Brown Sugar Dill Roasted Carrots Recipe

I absolutely love this roasted carrot recipe because it’s both simple and satisfying, turning humble carrots into a sweet and savory delight with just a few pantry staples. The fresh dill and zesty lemon juice add a modern twist, keeping the flavors bright and making every bite feel like a little gourmet experience.

Brown Sugar Dill Roasted Carrots

Ingredients

Carrots have a wealth of beta-carotene and fiber, and they furnish a natural sweetness.

Brown Sugar: Contributes a flavor profile virtually identical to that of white sugar, but with a hint of molasses.

A closely related product, “panela,” is brown sugar in a chunk form, found in many Latin American countries.

Molasses is also found in a form of brown sugar called “barbados” sugar, which comes from sugar cane produced in the Caribbean.

Oil of Olive: Fats that are friendly to the heart; boost taste and help with roasting.

Dill, Fresh: Fresh Aromatic herb; adds a zesty, brightly flavored taste.

Juice of lemon: Has a sour taste; counteracts sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to warm up. While it gets nice and toasty, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

2. In a sizable mixing bowl, combine the carrots, which have been sliced into thin rounds, with the oil. The oil should be olive oil, preferably of the extra-virgin variety, and the amount should be generous—likely a third of a cup or so—depending on your liking.

3. Combine the brown sugar, salt, and pepper with the carrots then mix well.

4. Place the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

5. In the preheated oven, the carrots should be roasted for 20-25 minutes or so it may take longer or shorter for them to get tender and caramelized. This should be done in a pan not too deep to allow for the maximum exposure of the carrots to the dry heat of the oven, and stirring halfway through is key. Even with that, the uneven shape and sizes of the carrots will still cause some to not be fully caramelized or tender.

6. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave while the carrots roast.

7. When the carrots are finished, take them out of the oven and place them in a dish for serving.

8. Melted butter should be drizzled over the roasted carrots.

9. Scatter the freshly chopped dill on top, then drizzle with lemon juice.

10. Lightly mix to combine all the tastes before serving hot.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Mixing bowl
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cup
9. Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
10. Spoon or spatula for mixing
11. Serving dish

FAQ

• Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?Indeed, you can use baby carrots. But watch their cooking time; they might roast faster than other types.
• Is fresh dill necessary?Dill that is fresh offers the most superb taste; however, if you don’t have it, you can still get a good flavor using dried dill. If you use dried dill, don’t skimp: use a full teaspoon.
• Can I make this recipe vegan?Certainly, use a substitute for the butter that is vegan or an amount of extra virgin olive oil.
• What temperature should I roast the carrots at?For optimal results, roast the carrots at 400°F (200°C).
• Can I prepare the carrots in advance?Indeed, you can prepare the carrots by peeling and slicing them the day before and then storing them in water in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• How do I store leftovers?Leftovers should be put in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They will keep for just about 3 days. When you are ready to serve the leftovers, reheat them in either the oven or the microwave.
• What can I serve these carrots with?These carrots go well with roasted meats, grilled fish, or as a side to vegetarian dishes.

Substitutions and Variations

Avocado oil or melted coconut oil can replace olive oil in equal amounts with a comparable texture and flavor. You can try using these oils if you’re in the mood for something a little different.
Honey or maple syrup may be used instead of brown sugar; they yield a different sweetness profile.
Substitute dried dill for fresh dill, using 1 teaspoon dried dill to replace 1 tablespoon fresh dill.
Garlic salt can be used in place of salt for an added touch of flavor.
Apple cider vinegar can be used in place of lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Pro Tips

1. Uniform Slicing Ensure that the carrot sticks are sliced uniformly. This helps them cook evenly, preventing some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain undercooked.

2. Caramelization Boost If you prefer a deeper caramelization, you can increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5 minutes of roasting. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

3. Oil Infusion For added flavor, infuse the olive oil with garlic by gently heating it with a couple of smashed garlic cloves before tossing with the carrots. Remove the garlic before combining with carrots.

4. Lemon Zest Enhance the lemon flavor by adding a bit of freshly grated lemon zest along with the juice. It adds a fresh, zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the carrots.

5. Herb Alternatives If you’re not a fan of dill, fresh thyme or parsley can be excellent substitutes, offering different flavor profiles while still providing a fresh herbal note.