Za'atar-Spiced Roasted Carrots with Tahini Sauce

Za'atar-spiced roasted carrots are a simple but flavorful side dish that can be enjoyed as part of a weeknight meal or at a special occasion dinner. The carrots are roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, and then tossed with a zesty tahini sauce. The za'atar spice blend adds a complex and earthy flavor to the carrots, while the tahini sauce provides a creamy and tangy contrast.

The origins of this recipe can be traced back to the Middle East, where carrots have been cultivated for centuries. The use of za'atar, a spice blend made from thyme, oregano, marjoram, and sumac, is a nod to the region's culinary traditions. The combination of roasted carrots and a tahini-based sauce is also common in Middle Eastern cuisine, where it is often served as a meze or appetizer.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Carrots
• Olive oil
• Za'atar
• Salt
• Pepper
• Tahini
• Lemon juice
• Water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Peel and cut the carrots into 1-inch pieces.
3. Toss the carrots with olive oil, za'atar, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until tender.
4. While the carrots are roasting, make the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the roasted carrots with the tahini sauce.

Why It Works

• Roasting the carrots brings out their natural sweetness and caramelizes their edges, creating a slightly crispy exterior.
• The za'atar spice blend adds a complex and earthy flavor to the carrots, which complements their sweetness.
• The tahini sauce provides a creamy and tangy contrast to the roasted carrots, balancing out their flavors.
• The use of lemon juice in the tahini sauce adds a bright and refreshing note, preventing the sauce from becoming too heavy.