Baked Carrots

Baked carrots are a simple, delicious, and healthy side dish. Here’s how to prepare them in the Italian way.

Ingredients

• 6 medium carrots
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• Fresh rosemary (to taste)
• Salt and pepper q.b.
• 1 clove of garlic
• Juice of one lemon (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for a crispy finish)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. Clean the carrots, removing the ends, and if you prefer, peel them. If they are very large, you can cut them in half lengthwise or into sticks to reduce their cooking time.
3. In a large bowl, mix the carrots with the extra-virgin olive oil, roughly chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Crush the garlic clove with the flat side of a knife, remove the skin and add it whole to the mixture, or slice it thinly and mix it with the carrots.
5. Arrange the seasoned carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer to cook evenly.
6. Bake the carrots for about 20-30 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, turning them halfway through cooking.
7. If you wish, in the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle the carrots with grated Parmesan cheese to create a golden crust.
8. Before serving, you may sprinkle the carrots with a little lemon juice to add a fresh note.

Curiosity

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in our bodies. This vegetable has ancient origins and is believed to have been first domesticated in the regions of Iran and Afghanistan over 1000 years ago. Did you know that originally carrots could be of various colors, such as purple, yellow, and white, and not just the vibrant orange we see today?

Enjoy your meal!