Looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy vegan side dish? These grilled carrots with zesty gremolata are your answer! Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply elevating your plant-based meals, this recipe transforms humble carrots into a gourmet experience. It's naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for almost any dietary preference.
Whether you're new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan chef, this dish is designed to be straightforward yet impressive. It’s ideal for anyone wondering "How can I make grilled vegetables exciting?" or "What's a simple, healthy side dish that packs flavor?" Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and cook time make this perfect for busy schedules.
- Bursting with Flavor: The fresh, bright gremolata perfectly complements the sweet, smoky grilled carrots.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Carrots are packed with vitamins and fiber, and gremolata adds a healthy dose of fresh herbs.
- Versatile: A fantastic side for almost any main course, from grilled tofu to a festive roast.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Carrots:
- 5-6 medium carrots, washed and scrubbed (peeled if desired)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For the Zesty Gremolata:
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Equipment
- Grill (outdoor or indoor grill pan)
- Mixing bowls
- Small grater or zester
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Trim the ends off the carrots. If they are thick, you can halve them lengthwise. In a bowl, toss the carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill Carrots: Place the seasoned carrots on the hot grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender-crisp and nicely charred with grill marks. Cooking time will vary based on carrot thickness and grill heat.
- Make Gremolata: While carrots are grilling, combine the chopped parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled carrots to a serving platter. Spoon the fresh gremolata generously over the warm carrots. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations & Adaptations
- Herb Twist: Experiment with other fresh herbs in your gremolata, such as fresh mint, cilantro, or a touch of rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chilli flakes to the gremolata for a bit of heat.
- Nutty Crunch: For added texture, finely chop a tablespoon of toasted pine nuts or walnuts and mix them into the gremolata.
- Different Cooking Methods: If you don't have a grill, you can roast the carrots in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
Tips & Hacks
- Perfect Grill Marks: For distinct grill marks, make sure your grill is hot enough and avoid moving the carrots too much once placed on the grates.
- Carrot Size Matters: Try to use carrots of similar size for even cooking. If some are much thicker, consider slicing them in half lengthwise.
- Freshness is Key: The success of gremolata relies on fresh, vibrant ingredients. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and good quality olive oil for the best taste.
Related Articles
Explore more delicious and healthy vegan recipes from abillion's collection:
- Looking for another healthy side? Try this Healthy Sweet Potato Chips recipe.
- If you love fresh, herbaceous flavors, check out our Vegan Pesto Greens Bowl Recipe.
- For more carrot-centric dishes, warm up with a Detox Carrot & Almond Soup.
- Discover more ways to enjoy plant-based meals with our Quick and easy nacho platter recipe.
We hope you enjoy this easy and delicious grilled carrot recipe! Don't forget to share your culinary creations and tag us on abillion. Happy cooking!
