Charred Carrot Delights: A Flavorful Grilled Carrots Recipe

Carrots aren't the first vegetable that comes to mind when you think of grilling, but they can be a fantastic addition to any grilled recipe. Root veggies like carrots take a bit longer to cook all the way through, so it's important to turn them frequently while cooking in order to get them tender.

How To Grill Carrots Without Burning Them
Grilling carrots can be challenging because grocery store carrots, which are usually bigger, tend to char outside while remaining uncooked inside. However, there's a solution to this problem that I discovered! So, I came up with a solution!
  • One of the most important tips for grilling amazing carrots is to use indirect heat, meaning that one side of the grill will be hot while the other remains cool. For a charcoal grill, push all of the lit coals over to one side before placing the grate on top. If you have a gas grill, preheat it and then shut off one burner before adding any food. 
  • For that delectable grilled, smoky, and charred (not burnt and bitter) flavor on your carrots, cook them on the hot side of the grill first. Just rotate them occasionally until they have some blackened spots. Then move them to the cool side of the grill, and close the lid. By doing this, you are turning your grill into an oven without further darkening from below the flames.

INGREDIENTS FOR CARROTS
  • 1 lb. small carrots, peeled (halved if medium)
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

INGREDIENTS FOR CARROT TOP CHIMICHURRI

  1. 1/4 c. carrot tops, washed and finely chopped
  2. 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
  3. 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
  4. 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
  5. 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  6. 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

INGREDIENTS FOR SERVING

  • 1/2 c. whole milk ricotta
  • 1 tbsp. chopped roasted pistachios


INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRILLED CARROTS

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan on low for about 5 minutes. Coat the carrots in olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Put the carrots on the grill, cover them, and cook until they're fork-tender and have light char marks; this should take between 25 to 30 minutes.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix all of the chimichurri ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
  3. For a rustic and tasty dish, spread ricotta on a serving plate until it is about ¼” thick. Add grilled carrots, chimichurri, and top with a sprinkle of pistachios.

Recipe Variations

  • To add variation to your meal, you can use a grill basket to slice your carrots into round shapes. Cook them for 5-7 minutes while flipping them once during the cooking process, similar to the steps mentioned earlier. These round pieces will improve the aesthetics of the dish and can also be more convenient for children.
  • To make grilled carrots even better, squeeze some lemon juice on them when you take them off the grill.
  • You don't need to peel carrots before grilling, as the peels are edible. Just scrub them well to enjoy them as is. Some may find the peels bitter or unattractive when grilled. If you prefer a polished look, feel free to peel them before grilling.

How can I tell if the carrots are cooked?
To determine if carrots are cooked, pierce the thickest part with a fork or sharp knife. If it enters easily with minimal resistance, they are cooked and tender. If not, continue cooking until desired tenderness is achieved.

Dishes paired with Grilled Carrots
Grilled carrots can be paired with various dishes to create a tasty and balanced meal. Here are some suggestions:

  • Grilled Chicken or Steak: Serve grilled carrots alongside marinated and grilled chicken or steak for a delicious, protein-packed meal.
  • Quinoa Salad: A colorful and nutritious quinoa salad with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing complements the smoky flavor of grilled carrots.
  • Couscous: Fluffy couscous with sautéed onions, raisins, and a hint of cinnamon makes a great side dish for grilled carrots.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Combine grilled carrots with other roasted or grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or eggplant for a healthy and diverse side.
  • Pasta Salad: A refreshing pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette that pairs well with grilled carrots.
  • Grain Bowls: Create a grain bowl with brown rice, farro, or barley, and top it with grilled carrots, avocado, greens, and your choice of protein.
  • Potato or Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes make a comforting side dish that contrasts nicely with the smoky flavor of grilled carrots.
  • Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy dressing complements grilled carrots.
  • Fish: Grilled or baked fish, such as salmon or halibut, pairs well with the sweetness of grilled carrots.
  • Risotto: A creamy risotto with mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs is a satisfying accompaniment to grilled carrots.

Experiment with these pairings to create a delightful featuring grilled carrots as a key component.
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