Maple Roasted Carrots
Oven roasted carrots with dates, pecans and a Spicy Maple Dressing served with whipped vegan feta!
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs carrots
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp kosher salt I use Morton's
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 large medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ⅛ tsp kosher salt
Vegan Whipped Feta
- 8 oz vegan feta room temperature
- ¼ block medium or firm tofu about 3.5oz
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1 tsp kosher salt See notes*
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp white rice vinegar optional
Instructions
Roast the Carrots
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, then peel and slice the carrots into large 2in pieces. Place on a baking tray and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper and mix well.
- Spread the carrots into an even layer and bake for 25-30 minutes or until just fork tender and nicely caramelized on the side that's tray-down.
Make the Dressing
- While the carrots are roasting, chop the dates, pecans and parsley and set aside. Then whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, red pepper flakes and salt in a small bowl and set that aside too.
Make the Whipped Feta
- Combine all of the whipped feta ingredients listed above in a food processor and blend until smooth. The key is using room temperature feta so it will blend nicely!
- Spoon the whipped feta onto a serving plate and use the back of a spoon to create a pretty swooshing pattern. Cover and chill until the carrots are done roasting.
Assemble
- When the carrots are fork tender and nicely caramelized on the tray-down side, remove from the oven and add the dates, pecans and parsley. Pour the dressing on top and toss well. I use salad tongs or two wooden spoons to easily dress the hot veggies.
- Then spoon the carrots, dates and pecans on top of the whipped feta, making sure to include all of the dressing. Add an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Whipped Feta Notes:
The vinegar is optional depending on which vegan feta you purchase. I find that I like the extra kick from the vinegar when using VioLife but I leave it out when I'm using the Trader Joe's version, etc. Taste and adjust as you like based on which brand is available to you.
Likewise, the amount of salt you'll need will vary brand to brand as well. This recipe was tested using VioLife which is a little less salty, so 1 tsp of Morton's kosher salt works well. But if you're using a saltier brand of dairy-free feta, start with a little less salt and add more as needed. Taste as you go. When the flavors really pop, that's how you know you have enough salt. If it's a little flat, simply add a pinch more until it's perfect.