Parmesan cheese helps take the humble carrot to new culinary heights in this recipe from The Kitchn.
When roasted in a hot oven, the carrots become jammy and slightly caramelized while the cheese melts to create a salty, delicate crust. It’s a dish that’s incredibly tasty and healthy, too!
INGREDIENTS
- 3 ounces Parmesan cheese (3/4 packed cup freshly grated or 1 cup store-bought grated)
- 1 pound medium carrots (5 to 6)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary or 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Meanwhile, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Finely grate 3 ounces Parmesan cheese on the smallest holes of a box grater (about 3/4 packed cup), or measure out 1 cup store-bought grated. Transfer to the baking sheet and spread into an even layer.
- Peel 1 pound medium carrots and trim the ends. Halve crosswise, then halve or quarter each piece lengthwise so they are all about the same size. Place in a large bowl. Pick the leaves from 1 fresh rosemary sprig and finely chop until you have 1 1/2 teaspoons, or measure out 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary. Add to the bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated. Arrange the carrots cut-side down in a single layer on the cheese, spacing them evenly apart.
- Roast until most of the cheese is dark golden-brown and the carrots are tender, rotating the baking sheet as needed, 15 to 20 minutes total. Let cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley leaves if desired. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
