Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons of smen (Moroccan clarified butter)
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the smen over medium heat until it turns golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. In a bowl, mix the cooled smen, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the carrots to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the smen mixture.
5. Transfer the carrots to the prepared baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer.
6. Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized.
7. Serve the smen-roasted carrots hot, garnished with fresh herbs or toasted nuts.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Smen can be substituted with ghee or regular butter.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Cumin can be substituted with coriander or curry powder.
- Smoked paprika can be substituted with regular paprika or chili powder.
Variations:
- Add chopped garlic or ginger to the smen mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different root vegetables such as parsnips or sweet potatoes instead of carrots.
- Add a sprinkle of za'atar or sumac to the roasted carrots for a Middle Eastern twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cut the carrots into similar-sized pieces for even roasting.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, or the carrots will steam instead of roast.
- For extra caramelization, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Leftover smen-roasted carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
Leftover smen-roasted carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the smen-roasted carrots, place them on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the smen-roasted carrots on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs or toasted nuts.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or mint
Toasted nuts such as almonds, pecans, or pistachios
Pairings:
- Serve the smen-roasted carrots as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
- Pair them with a grain salad such as quinoa or bulgur.
- Serve them alongside a creamy dip such as hummus or tzatziki.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grain salads such as quinoa or bulgur
- Creamy dips such as hummus or tzatziki
- Grilled chicken or fish
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the carrots are not caramelizing enough, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- If the smen mixture is too thick, add a splash of olive oil to thin it out.
- If the carrots are too salty, reduce the amount of salt in the smen mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the carrots thoroughly before peeling and cutting them.
- Store leftover smen-roasted carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Food history:
Smen is a traditional Moroccan ingredient made by clarifying butter and then adding salt and herbs. It has a nutty, savory flavor and is used in many Moroccan dishes.
Flavor profiles:
The smen-roasted carrots have a sweet and savory flavor with hints of cumin and smoked paprika. The smen adds a nutty, buttery flavor to the dish.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the smen-roasted carrots as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as part of a Middle Eastern-inspired mezze platter.
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Region: Moroccan