Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

You don’t need a spiralizer to make these lovely carrot ribbons in rosemary butter sauce! This dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for weeknight dinners or fancy gatherings, these carrot ribbons shine with the fragrant touch of rosemary butter. Their vibrant color and delightful texture will impress anyone at your table, making them a standout side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 3 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious side ready in no time.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of fresh rosemary and butter (or ghee) elevates the natural sweetness of the carrots, creating a delightful flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: These carrot ribbons pair well with various main courses, from grilled chicken to roasted vegetables, making them a great addition to any meal.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Rich in vitamins and minerals, carrots are a healthy choice that supports overall well-being.
• Diet-Friendly: This recipe is suitable for various diets including paleo, AIP, vegetarian, and Whole30.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience and enhance the cooking fun.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Vegetable peeler
• Steamer basket or metal colander
• Saucepan
• Cutting board
• Small bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Vegetable peeler: Essential for creating those beautiful carrot ribbons efficiently.
• Steamer basket: Allows for even steaming of the carrots while retaining their crispness.
• Saucepan: Necessary for boiling water to steam the carrot ribbons quickly.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

You don’t need a spiralizer to make these lovely carrot ribbons with rosemary butter! This recipe is paleo, AIP, vegetarian, and Whole30 friendly.

For the Carrot Ribbons

• 3-4 large, straight carrots (to make about 2 cups of carrot ribbons)

For the Rosemary Butter Sauce

• 1 Tbsp ghee or butter
• 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced (or ¼ tsp dried rosemary, crushed)
• 1/2 tsp fresh parsley, minced (or ¼ tsp dried parsley flakes)
• 1/4 tsp salt

How to Make Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

1. Thoroughly wash the carrots under running water to remove any dirt.
2. Lay one carrot flat on a counter or cutting board. Using a vegetable peeler, peel along the length of the carrot to create ribbons.
3. Rotate the carrot as necessary until it becomes too thin to peel.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining carrots until you have about 2 heaping cups of carrot ribbons.

Step 2: Steam the Carrots

1. Fill a saucepan with 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place the carrot ribbons in a steamer basket or metal colander and set it over the boiling water.
3. Cover with a lid and steam for about 3 minutes or until they are crisp-tender.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine ghee (or butter), minced rosemary, minced parsley, and salt.
2. Once steamed, add the carrot ribbons to the bowl with your herb mixture.
3. Toss gently to coat all ribbons well in the sauce before serving immediately.

Enjoy your delicious Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce as a delightful side dish that is sure to impress!

How to Serve Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

Carrot ribbons in rosemary butter sauce are a delightful and versatile side dish. They can enhance any meal with their vibrant color and rich flavor. Here are some great serving suggestions to enjoy this dish.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair the carrot ribbons with grilled chicken for a complete meal. The savory chicken complements the herbaceous notes of the rosemary butter.

Over Quinoa or Rice

• Serve the carrot ribbons over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. This adds texture and makes for a filling, nutritious dish.

As Part of a Salad

• Incorporate the carrot ribbons into your favorite salad. Their bright color and unique shape will add visual appeal and freshness.

Alongside Roasted Vegetables

• Enjoy the carrot ribbons alongside roasted vegetables. The combination brings together various flavors and textures for a satisfying meal.

How to Perfect Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

To master the art of making carrot ribbons in rosemary butter sauce, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Carrots: Select firm, straight carrots for the best ribbon quality. Fresh carrots will have a sweeter taste and better texture.

• Use a Sharp Peeler: A sharp vegetable peeler allows you to create thin, even ribbons easily. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve that perfect crisp-tender texture.

• Steam Carefully: Keep an eye on the steaming time. Aim for just 3 minutes to maintain the vibrant color and slight crunch of the carrots.

• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the amount of rosemary or parsley based on your taste preferences. A little extra seasoning can enhance flavor significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

Carrot ribbons pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement their flavors well.

1. Herbed Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa cooked with fresh herbs provides a light yet filling side that works well with the buttery carrots.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic create a comforting contrast to the crispness of carrot ribbons.

3. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach seasoned with lemon adds brightness and balances out the richness of the butter sauce.

4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes enhances the overall flavor profile while adding nutritional value.

5. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic glaze bring earthy flavors that beautifully complement carrot ribbons.

6. Lentil Salad: A refreshing lentil salad with cucumbers and tomatoes offers protein and freshness, rounding out your meal perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using irregular carrots – Selecting crooked or oddly shaped carrots can make it difficult to create even ribbons. Choose straight, firm carrots for the best results.
• Overcooking the ribbons – Steaming for too long can turn your carrots into mush. Keep an eye on the time, and aim for crisp-tender ribbons.
• Skipping the seasoning – Forgetting to add salt and herbs can leave your dish bland. Always season well to enhance flavors.
• Not preparing enough ribbons – Underestimating how many carrots you need may leave you short. Use 3-4 large carrots for about 2 cups of ribbons.
• Neglecting proper storage – Storing leftover carrot ribbons improperly can lead to spoilage. Make sure to store them in airtight containers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the carrot ribbons cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

• Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Blanching the ribbons first will help preserve their texture.

Reheating Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through. This may take about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce?

To make this recipe, simply wash and peel carrots into ribbons, steam them briefly, then toss with rosemary butter sauce.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes! If you don’t have fresh herbs, substitute with dried ones. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated; use less when substituting.

What can I serve with Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce?

These carrot ribbons pair well with grilled chicken or fish and are a lovely addition to any vegetable platter.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other spices or herbs according to your preference, such as thyme or dill, for different flavor profiles.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover carrot ribbons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Final Thoughts

Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce is a delightful and versatile dish that brightens up any meal. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it’s perfect as a side or even as part of a salad. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or spices!