-good food
- Elegant enough for entertaining, easy enough for a cozy meal at home
A Little Note
This dish reminds me that sometimes, the simplest combinations are the most powerful: sweet, savory, creamy, herbal, all in one beautiful, joyful bite.A true celebration of market-fresh ingredients and slow, intentional cooking.