Roast Moroccan Carrots with Baba ganoush
My love affair with vegetables continues with this incredible roast carrot dish. Inspired by Moroccan flavours, this combination of roasted flavours is quiet incredible.
These dutch carrots, and the introduction of purple carrots is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also sweet and savoury at the same time.
Served on a bed of baba ganoush and then topped with corn and pistachio nuts, it truly is a memorable dish.
Roast Moroccan Carrots with Baba ganoush
Ingredients
- 1 bunch dutch carrots
- 2 large purple carrots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cob corn
- 1/4 cup pistachio nuts
- 1/2 cup baba ganoush
Method
- Wash carrots and trim tops
- Place carrots on a baking dish lined with baking paper. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and paprika.
- Bake at 180 degrees until tender – approx. 20 minutes.
- Boil or steam the cob of corn for five minutes. Once cooled remove the kernels and set aside.
- Finely chop pistachio nuts.
- To plate the dish, spread the baba ganoush across bottom of entire plate. Lay the roast carrots on the baba ganoush and top with corn and pistachio nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the combination of sweet Dutch carrots and savory purple carrots bring to the dish?
Combining sweet Dutch carrots with savory purple carrots adds both flavour contrast and visual appeal to the dish. Dutch carrots are naturally sweet and tender, while purple carrots tend to have an earthier and slightly peppery flavour. This flavour interplay creates complexity in each bite. The vibrant colours of the carrots also make the dish visually striking, making it even more enticing.
Could you provide some alternatives or additions for the baba ganoush?
Certainly! While baba ganoush is a wonderful choice for this dish, you can experiment with other dips or spreads to suit your taste: - **Hummus:** A classic hummus would work beautifully. Its creaminess and mild flavour complement the roasted carrots well. - **Tzatziki:** If you enjoy a hint of tanginess, tzatziki, a yogurt-based dip with cucumber and herbs, can be a refreshing choice. - **Harissa Yogurt:** Mix harissa paste with yogurt for a spicy and creamy option. Adjust the amount of harissa to your preferred spice level.
Are there any recommended herbs or seasonings to enhance the flavours further?
While the dish is already flavourful, you can enhance it with some fresh herbs or additional seasonings: - **Fresh Herbs:** Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and colour. - **Sumac:** A pinch of sumac adds a lemony tang and a touch of brightness to the dish. - **Cumin:** A light dusting of ground cumin can complement the Moroccan flavours and add depth.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish to my preference?
If you prefer a milder or spicier dish, you can easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of paprika and the type of paprika you use. Regular paprika is generally mild, while smoked paprika (often labeled "sweet" or "hot") can add varying levels of smokiness and heat. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
