These roasted carrots with turmeric make a simple, healthy side dish that comes together in 45 minutes (prep and cooking time included!). Super-charged with anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, this savory carrot recipe is a winner with anyone who likes flavorful dishes.
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If you have never tried the turmeric-carrot combination, you are in for a flavorful experience. In addition to the flavor, this powerful combination provides the double benefits of nutrient-packed carrots and inflammation fighting turmeric.
An easy vegan recipe delivering powerful health benefits and a ton of flavor; what’s there not to love?
What is Turmeric Good For?
Turmeric is a yellow spice that is made from dried and ground stems of a plant native to South Asia. It is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory qualities.
It is good for using in beverages, mustard blends, chutneys and relishes, curries, rice and lentil dishes, meat rubs, fish and seafood.
This healthful spice has an earthy aroma and slightly bitter flavor. It also has a yellow-orange color, so just a little bit of turmeric powder will give any dish a distinctive yellow hue.
In this recipe, turmeric adds spiciness to the carrots. If you are looking to take this dish from savory to sweet & spicy, then try adding 1 tsp of cinnamon to the coating mix.
Key Ingredients for These Roasted Carrots with Turmeric
- Carrots: the main ingredient! If you use organic carrots, there is no need to peel them. Simply scrub off the dirt, rinse and dry them before cooking.
- Avocado Oil: to coat the carrots before roasting them in the oven.
- Turmeric: to add vibrant color and a slightly spicy flavor to the carrots.
- Garlic powder: to amp up the savory flavor. You may also use a finely minced garlic clove instead.
- Salt & Black Pepper: use to taste. I recommend using black pepper in any turmeric recipe as the active ingredients of pepper and turmeric (piperine and curcumin, respectively) are known to work together to aid the absorption of nutrients in the body.
- Lemon Juice: to further enhance the flavor.
- Cilantro: for garnish to add brightness and a refreshing, finishing touch. Parsley will work well in this recipe too.
How to Make These Roasted Carrots with Turmeric
With just a few staple ingredients you mostly likely already have on hand and a few simple steps involved, this quick, simple and colorful recipe is a breeze to make and enjoy.
First, you will need to prepare the carrots. Next, you will combine the carrots with avocado oil, turmeric powder, salt & pepper, garlic powder (if desired) and toss to coat.
After that, you will transfer the carrots to a baking sheet or a baking pan and roast them to perfection. For final touches, add lemon juice, garnish the dish and voilà – it is ready to be served.
How to Cut Carrots for Roasting
For roasting, I would recommend either cutting carrots into thick sticks or into large diagonal 1-1½-inch oval discs.
I prefer the stick cut because I like to serve this dish with different dipping sauces and it is easier to dip the carrots as sticks. I also make sure to provide plenty of napkins alongside these turmeric roasted carrots for guests to mop up the yellow turmeric residue from their hands.
There are many other different ways to cut carrots depending on a dish you are making. Julienne, small, medium, large dice, brunoise and more; carrot cuts are as versatile as the carrots themselves.
How to Roast Carrots in the Oven
Here is a list of best ways to roast carrots in the oven:
- Roast carrots in the oven, uncovered, at high temperature between 400 to 425°F.
- Arrange carrots evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet and make sure not to overcrowd the sheet.
- Keep the carrot size and cut the same so they roast evenly.
- Roasting time may vary between 25-40 minutes. The carrots are ready when they are tender and caramelized and when you can easily pierce them with a fork or a knife.
- Flip carrots half-way through the roasting time to ensure they brown on both sides.
How to Serve This Dish
There are different ways you can serve roasted carrots with turmeric all year round.
It is the perfect addition to any grains and meat dishes. If you serve them on a bed of rice, the rice will absorb some of the vibrant color and flavor of the turmeric and take your plate to the next level.
These roasted carrots will also make a wonderful addition to your holiday line up of side dishes, especially at Thanksgiving, as carrot-turmeric is one of the best combinations of warm fall flavors.
Lastly, these all-mighty versatile carrots are delicious served on their own. If you are looking for additional flavor, consider serving them with the following:
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Hummus
- Chipotle Bitchin’ Sauce (my favorite!)
- Any dipping sauce of your liking
Whichever way you decide to serve this nutrient-packed, flavorful dish, you simply can’t go wrong!
How Long will These Roasted Carrots with Turmeric Last?
These carrots will last in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. Make sure to let the leftovers cool off completely before placing in a tightly sealed container and putting in the fridge.
Tips for Making This Recipe Perfectly
- Arrange carrots evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet and make sure not to overcrowd the sheet.
- Keep the carrot size and cut the same so they roast evenly.
- The carrots are ready when they are tender and caramelized and when you can easily pierce them with a fork or a knife.
- Flip carrots half-way through the roasting time to ensure they brown on both sides.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid turmeric stains and for easy clean up.
What Other Spices Pair Well with Carrots
Here are some other spice combinations that go well with carrots:
- Turmeric and Cumin (for savory flavor)
- Cumin and Coriander (for savory flavor)
- Turmeric and Cinnamon (for sweet & spicy flavor)
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Honey (for sweet flavor)
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Homemade Pommes Frites – perfect oven roasted side dish
- Turmeric Turkey Meatballs – easy weeknight meal
- Creamy Shredded Carrot Salad – great for potlucks
Roasted Carrots with Turmeric
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9-10 medium size organic carrots
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder/granules (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In the meantime, cut the carrots in half lengthwise and crosswise.
- Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the avocado oil, turmeric powder, salt and pepper and garlic powder (if desired). Toss to coat the carrots well.
- Transfer the carrots onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spread them out evenly and roast for 30 min. Flip carrots after the first 15 min. to make sure they roast evenly on both sides.
- Remove from the oven and transfer onto a large serving bowl.
- Add the lemon juice, toss, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve!
Notes
- If you choose to roast whole carrots, I would recommend using small size carrots. Keep in mind roasting whole carrots will add to the cook time.
- Be mindful that everything turmeric touches turns into yellow, so yellow stains may be unavoidable when using or cooking with turmeric.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent turmeric stains and for an easy clean up.
- In this recipe, turmeric adds spiciness to the carrots. If you are looking to transform this dish from savory to sweet, try using cinnamon, nutmeg or a drizzle of warm honey (or a combination of all three) instead of turmeric.
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