In Season: Roasted Carrots with Carrot-top Pesto & Goat Cheese

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Roasted Carrots with Carrot-top Pesto & Goat Cheese
by Bella of Ful-filled

While browsing the stands at the farmers market, you will be sure to find bundles of carrots with their ferny tops still attached. The delicate greenery dangles from the bright orange roots making for a beautiful freshly-harvested display.

Whenever I bring home a bunch of carrots from the market, my first choice is to roast them. Roasting baby carrots until they’re golden and tender makes for a simple and satisfying side dish. Tossing them first in a blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey & flaky sea salt brings out their natural sweetness while they caramelize in the oven.

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But before you throw the tops of those carrots into the trash or compost bin, you may be surprised to know that the greens are unexpectedly delicious. Contrary to common belief, carrot tops are in fact edible. Bright and herbaceous, they are a wonderful compliment to the root from which they grow. Making use of the abundance of carrot tops from one bunch may seem like a challenge, but throw in a handful of basil and you get the perfect balance of flavors for a carrot top pesto.

Warm from the oven, the balsamic and honey roasted carrots get topped with the pesto and finished off with crumbled goat cheese. This recipe represents seasonal, no-waste eating at is finest, and proves that carrot tops are meant to be enjoyed. Once you try this recipe, I promise you’ll never look at carrot tops the same again.

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Here’s how…

FOR THE CARROTS:
1 bunch of baby carrots, cleaned with tops removed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
flaky sea salt, to taste
crumbled goat cheese

FOR THE PESTO:
carrot tops from one bunch of carrots (approximately 2-3 lightly packed cups)
large handful of basil
1 medium clove garlic, chopped
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts (chopped walnuts may be substituted)
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
flaky sea salt, to taste

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Pre-heat oven to 400F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place carrots in a bowl- drizzle carrots with olive oil, balsamic vinegar & honey, tossing to coat

Spread carrots on parchment lined baking sheet and sprinkle carrots with sea salt

Roast carrots for 20-25 minutes (depending on size) stirring occasionally until evenly browned & tender.

*Often times, carrots from the farmers market are not uniform in size.  If some carrots are larger than others, slice them in half lengthwise as needed to make them similar in thickness, so they all cook evenly.

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While the carrots are roasting, make the pesto.

Remove the carrot top leaves from the stems.

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Add carrot leaves, basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, a couple pinches of sea salt, and olive oil to the bowl of a food processor.

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Pulse contents, occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl, until smooth- taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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When carrots are done roasting, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

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Place carrots on a serving dish, top with spoonfuls of pesto and then add crumbled goat cheese.

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Have you every used carrot greens? What are your favorite ways to enjoy carrots? 

Thank you so much, Bella! I can’t wait to try this! 

Ful-filled is created by Bella and her husband, who share a passion for inspiring people to get excited about eating real food. They are firm believers that changing the current culture of food and health begins in our kitchens. They currently dwell in Roseville, California, with their two dogs, and dream of one day having their own farm.

I’m so excited that Bella has agreed to share some of her favorite market-inspired recipes, each week leading up to Thanksgiving. 

P.S. Bella’s gorgeous grape galette and one of my favorite dishes each fall.

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