These perfectly roasted caramelized carrots and vibrant asparagus are paired with a tangy yogurt and ricotta dip. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will captivate your senses, while the creamy dip adds a zesty twist. Whether you're hosting a lunch gathering or simply craving a sensational side vegetable, this dish is a winner.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Servings: 4people
Calories: 392kcal
Equipment
1 Blender
1 Spoon
2 Medium oven tray to roast the veggies and to roast the almond
1 Chopping board
1 Vegetable Knife
1 Large plate
Ingredients
Roasted veggies
400grcarrots Lb.oz 0:14.0
1tablespoonolive oil extra virgin
1teaspoonMaldon salt
1garlic clove
400grasparagus Lb.oz 0:14.0
1tablespoonolive oil extra virgin
1teaspoonMaldon salt
1whole lemon juice
1garlic clove
15gralmond flakesLb.oz 0:0.5
Yogurt dip
150grgreek yogurt full fatLb.oz 0:5.0
200grfetaLb.oz 0:7.0
200grricotta cheeseLb.oz 0:7.0
1teaspoonMaldon salt
1garlic clove
1teaspoonolive oil extra virgin
2teaspoonfresh lemon juice
8grfresh mint leaves + extra leaves for garnishLb.oz 0:0.4
8grfresh dill leaves Lb.oz 0:0.4
Instructions
Yogurt dip
Place the yogurt, ricotta cheese, feta, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt into a blender. Blend the ingredients at high speed for approximately one minute, or until you achieve a creamy texture. Transfer the blended mixture into a medium bowl.
Chops the herbs on a wooden chopping board and add them to the yogurt dip bowl. Mix them together with a spoon, ensuring they are well combined with the dip. Set it aside until need it.
Roasted carrots
Preheat your oven to a 180°C fan, 200°C conventional, 356°F or gas mark 4.
Start by washing the vegetables under cold water to remove any dirt. If needed, use a brush to clean the skin of the carrots. Chop the garlic into pieces and cut the carrots into halves lengthwise. This will allow them to cook more evenly.
Take a tray or baking sheet and cover it with baking paper. This will prevent the vegetables from sticking to the tray and make cleanup easier. Place the halved carrots on the tray. Drizzle them with oilve oil, sprinkle some salt, and add the garlic. Mix the carrots well, ensuring they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Roast the carrots in the oven for around 15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting the tines of a fork into the carrots. They should feel slightly rigid but not too soft. If needed, you can continue roasting them for a few more minutes. Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and set them aside.
Prepare the asparagus by removing the hard bottom part. You can do this by holding the asparagus stalk near the bottom and bending it until it snaps naturally. Discard the snapped-off ends.
Place the asparagus on a large plate. Add olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice to the asparagus. Give everything a good mix to ensure the asparagus is coated with the seasoning.
Transfer the seasoned asparagus to the same baking tray used for the carrots. Roast the asparagus in the oven for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until al dente texture. Once the asparagus are ready, remove them from the oven and set them aside along with any roasted liquids from the tray. In a separate tray, roast the almonds until they turn golden.
Before serving, place the yogurt dip in a large serving dish, and arrange the roasted vegetables on top of the yogurt dip. Drizzle the roasted veggies with the liquids left in the tray, this will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. To garnish add the almond flakes and a few mint leaves on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
Is the roasted carrots and asparagus recipe vegan?This recipe is not vegan as it contains dairy. However, you can just bake the vegetable following the recipe and at the end add a few crumbles of vegan feta.Do I need to peel the carrots before roasting?No, there is no need to peel the carrots. A good wash and brush under cold running water will remove any dirt. However, if the skin still has visible dirt use a peeler to remove the skin.Should asparagus be blanched before roasting?No, there is no benefit in blanching the asparagus. Just roast the asparagus raw, this way it will keep the al dente texture for a better taste.Can be the veggies roasted in the same baking tray?The reason why I roast the veggies in two different batches is to have an even cooking. However, if you want to roast together in the same tray you may need to cut the carrots into chunky sticks as even as the asparagus.Do I need to peel the asparagus before roasting?No, there is no need to peel the asparagus, this way you will have less food waste.How can I use the end of the asparagus?The ends of the asparagus, also known as the woody part, can be used in various ways. One option is to add them to vegetable stock when cooking risotto or soup to infuse flavor. Alternatively, you can freeze them in a freezer bag and use them within three months for future recipes.