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Chipotle-Roasted Baby Carrots
© Christina Holmes

Chipotle-Roasted Baby Carrots

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  • ACTIVE: 20 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR
  • SERVINGS: 6
  • •HEALTHY
  • •MAKE-AHEAD
  • •STAFF-FAVORITE
  • •VEGETARIAN

When he makes this stunning salad at Empellón Cocina, Alex Stupak roasts baby carrots with mole poblano, a complex sauce that includes dried chiles, raisins and chocolate. Here, the carrots are roasted simply with smoky canned chipotles in adobo, then served with peppery watercress and cooling yogurt.

Slideshow: Great Carrot Recipes

  1. 30 thin baby carrots (2 to 3 bunches), tops discarded, carrots scrubbed
  2. 2 chipotle chiles in adobo, minced, plus 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce from the can
  3. 1 tablespoon unsulfured molasses
  4. 2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  5. Kosher salt
  6. Freshly ground pepper
  7. 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
  8. 4 ounces watercress, stems discarded
  9. Plain Greek yogurt, for serving
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Toss the carrots on a rimmed baking sheet with the chipotles, molasses and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, until the carrots are crisp-tender and browned. Transfer the carrots to a plate and let them cool completely.
  2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, toast the sesame seeds over moderate heat, tossing, until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt; let cool.
  3. On the plate, toss the carrots with the 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce. Arrange the carrots on 6 plates and scatter the watercress on top. Garnish with the sesame seeds and serve with yogurt.
Make Ahead The roasted carrots can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours.