What do flowers, puppies and beaches all have in common?
.......
They are all easy to photograph! You know what's not easy to photograph?
......
Carrots!
Bright orange, sharp lines, linear formation.....you'd think they would be a walk in the park to capture.
Nope. I don't want to even tell you how many camera 'clicks' I endured while trying to take pictures for this week's blog.
Too many.
I was legitamently exhausted after I called it quits. It reminded me of trying to take Easter pictures of my 3 toddlers years back. Sweat, whispers of obscenities, burning quads from trying to squat to get the best angle.....yup, same experience with the damn carrots as with my Easter cards.
But luckily, I think I got one that will entice you to try the recipe.
I know it's just carrots. And a side dish. But the boredom stops there, I promise.
Enter Zahtar or Za'atar. A Middle Eastern spice blend that really elevates this dish. It is comprised of various herbs and spices that can (but not are limited to) include sumac, sesame seeds, oregano, thyme and fennel seed. It's pretty distinctive in flavor and packs a punch with just a pinch.
Since I placed it in a 'savory' category within my taste buds, I paired it with some sweet honey to both highlight the deep flavors yet balance them out.
Verdict?
Yummm......so good friends, just. so. good.
The carrots were a great platform that allowed the Zahtar to really strut its stuff. They caramelized a bit in the oven and held their slight crunch yet weren't too sweet to mute the spices. The honey drizzle at the end added just the right amount of sugar to make it appetizing to my kids.
Sike!
Yeah, right.......My kids won't touch carrots unless they're feeding rabbits.
But that's another rant for another day.
So the combination of the rich and flavor-packed Zahtar with the sweet sticky glaze of some honey really put a twist on my usual roast of carrots.
I really love this new side dish. Somewhat spicy, a touch sweet, a little adventurous and super simple......it has the markings of a repeat addition to our dinner table. I hope you can soon say the same. Enjoy....
Zahtar Spiced Carrots glazed with Honey
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
4-6 large carrots, peeled and ends trimmed
1 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 tsp Zahtar, I used Jansal Valley brand via Amazon
2 tsp honey
Kosher salt
Fresh cracked pepper
Preheat oven to 425 F.
Slice each carrot into about 4-6 strips, depending on carrot size. You want each strip to be about 1/4 in. wide
Place carrots on a nonstick baking sheet or line one with foil. Toss carrots with oil, Zahtar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Roast for about 20 minutes, until carrots are starting to turn darker around edges.
Remove from oven, place carrots on serving plate and drizzle with honey.
Enjoy!