What Can I Do With a Lot of Carrots?
If you’ve got a lot of carrots in the kitchen, here are some things to do with them.
First, you can try cooking with them in the traditional way: roasting and sauteing, or boiling and tossing. A simple roasted carrot salad is a crowd-pleaser, and the extra flavor of grilled carrots can be used in any dish that calls for vegetables. You can even use them to add color and texture to soups.
Then, there are the savory options: Make a classic curry with shredded carrots, or use them to flavor a smoky chipotle adobo. You can even puree them for a smooth soup.
There are also plenty of recipes for pickled carrots. They’re great on sandwiches, as a side dish for meats and fish, or on their own as an easy appetizer. You can also toss them into a salad, like this healthy carrot, olive, and almond salad.
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated approach, try making glazed carrots. They’re tossed with fresh herbs and spices, then glazed with apple cider vinegar and honey for an elegant and sweet finish. Or, you can braise sliced carrots on the stovetop until tender and caramelized.
Alternatively, you can shave a whole bunch of carrots into thin batons and toss them in butter with toasted cumin and coriander seeds. Then, cook them until caramelized and fork-tender.
You can also make a quick and easy carrot smoothie with orange juice, ginger, and cardamom for a breakfast-worthy drink. It has a thicker texture than other smoothies, but it’s still satisfying. You can also shave a few carrots and grate them on top of cheese, such as a sharp cheddar or a soft goat cheese.
Carrots are versatile, and the best thing about them is that they’re inexpensive and easy to find. They’re also a good source of vitamins A, C, and E.
They’re high in fiber and low in calories, which means they’re a great choice for those who want to lose weight. And, because they’re a source of potassium, carrots can help regulate blood pressure.
Then there are the savory options: Make roasted carrots with onions, garlic, and thyme. Then, add a few cans of chickpeas for an extra dose of protein. Or, you can make a creamy carrot soup with a rich broth infusing with ginger and thyme for vegetarian, dairy-free flavor.
If you’re looking for something a little more decadent, try these sticky-sweet bars inspired by Gajar Halwa (the Indian version of a carrot cake). They’re super-moist and full of spice, and they’ll satisfy any carrot cake fan who’s on the lookout for a healthier snack.
Aside from baking with carrots, you can try adding them to your morning smoothie or coffee. Or, if you’re in a pinch, grab some raw carrots to sprinkle on top of a salad or toss into a stir-fry.
If you have some leftovers from a meal, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re also safe to reheat on the stove or in the oven, though the microwave is fine.
