Preview: This Smoked Carrots recipe has a secret ingredient that makes these oven-roasted baby carrots memorable: smoked paprika. Unique smoky flavor even without using a smoker!
Smoked paprika is the seasoning that makes these smoky-tasting baby carrots memorable. So I keep it in my fridge at all times.
Olive oil and smoked paprika (aka pimenton) combine to make these carrots go down quickly as French fries. They smell fabulous when you take them out of the oven. Every time I make these, people ask me if the recipe is on this website. Now it is.
This Smoked Carrot recipe is a vegetable side dish nearly everybody will love. After a trip through the oven, sprinkle the browned baby carrots with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
What is smoked paprika?
According to the Food Lover’s Companion, paprika is a powder made by grinding aromatic sweet red pepper pods. Smoked paprika derives from peppers smoked over oak fires. You can find regular paprika in nearly all grocery stores. However, you may have to look a little harder for the smoked variety, although it is commonly available online.
The act of roasting these carrots will intensify the flavor, making it even more irresistible.
What does smoked paprika taste like?
Smoked paprika will give your food a smoky flavor similar to smoking them in a grill like you would a turkey. However, it is neither hot nor bitter (unless you use the HOT smoked paprika).
What can I substitute for smoked paprika?
Substitute regular paprika. It will give your carrots a beautiful color but not the same divine flavor as using smoked paprika.
Kitchen tip for oven-baked smoked carrots:
Baking baby carrots on a naked baking sheet is an excellent way to exercise your scrubbing muscles. However, I much prefer to cover it with non-stick aluminum foil for two reasons.
- You won’t have to use as much oil on the carrots.
- Nothing sticks to the non-stick foil.
Of course, you could cover the pan with regular foil instead. Use lots of oil.
More recipes for veggies lovers:
Crispy, Roasted, Smashed Okra
Fresh okra, smashed and roasted until crispy, makes a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Broccoli-Cheese-Rice Casserole Without Soup
Traditional Broccoli-Rice Casserole with mushrooms but no canned soup. See microwave directions in the Notes below.
Sweet Carrot Casserole
Puréed carrots get a company-best treatment with a little butter, sugar and maple flavoring. You'll love the soufflé-like texture. An Instant Pot and food processor make assembly quick and easy but neither are essential.
Did you enjoy this recipe? If so, you can help others and me by leaving a 5-star 🤩 rating in the comment section below. No comment is required.
p.s. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can email me privately: Paula at saladinajar.com.
Hope to see you again soon!
Paula
Smoked Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
- 1 pound baby carrots
- Salt
- Pepper
- Smoked paprika - I just eyeball it–start with a teaspoon or two
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Pour olive oil onto a foil-covered baking sheet with sides.
- Add baby carrots and shake pan or stir carrots to cover them with oil.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle liberally with smoked paprika and shake the pan to distribute seasonings.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Time may vary according to the size of your carrots.
- Serve with Ranch dressing if you like a condiment with every meal like we do.
Shad Pembley
Wednesday 24th of November 2021
These are roasted - smoking refers to using smoke as the primary method of cooking. You didn't use a smoker, you used an oven. Even if you add smoked paprika, an oven is an oven. Hope that clears things up for you!
Becky
Thursday 8th of March 2018
These look so good, Paula. My favorite vegetable! I would never have thought of putting smoked paprika on roasted carrots, so thanks. While I am here, I wanted to give you a new yogurt idea, although I don't know how you feel about cream top yogurt. If you don't like it, you can pass the tip along to someone who does. My favorite yogurt is Brown Cow. It has a nice thick layer of cream on the top. It is hard to get that top without buying milk that is not homogenized, and it is very expensive where I live. So I had the idea that I could use real cream powder, and it worked. It's so much fun when something works! I just put real cream powder in some of the hot milk from the microwave when I warm the milk, whisk it, then add it back before letting it ferment.. It is somewhat difficult to get it to dissolve, but eventually it does. Voila! I get lovely yogurt with a crusty cream top. I find the mouth feel and satisfaction with this yogurt is unbeatable for me.