Grilling concentrates the sweet flavor of fresh baby carrots. (Bagged "baby" carrots will never taste the same.) Bryce Gilmore marinates them, then tosses them with a w...
1 pound baby carrots, halved lengthwise and tops trimmed to 1 inch
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons marcona almonds, plus chopped almonds for garnish
5 ounces baby arugula
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, fennel, coriander, garlic and thyme. Add the carrots and let stand for 2 hours.
Preheat a grill pan. Remove the carrots from the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Grill over moderate heat, turning, until crisp-tender, 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, cook the butter over moderate heat until lightly browned and nutty-smelling, shaking the pan gently, about 5 minutes. Scrape the butter and solids into a blender. Add the vinegar, water and the 2 tablespoons of almonds; puree until smooth. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.
Add the vinaigrette and arugula to the carrots; toss to coat. Transfer the salad to plates, sprinkle with chopped almonds and serve.
Suggested Pairing
Nutty brown butter and full-bodied Chardonnay are a fantastic match.
