Roasted Curry Carrots And Mint Vinaigrette Recipe

Looking for a tasty and healthy side dish that might be a change from your typical routine? Simple, roasted carrots can be so tasty and affordable, and with a little help, a show-stopping dish, as well. Recipe developer Taylor Murray brings us this recipe that she whips up to use up a bumper crop of mint. "Mint and carrots go hand in hand, especially when paired with some toasted spice and garlic," says Murray. 

The secret to the vibrant, green color of the vinaigrette comes from a quick blanch, which may seem like an unnecessary extra step but goes a long way towards preserving that nice color. The recipe makes more vinaigrette than you're likely to need, so keep it in your refrigerator for drizzling over soups, salads, or even a squash flatbread. Not a mint fan? This herb can be swapped out for others, including basil, dill, or even tarragon. 

To cook this recipe, start with the carrots. These can be any kind of carrots (including simple orange table carrots), though rainbow carrots do add an interesting color contrast. The carrots themselves will get roasted with olive oil and dry curry powder, which can be common curry powder, vadouvan, or garam masala. The vinaigrette is made with a combination of mint and parsley (it would be too strong to go with just mint), as well as dried chile flakes, almonds, garlic, and a bit more olive oil.

Heat oven to 425 F.

Peel and cut carrots into 2-inch-long pieces.

Toss carrots with curry powder and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt, to taste.

Roast carrots on a rimmed baking sheet until tender, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a small pot of water to a boil.

Blanch mint and parsley for 5 seconds, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture.

In a blender, combine blanched herbs, almonds, garlic, chile flakes, and remaining ⅓ cup olive oil. Season to taste with salt.

Blend until thick and slightly chunky.

Transfer carrots to a plate and drizzle with mint vinaigrette to serve.

Storing and reheating this dish the right way can ensure that it remains delicious as leftovers. For the best possible results, keep the roasted carrots and mint vinaigrette separate. Place the carrots in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The vinaigrette can be stored in a separate jar or container in the fridge for about a week. Keeping the dressing chilled will make sure that both the color and flavor are preserved. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat the carrots in the oven or microwave until they are warm. Avoid overheating, as it can make the carrots too soft. 

The mint vinaigrette should be served cold or at room temperature, so simply take it out of the fridge and give it a good stir before drizzling over the warm carrots. This vinaigrette can also be used for other dishes if there is some leftover. 

The herbs in this vinaigrette can definitely be substituted for other soft herbs. Mint has a unique, refreshing flavor that is hard to replicate exactly. However, if you need a substitute, consider using basil for its similarly bright and slightly sweet profile. Basil pairs well with the savory elements in the recipe. Another option is cilantro, which offers a distinctively fresh and slightly citrusy note, though it can alter the flavor profile more significantly. If you're looking for something with a milder taste, try tarragon, which has a gentle, anise-like quality.

When substituting herbs, it's important to consider the strength of their flavors. Some herbs, like basil and cilantro, have a more dominant taste compared to mint and parsley, so you may want to use them in smaller quantities at first and adjust according to your taste. You cannot use dried herbs in place of fresh in this particular recipe.