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You've got to try these delicious, Honey Roasted Carrots inspired by a trip to Nopi, an amazing Yotam Ottolenghi restaurant in London.
Of course, the best thing has been enjoying the family here and just doing everyday life with them. With four grandchildren, ages seven and under, life is never dull and always full of adventures.We've walked the girls to and from school, wandered through lovely parks, sipped cappucinos at a palace, ridden on the red double decker buses, strolled along the mighty Thames River, checked out the nearby street market, and even found a few fun food props for the blog in the tiny consignment shops along the way. But I have to say, one of the most fun things we did was eating lunch at Nopi! Nopi? Oh yes, Nopi!
After a short "jet lag" nap, we hopped on The Tube (the London underground transport system) and it wasn't long before I was experiencing a dream come true! Nopi was all I expected and way beyond. The Ottolenhghi team has a magical touch with veggies and fresh produce that's incredibly delicious and honestly, beyond explanation. Scott took photos, so I'll just let them explain what I mean.
After the meal, Basia, the very kind and gracious manager of Nopi, enthusiastically offered to take us on a short tour, so we (and you!) get to take a peek into the kitchen of Nopi, where a team of chef/artists and their assistants were hard at work. I truly felt like the kid in the candy shop!
I was so inspired by the whole experience at Nopi, I decided to keep it going by preparing an Ottolenghi recipe for our dinner last night. Josh, our son-in-law, was grilling a deliciously, tender pork tenderloin, and Honey Roasted Carrots w/Lemon Tahini Yogurt Sauce sounded like the perfect accompaniment.
My daughter snitched one coming out of the oven and described these as "like candy"; a perfect description of the tender golden, honey roasted carrots. I'm quite certain these will be a family favorite and they'll always remind us of our wonderful visit to Nopi!
- 2 ½ pounds carrots* don't worry, it looks like a lot, but they shrink up quite a bit as they roast, you'll be quite sorry if you don't make enough 🙂
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds lightly crushed
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds lightly crushed (or a scant teaspoon ground cumin)
- 2 teaspoons thyme leaves roughly chopped (if you don't have thyme, just omit it, the carrots will still be wonderful).
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon cilantro leaves roughly chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoons tahini paste
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
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Heat the oven to 425˚F. Lightly oil two large sheet pans.
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Peel the carrots, if needed then halve them lengthwise. Cut into quarters if carrots are fat.
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Place the carrots, honey, olive oil, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, thyme (if using), a teaspoon of salt and plenty of black pepper in a large bowl or zippered bag. Mix until the carrots are well coated, then spread out over the prepared pans.
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Roast for about 40 minutes, flipping carrots several times, until tender, golden and glazed.
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Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic and an eighth of a teaspoon of salt.
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Once the carrots are done, place on individual plates while still warm or at room temperature. Top with a spoonful of sauce and scatter over the chopped coriander.
This recipe works better with large, more squat carrots versus long, thin ones. Adapted from The Guardian
Beth says
I don't even know where to start with this post. You and your daughter are both so beautiful, but you also look so happy that you're radiant! It sounds like you're having an amazing trip. And as for Ottolenghi - his cookbook is next on my wish list! There's a sweet potato recipe that I'm absolutely dying to try, but these carrots may have knocked them out of first place.
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
What beautiful pictures and I'm so jealous (but yet happy for you) that you're in London, I love that place! Keep having a great time! 🙂
Kitchen Riffs says
Roast carrots are so great! I love their flavor, and your version looks spectacular. Love the travel pictures! You've got a great family - thanks for including us, too.
Kim G. says
Ah! This Ottolenghi, everything that he touch is absolutely superb! Love these roasted carrots!
Wendy says
I make honey glazed carrots on the stove frequently but never thought to roast them. Can't wait to try! Thanks, Chris!
My kids also grew up living far from their grandparents (though not across the pond) and the efforts my parents made to visit as often as possible paid off in creating a close and loving relationship. How wonderful for your grandchildren that you and your husband can spend frequent quality time with them despite the distance! Grandparents can have such an important impact on the lives of children.
Every time you enthusiastically write about your London experiences, I want to hop on a plane!!
Chris Scheuer says
I'm so jealous that you have markets with all these wonderful ingredients! Here in London, there are Middle Eastern Markets close to my daughter's house but at home, I have to drive quite a ways to get all that fabulous stuff! What an incredibly amazing place to live!
And yes, I agree Ottolenghi has truly swept the culinary world!
Lenia says
I am speechless!Great pics,Chris!Your daughter is a beauty!
