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## 🧄 Ingredients (Serves 4)
### For the Roasted Carrots:
* 1 lb carrots, peeled and halved (or left whole if thin)
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* ½ tsp ground cumin or smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
### For the Whipped Ricotta:
* 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
* 1–2 tbsp olive oil
* Zest of ½ lemon
* Salt, to taste
### For the Hot Honey:
* ¼ cup honey
* ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
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## 🔥 Directions
1. **Preheat oven** to 425°F (220°C).
2. **Toss carrots** with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional spices. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, until golden and tender.
3. **Whip the ricotta** in a food processor or by hand until smooth and fluffy. Add olive oil, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt to taste. Set aside.
4. **Make the hot honey** by gently warming the honey in a small saucepan. Stir in red pepper flakes and let infuse for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. **Assemble the dish**: Spread whipped ricotta on a serving plate, top with roasted carrots, and drizzle with hot honey. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
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## 💡 Pro Tips
* Use **rainbow carrots** for an extra pop of color.
* Add **toasted pistachios or walnuts** for crunch.
* If you don’t have ricotta, try it with whipped feta or goat cheese for a tangier twist.
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## 🌿 Perfect Pairing
This dish works beautifully as a side for:
* Grilled chicken or salmon
* Roasted lamb
* A vegetarian main like lentil stew or grain bowls
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## 🥄 Final Thoughts
**Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey** is more than just a side dish—it’s a conversation starter. It hits every flavor note: sweet, salty, spicy, and creamy. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for your next dinner party.
Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite way to serve carrots!
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Would you like a printable version, meal pairing suggestions, or a short caption for Instagram? Just let me know!
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