ZA'ATAR ROASTED CARROTS WITH CHOPPED PISTACHIO RECIPE

Za’atar roasted carrots recipe – image shows a pretty platter with a base of yogurt and roasted carrots arranged on top with garnish of pistachio and pomegranate

December is a funny one - there’s family and presents and festivities and gatherings, but there’s also introspection, melancholy, and deep seated emotions which always seem to poke their heads to the surface as the year comes to a close! This time around, rather than try and delve knee deep into all things merry, I’m quietly observing the pain and sadness that’s engulfed me, us, the world, these last few months.

No matter where you sit politically, 2023 has been harrowing. Paradoxically, reflecting on the year that’s been, I wonder if maybe there is hope after all! You see, with all that’s been going on around the globe, I had started to believe that ‘project humanity’ had failed! With all the killing, the division, the oppression, the fear and the terror, it was incredibly hard to find anything that seemed jolly.

But the fact that we’re all profoundly moved by what’s happening, and ultimately all long for a happy ending, whatever we may each define that to be, somehow, strangely, gives me hope. It makes me believe that most of us desperately want the same things - to be happy and to share that joy with the world.

So with all that’s in my heart, ending the year with a recipe perfect for sharing with those you love, seemed the most fitting. On that note, I’m leaving you with these maple syrup and za’atar roasted carrots on a bed of thick, lemony and savoury (vegan) yoghurt. I hope you love this recipe and I look forward to connecting with you all again next year!

Hugs, Kimberly

Za’atar roasted carrots recipe – image shows a baking tin with roasted carrots and a garnish of pistachio and pomegranate

Za’atar roasted carrots recipe – image shows some carrots with their tops being prepped on a marble surface

Za’atar roasted carrots recipe – image shows a baking tin with roasted carrots and next to it a pretty platter with a base of yogurt and hands arranging carrots on top

ZA'ATAR & MAPLE SYRUP ROASTED CARROTS RECIPE

The best recipes for gatherings and festivities are those that are easy and quick to put together, yet still look impressive AND taste incredible. And this recipe for za’atar roasted carrots fits the bill perfectly! I serve it with a thick, savoury and lemony yoghurt, but you can also serve it with hummus or any other creamy dip if you prefer!

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Roasting time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4 as a starter or side dish

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CARROTS

1kg carrots, washed, scrubbed and tops removed

2 1/2 tbs olive oil

1 tbs maple syrup

1 1/2 tbs za’atar

1 tsp salt

a pinch of black pepper to taste

TO SERVE

500g thick (vegan) greek yoghurt

juice of 1/2 a lemon

salt to taste

a handful of pistachios, roughly chopped

arils of 1/2 a pomegranate

a pinch more of za’atar

10 leaves of fresh mint and/or parsley roughly chopped

a splash of olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 200C/390F

Place the carrots in a large (high rimmed) baking tray. Cover the carrots with the olive oil, maple syrup, za’atar, salt and pepper and toss thoroughly until the carrots are evenly coated.

Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots start to brown.

Whilst the carrots are in the oven, combine the greek yoghurt, lemon juice, salt. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Spread the yoghurt on a platter, top with the warm carrots and then sprinkle over some chopped pistachio, pomegranate arils, some more za’atar, fresh herbs and a splash of olive oil.

Serve immediately with warm flatbread or as is!

Enjoy!

Want to see how I made them? Head over to my Reel here, where I share the recipe and some thoughts…