Honey Glazed CarrotsGrowing up with flaming, orange-colored hair, I was often called “Carrot Top.” This cemented my affection for all things having to do with carrots — from Frosty the Snowman with his carrot nose to treats filled with carrots like these Whole Grain Morning Glory Muffins and a (healthier) cake filled with carrots like this whole grain Carrot-Oat Cake.
Spring is the perfect time to experiment with carrots in a variety of recipes and meals from soup, like Coconut, Carrot and Chickpea Soup, to salad, like this beautiful Mango-Miso Tofu Salad, and beyond. Have you thought about adding carrots to pancakes or waffles? Carrot Cake Pancakes is simple to make and you can substitute the buttermilk pancake mix with whole grain pancake mix if you prefer. For something delicious and savory, try Banh Mi Grass-Fed Beef Burgers.
Carrot Cake PancakesCarrots complement an assortment of vegetables as well as meats — adding color, sweetness and good nutrition. Here are some favorite ideas and recipes:
Cook carrots as a side dish; a few of my favorite recipes are Roasted Spiced Carrots, Honey Glazed Carrots and Carrots with Peas and Pancetta. I like to serve carrots with herb-roasted chicken and sautéed greens in cooler weather, or grilled chicken and a leafy green salad when it starts warming up.
Add sliced carrots or baby carrots to soups and stews. Try Carrot-Ginger Soup or Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Stew.
Carrots are delicious in stir-fry! Here are a few good choices:
Add carrots to grain, bean or vegetable salads. Try Greens with Carrots, Feta Cheese and Brown Rice. Tangy Bean Salad with Carrots and Green Onions makes a fabulous sandwich filling. Cabbage and Carrot Slaw is great as a side for BBQ or as a topping for fish tacos or brats.
Pick up a bag of grated carrots in the Produce Department so they are handy to toss into salads or add to muffins, cakes and quick breads.
Carrots add a healthful heft to Home-Style Meatloaf and Old-Fashioned Ham Loaf, too.
Sprinkle grated carrots over fish with sliced green onions, minced ginger root and garlic, and a dash of tamari, then steamed or baked in parchment.
Use carrot sticks or baby carrots as dippers and to add shredded carrots to dips such as sour cream, cream cheese or bean dip. Try Steamed Green Beans with Carrot Dill Dip or Carrot Cashew Spread.
Banh Mi Grass-Fed Beef BurgersWhen storing carrots, be sure to remove leafy green tops and stems so they don’t draw moisture away from the carrots, which will help them stay fresh and firm. Store in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks (they last a while!).
Are you a fan of carrots? Got a good recipe or an idea? I’d like to hear.
