Description
Harissa roasted carrots with whipped feta features tender carrots glazed in spicy harissa and honey, served over a cool, creamy whipped feta dip creating a bold, balanced appetizer perfect for entertaining or elegant weeknight sides. Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan.
Ingredients
For the Whipped Feta:
– 1 garlic clove
– 8 oz (225g) feta cheese, crumbled
– ½–¾ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Roasted Carrots:
– 1 lb (454g) petite carrots, peeled and trimmed
– 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
– ½ tsp ground coriander
– ½ tsp Aleppo pepper (or crushed red pepper flakes)
– ½ tsp kosher salt
– 1 tbsp harissa paste
– 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
– Chopped fresh cilantro or mint, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On the sheet, toss carrots with avocado oil, coriander, Aleppo pepper, and salt. Spread in a single layer.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse garlic until minced.
- Add feta, ½ cup yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and spreadable.
- If too thick, add more yogurt, 1 tbsp at a time, to reach desired consistency.
- In a small bowl, mix harissa and honey.
- When carrots are done, remove from oven. Brush or toss with harissa-honey glaze.
- Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until glossy and caramelized.
- Spread whipped feta on a serving platter. Top with roasted carrots.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
– Use block feta in brine pre-crumbled is too dry for whipping.
– Vegan option: Use plant-based feta, dairy-free yogurt, and maple syrup instead of honey.
– Harissa substitute: Sriracha or chili garlic paste (adjust for heat).
– Don’t over-roast carrots they should be tender but hold their shape.
– Make ahead: Whip feta up to 1 day ahead; roast carrots just before serving for best texture.
– Gluten-free: Naturally GF, no modifications needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Side Dish
- Method: Roasting + Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: ~220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 580mg (varies with feta and harissa)
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg