Roasted Carrots with Walnuts and Tahini
ROASTED CARROTS WITH WALNUTS & TAHINI
This dish is all about balance—sweet, caramelized roasted carrots, creamy tahini, and just the right amount of crunch from walnuts.
It’s simple, packed with flavour, and nutrient-dense without trying too hard. Whether it’s a side or the star of the plate, I find it always hits the spot.
This dish is nutrient-dense, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality while providing a good balance of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
Ingredients
6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Himalayan Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the carrots: In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Roast the carrots: Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned, turning halfway through.
Toast the walnuts: While the carrots are roasting, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the tahini sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, and maple syrup or honey (if using) until smooth. If it's too thick, you can thin it out with a little water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble: Once the carrots are roasted, arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the tahini sauce over the carrots, then sprinkle with toasted walnuts and fresh parsley for garnish.
Serve: Enjoy as a side dish or a light meal!
Nutritional Benefits
Heart Health: The combination of walnuts, olive oil, and tahini provides a strong source of healthy fats (omega-3s and monounsaturated fats), which support heart health.
Bone Health: The vitamin K from carrots and calcium from tahini contribute to strong bones.
Gut Health: The fiber from both carrots and walnuts helps with digestion, while tahini and walnuts offer protein that supports muscle repair.
Immune Support: Vitamin A (from carrots) and vitamin C (from lemon juice and carrots) work together to boost immunity.
Brain Function: Omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts and the antioxidants in carrots support cognitive health and help reduce inflammation.
