Spicy Roasted Carrots with Greek Yogurt Sauce

Carrots may be a humble root vegetable, but this recipe takes them to the next level with a delicious spicy maple glaze and a creamy lemon garlic yogurt sauce. These spicy roasted carrots offer the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess, making them a healthy and flavorful side dish for any meal.

The Nutrient Boost
Beyond the incredible flavor, there’s a hidden health benefit to this dish. The fat from the Greek yogurt sauce helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins found in carrots, such as Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function. Pairing these spicy roasted carrots with a tangy yogurt sauce not only enhances the taste but also ensures you're getting the most out of the carrots’ nutrients.

Ingredients:

Carrots

• 1.2 lbs regular carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise

Spicy Maple Sauce (for Carrots)

• 3 tbsp maple syrup (or 2 1/2 tbsp honey)

• 2 tbsp sriracha

• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil

• 1/4 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/2 tsp garlic, finely grated

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 tsp cooking salt/kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Prep the Carrots: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel the carrots and slice them in half lengthwise for even roasting. Place them on a lined baking sheet.

2. Make the Spicy Maple Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup (or honey), sriracha, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this sauce over the carrots and toss them until fully coated.

3. Roast the Carrots: Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.

4. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the carrots are roasting, combine the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.

5. Serve: Once the carrots are done, serve them with the yogurt sauce either drizzled on top or on the side as a dip. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Why Greek Yogurt?

Greek yogurt is not only a protein-packed addition to this dish, but its healthy fats help your body absorb the beta-carotene from the carrots, a nutrient that converts to Vitamin A in the body. This synergy of flavors and nutrients makes this dish both delicious and nutritionally optimized.

Enjoy this vibrant, nutrient-rich dish as part of your healthy meal rotation, and experience how the balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy can elevate even the simplest of vegetables!

Disclaimer: While these brownies are a healthier alternative, they should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions.