Nutty Pesto Roasted Carrots

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €6.75 · €1.69/serving

• 2 pounds young carrots, trimmed, peeled, plus 1 cup coarsely chopped carrot topsEst. price €0.00–€0.00
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, dividedEst. price €1.20–€2.50
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, dividedEst. price €0.02–€0.06
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepperEst. price €0.03–€0.08
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped roasted, salted pistachios, dividedEst. price €3.50–€6.00
• 2 cups (loosely packed) basil leaves, plus more for servingEst. price €2.00–€4.00

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F. Coat the carrots with 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper on a baking sheet with raised edges. Roast the carrots in the oven, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and become tender; this should take around 25 to 35 minutes. Allow the roasted carrots to cool down before proceeding further.

2. 2

   Start by pulsing a quarter cup of pistachios in a food processor until they form a coarse paste. Next, add carrot tops and two cups of basil to the processor. Pulse the mixture until you achieve a coarse purée. Gradually pour in the remaining half cup of oil while pulsing until everything is combined smoothly. Finally, season with the remaining half teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste.

3. 3

   Move the carrots onto a serving platter. Pour the pesto over them, then sprinkle basil leaves and the remaining 1/4 cup of pistachios on top.

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• Cultural note

  Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, and is a traditional sauce made with basil, olive oil, nuts, and cheese. Roasted carrots are a popular side dish in many cuisines, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile.

• Seasonal note

  Carrots are best in the fall and winter when they are in season and have the most flavor. Basil is typically available in the summer, making this dish great for late summer or early fall.

• Health note

  This dish is rich in healthy fats from olive oil and pistachios, providing essential nutrients and promoting heart health. Carrots are high in vitamin A for eye health and fiber for digestion.