Harissa Roasted Carrots with Tahini Sauce (2024)

Published: Nov 24, 2021 · Modified: Oct 29, 2022 by Jamie Vespa · This post may contain affiliate links

Harissa Roasted Carrots with Maple-Lime Tahini Sauce, cilantro, and pomegranate. This stunning side dish is easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for holiday dinners.

Never did I imagine being so smitten with a roasted carrot recipe. This one boasts the most beautifully balanced flavors, with the deeply savory tahini sauce tempering the natural sweetness of the carrots.

This side dish pairs perfectly with just about any protein–chicken, steak, salmon, or tofu. And while itssimple enoughfor weeknight cooking, it’simpressive enoughfor serving a crowd or entertaining around the holidays.

These roasted carrots are also vegan, gluten free, and nut free, making them well-suited for those with allergies. Basically, what’s NOT to love about this show-stopping side dish?

How to Make Roasted Carrots with Tahini Sauce:

Many components of this recipe can be made in advance. That way, if you're preparing it for a holiday dinner, the prep work can be streamlined.

For example, mix the tahini sauce 2 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to use. You can also peel and slice the carrots up to 3 days ahead.

The Ingredients:

• Carrots: You need1 ½ lbsoflarge carrots, which can be all orange or rainbow carrots. Just look for some that are decently thick so they hold their texture during roasting.
• Harissa: Harissais a North African spice paste that looks like a mix between tomato paste and tomato sauce. It has a slightly smoky spiciness with bright acidity and earthy undertones, and is a great shortcut ingredient to achieving big flavor.
• Coriander: The flavor of coriander is subtly sweet and earthy with a floral aroma that pairs beautifully with carrots. If you don't have any on hand, feel free to use ground cumin instead.
• Tahini: Tahini adds a toasty, slightly sweet finish and unparalleled creaminess. In terms of brands,Soomis my go-to for its smooth texture and rich, nutty flavor. To try any Soom products for10% off,simply enter code‘dishingouthealth’at checkout!
• Soy Sauce/Tamari: If making the dish gluten free, use tamari. Both options add a salty, umami-rich punch.
• Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime adds bright top notes to the sauce. Alternatively, you can use fresh lemon juice.
• Maple Syrup: A little sweetness helps balance the bitter notes of tahini.
• Garnishes: I love adding cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and pomegranate arils for a pop of color and crunch.

The Directions:

Step 1: Roast Carrots

Preheat oven to 425ºF. Place carrots on a large rimmed baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt, and coriander. Arrange carrots so there is no overlap, and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until tender and caramelized.

Remove carrots from the oven and add harissa; toss to coat. Place carrots back in the oven for 5 more minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Tahini Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine tahini, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, and garlic; mix to combine. Gradually whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoon water to thin sauce to desired consistency. Season with a pinch of salt, if needed.

Step 3: Assemble Carrots

Spread half of tahini sauce on a plate or serving platter. Arrange harissa roasted carrots overtop, and drizzle remaining sauce over carrots. Garnish with cilantro leaves, toasted sesame seeds, pomegranate arils, and a drizzle of olive oil.

What to Serve with Roasted Carrots:

These roasted carrots are a standout side dish. You can pair them with just about any entree or protein. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Shrimp:Try myCrispy Shrimp CakesorShrimp in Turmeric-Lime Sauce.
• Tofu:The flavors of thisBalsamic Tofuwill complement the carrots beautifully.
• Fish: Either salmon or a hearty white fish will work best. Try my Curried Maple-Mustard Salmon, or this Pan-Seared White Fish with Harissa-Fennel and Capers.
• Meatloaf:Either theseVegetarian BBQ Meatloaf Minisor my famousBest Ever Vegan Meatloaf.

Do you Peel Carrots before Roasting?

For the best flavor and texture, it’sbest to peel carrots before roasting. The skins on unpeeled carrots often become wrinkled, tough, and gritty after roasting. They can also make the carrots taste more bitter.

For easy, more efficient peeling, use aY-shaped vegetable peeler.

Recipe Variations:

This recipe actually works with many other vegetables. If you’re looking to switch it up from carrots, you can also use:

• Peeled + cubed sweet potato, butternut squash, or fresh pumpkin
• Parsnips
• Kohlrabi
• Celery Root

The tahini sauce is also well-suited for a myriad of uses. Spoon it over any assortment of lentils or grains, crispy tofu, or roasted potatoes.

More Roasted Carrot Recipes to Try:

Coriander Roasted Carrots with Parsley and Pistachios

Roasted Carrots with Curried Yogurt

Pomegranate-Glazed Carrots with Whipped Goat Cheese

If you give this roasted carrots recipe a try, snap a pic and tag#dishingouthealthso I can see your beautiful creations. I also really appreciate readers taking the time toleave a rating and review! Lastly, follow along onFacebookandPinterest for the latest recipe updates!