Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
120 | 7g | 1g | 15g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
7g | 4g | 2g | 0.2g |
Often, I find a sort of blissful harmony in blending together the diverse flavors of my Gujarati heritage and the bright, lively vibes of California living. One such delicious manifestation of this cultural blend is a recipe I hold close to my heart – Roasted Cilantro-Lime Carrots.
A Healthy and Flavorful Blend
What I find so captivating about this recipe is not just its capacity to satiate the tastebuds, but also the nutritional value packed into each and every bite. Carrots, being a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin A and beta-carotene, contribute significantly to eye health. Furthermore, when you factor in the inclusion of garlic, a renowned superfood known for its heart-health benefits, this dish goes beyond just looking appetizing. Garlic, well documented for its anticancer and antioxidant abilities, gives this already nutritious dish an additional health uplift.
Reminiscent of Comfort and Tradition
The flavors embedded in these Roasted Cilantro-Lime Carrots draw on the comfort and tradition found in many Indian dishes. Much like the hearty ‘Gajar Ka Halwa’, a delicious carrot-based sweet from my Indian ancestry, there’s an undeniable nostalgic taste to every forkful. Yet, it’s the fusion twist with zesty lime and fresh cilantro that truly make this recipe shine. Paired with a Californian grilled chicken or even a simple quinoa salad, this flavorful side dish can wonderfully enhance your meal.
The joy of cooking, to me, has always been the ability to journey through different cultures and times. It’s about breaking down the barriers of tradition and crafting something new, something uniquely yours. With each and every serving of my Roasted Cilantro-Lime Carrots, I hope you’ll taste not just the fusion of two vibrant cultures but a piece of my own journey towards recreating and redefining the flavors of home.
Explore for yourself the wonder of these Roasted Cilantro-Lime Carrots or discover other ways to create fusion dishes with this compilation of Indian-American recipes. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of carrots
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step Two
Peel the carrots and cut them into thin sticks. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step Three
Drizzle the olive oil over the carrots and season them with salt to taste. Toss everything together to ensure the carrots are well coated with the oil and salt. Spread them out in an even layer on the baking sheet.
Step Four
Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Make sure to turn them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
Step Five
While the carrots are roasting, prepare the cilantro-lime dressing. In a small bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step Six
Once the carrots are done roasting, remove them from the oven. While they are still hot, drizzle the cilantro-lime dressing over them. Toss everything together until the carrots are well coated with the dressing.
Step Seven
Serve the carrots warm, garnished with additional cilantro leaves and lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your Roasted Cilantro-Lime Carrots!