Carrots hold a myriad of benefits and are rich in vitamin A and fiber. There are many ways you can enjoy this healthy treat. We’ve gathered the top 5 healthiest carrot recipes to get you started.
Carrot apple ginger smoothie
This is definitely a morning energy booster. Carrot juice is surprisingly sweet. First things first, be sure to use a juicer for carrots that will get every bit of essential carrot components, as some juicer in the market actually puts to waste a lot of nutrients that you could have put into your body. Make 1 cup, then, make another ¾ cup of apple juice. In a blender, add them along with 1 cup of ice, ½ cup of plain yogurt and ½ teaspoon of grated ginger. Blend until smooth and then enjoy this tasty treat!
Sweet and spicy carrot soup
Heat your saucepan on medium heat, sauté 1/3 cup sliced green onions, ¾ pounds of carrot slices, 2 teaspoons of minced ginger, and 2 teaspoons of chopped Fresno chili for a few minutes. Then add 1 ½ cups of chicken stock, 1 ½ cups of water, and a dash of cilantro. Leave to simmer for 30 minutes until the carrots have softened. Cool when done, then add ½ cup of light coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoon of lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Add in a blender or use your immersion blender to smooth out into soup. Return to pan to heat before serving.
Grilled carrots with pesto sauce
This can be an ideal side dish to any main dish you’re cooking. Start off by heating your grill, brush around 1 ¾ pound of whole carrots with olive oil, then grill for 10-15 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper. In a food processor, add 1 garlic clove, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil and mix. Drizzle on your carrots when done.
Carrot truffles
Who said carrots can’t be desserts? This can be ideal whenever you’re craving carrot cake. It’s easy to make and is healthy. Start off by adding 1 cup each of pecans, raw walnuts, pitted dates, and ½ cup of pineapple in a food processor. Then add 1 cup of shredded coconut, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ of salt and nutmeg. Mix well. Then add 1 ½ cups of finely shredded carrots to the mixture and combine well. Create around 20 round truffles by rolling them into balls, then roll them in coconut flakes to coat. Chill for about 30 minutes until firm.
Carrot ribbon salad with ricotta dressing
This easy summery recipe only calls for combining 1 cup skimmed ricotta cheese, ¼ low-fat buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of honey and lemon juice, and a ½ teaspoon of salt in a blender. Shave your carrots with a peeler and arrange them into ribbons in your bowl. Pour mixed dressing, and serve chilled.
These are just a sample of the many ways you can use carrots to your own benefit. You can have them sweet, sour, or even savory. Turn carrots into healthy meals that are also tasty!