That eggplant salad caught my eye too. Thank you,Google!
Keep having fun,dear!
Gloria Baker says
And Im agree she is really pretty!!
Gloria Baker says
look so good Chris!!
Delicious Diva says
Aaaah you are a sweetheart to reply...though I know that already from your writing and your generousity. I'm absolutely sure that I'll try this soon and will be sure to let you know when I do. I'm an ex-South African now living in Israel and, as Yotam Ottolenghi is a Jerusalem export, I'm especially drawn to his recipes. I'm sure it's largely because of him that Middle Eastern cuisine is such a hit the world over. Living here, I'm fortunate enough to be able to pick up all the exotic ingredients he uses like baharat, zaatar, pomegranate syrup, etc in every supermarket in town. Thanks as always for sharing and enjoy your beautiful family.
Jennifer@ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
What fun! Your daughter is just as adorable you and you both look alike! The carrots, wow, I have a bazillion of them in the fridge, I have to make your recipe, it looks amazing! Love the yogurt dressing!
Angie Schneider says
What beautiful colours! Like mother, like daughter..you two are so beautiful.
Roasted carrots with tahini sauce...a perfect combo!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love roasted carrots, these look so tasty! Sounds like you are having a fabulous trip, please recreate the eggplant dish for us - I'd love to try it! 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Haha, I might have to put you on the payroll! 🙂 This is wonderful and I cannot wait to try it, if you do it before I do (I might have to wait till I get home from London) PLEASE let me know how it turns out! Thanks again, and you're right GOOGLE is wonderful!
Elisabeth Foodandthrift says
Wow, Chris! Such lovely array of colors, and beautiful photos you've shared with us. Sounds and looks like you're having a wonderful time in London!
Love your honey roasted carrots, and the yummy sauce is a perfect pairing.
Thanks for sharing! xo
rosaria williams says
Oh my, I've been to heaven...
Marigene says
I love carrots and am always looking for new ways to fix them.
The restaurant food looks amazing!
Have a wonderful week...
Sophia Del Gigante says
This sounds soooooooo good and as beautiful as it is healthy!
Lesleyc says
I am so envious - Ottolenghi is just the best! Glad you're having a great time here in my city. One suggestion for an outing hat you may be interested in especially with your granddaughters is to visit the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace - we went last year when we visited Buckingham Palace for it's summer opening - we tagged on the Royal Mews and it was the highlight of our day. If you do go, it's worth taking the tour (esp. with the lady guide from Australia - she was fantastic). It's cars, carriages, horses and the Gold State Coach is wonderful. When we visited there were only a couple of horses there (used to deliver mail between the royal palaces - I'm not joking!!) The others were all at Hampton Court for their summer holiday away from the city - but they may possibly all be back by now. Anyway, it's a great visit. Best wishes - Lesley
Chris Scheuer says
Lesleye, I LOVE your city! It's a wonderful place with so many interesting and fun things to do! Thanks for your tips, we are always looking for fun things to do with the children! Thanks for your well wishes. Chris 🙂
Vicki Bensinger says
First off I have to say you and your hubby are very fortunate to be able to visit London so often. What a nice treat for all.
Nopi looks wonderful and bursting with healthy colorful dishes - you know you'll walk out feeling satisfied.
Lovely recipe. I may have to make these soon. I really like the dressing for the carrots as well, so simple. I use greek yogurt often to blend with other ingredients for a sauce but I've never tried it with Tahini. I've got some in the frig that I think I'll join together to test out. Next - I need to purchase some of their books.
Great recipe and always fun stories. Have a fantastic time.
bellini says
It would be my dream to visit an Ottolenghi restaurant some day too. But there is always cookboooks like Plenty and plenty of gorgeous veggies.
Lynn@Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
Your carrots are beautiful and quite flavorful I'm sure! Enjoy your trip:@)
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
What a fun visit to London, Chris! Enjoy your time with you beautiful daughter and family. I loved to see all the colorful, creative salads from Nopi. Your roasted carrots looks hearty and delicious...Something that really becomes a family favorite!
Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon says
Oh my gosh Chris, you have to be the luckiest person in the world. I have a "Ottolenghi" dish I want to make, but it is still too hot here, but I will have to add your/his dish to my list.
And yes your daughter is gorgeous, she looks just like you.
Jerry E Beuterbaugh says
"The Cafe Sucre Farine" has been included in the Sites To See for this week. Be assured that I hope this helps to point many new visitors in your direction.
http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2013/09/sites-to-see_20.html