Often hidden in a mix of onions and celery, carrots are one of the most popular building blocks of the recipes we make (and enjoy) each day. Shine a spotlight on carrots with some of the ideas below and enjoy a healthy dose of flavor, color and sweetness. Carrots last a long time in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, so buy a big bag and cook with them for weeks. If you purchase carrots with the leafy green tops, make sure to trim off the greens before storing so they don’t draw any of the moisture away from the carrots.1. Steam peeled and sliced carrots and toss with a mixture of freshly grated lime zest, chopped cilantro and a pinch of cayenne pepper.2. Add a cup of chopped carrots to your favorite rice pilaf mix about 5 minutes before it’s done. The steam will cook the carrots as the rice finishes.3. Add chopped carrots to your favorite soup recipes (or a can of low-sodium soup) and simmer until tender.4. Pick up some chicken or potato salad from prepared foods and add shredded carrots for color and flavor.5. Toss shredded carrots with non-fat Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic and parsley, and use as a topping for grilled meats or fish.
6. Use a vegetable peeler lengthwise along the carrots to make carrot “ribbons” and cook in a skillet just until tender (add zucchini too!).7. Toss chunks of carrots and parsnips with a little olive oil or vegetable broth, salt and pepper and roast in a 400°F oven until browned and fork-tender. Sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs and serve as a side dish with a rotisserie chicken opens in a new tab.8. Cook soba noodles in boiling water, adding shredded carrots and small broccoli florets to the cooking water 2 minutes before the noodles are done. Drain and toss with peanut sauce and chopped cilantro.9. Make a dip. Simmer carrots until tender, then puree with some of the cooking water and other ingredients like in this Carrot Cashew Spread opens in a new tab.10. Add some shredded carrots to the batter for your baked goods. Carrot-Oat Cake opens in a new tab and Morning Glory Muffins opens in a new tab are two of our favorites featuring carrots.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy carrots?
