Pomegranate roasted carrots

Roasting vegetables is one of the easiest ways to prepare vegetables, not to mention the most delicious. Roasting at a high heat caramelizes veggies, creating an amazing depth of flavor and natural sweetness that I find completely addictive.

For these pomegranate-roasted carrots with sumac, I coat the carrots in pomegranate molasses before roasting. Pomegranate molasses is a common ingredient used in Middle Eastern kitchens, and is basically concentrated, reduced pomegranate juice that has thickened and becomes syrupy. It is beautifully tart and sweet and can be found in any Middle Eastern grocery store or online. I also love adding pomegranate molasses to roasted chicken and slow-cooked meats like brisket.

Since this recipe is all about the carrots, the quality of the ingredients is very important. I always go for smaller carrots with the tops still attached, if I can find them. They tend to be more tender, less bitter, sweeter and much fresher than the larger variety in the 5-pound bags.

After the carrots have roasted, just before serving, I shower them with lots of fresh herbs like dill, mint and scallions, then generously sprinkle ground sumac all over. Like pomegranate molasses, sumac is another Middle Eastern ingredient that may be new to you. It provides a natural tart, almost lemony flavor that counters the sweetness of the carrots. I finish it all off with some fresh pomegranate seeds on top that turn a simple carrot side dish into an absolute showstopper.

Ingredients:

2-1/2 to 3 lbs. carrots, with the leaves and tops still on

1/4 cup pomegranate molasses

3 Tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp. fresh dill sprigs

2 Tbsp. chopped scallions

1/4 cup chopped mint

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1 Tbsp. ground sumac

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 F. Peel the carrots, then cut the leaves and most of the tops off, leaving about 2 inches of the stems.

Place the carrots on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, pomegranate molasses and toss to coat. Sprinkle kosher salt and ground black pepper evenly over all of the carrots. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes or until caramelized and golden brown on the tops and bottoms. Don’t rush this part!

Place the carrots on a platter and sprinkle generously with the ground sumac. Top with freshly chopped herbs and pomegranate seeds. Can be served warm or at room temperature with salads.