If you grow your own vegetables, you've probably wondered what to do with carrot tops.
Luckily, I have 13 easy and delicious carrot recipes right here!
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Like broccoli stems and onion skins, many people think of carrot tops as just junk. But they are actually edible and quite nutritious!
They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. And they're super bright, which makes them fantastic in recipes like pesto and chimichurri.
So don't throw away the carrot tops the next time you make a stew. Instead, take advantage of them with one of these delicious carrot recipes.
What do carrot tops taste like?
Carrot tops have a slightly sweet flavor with a grassy aftertaste. Many people say that it tastes like a cross between parsley and cilantro, with a slightly bitter touch. They are also quite crunchy and refreshing, making them a great addition to salads or smoothies.
How to wash carrot heads
Since carrots grow in the ground, they are often dirty and need to be washed thoroughly before using. And tapas are no exception.
However, the process is simple and takes less than five minutes:
- cut green topsleaving about an inch or two of the carrot core attached.
- If you have a salad spinner, rinse them in cold water and then rotate it a few times.
- If you don't have a salad spinner, simply submerge it in cold water and Shake them until the dirt settles to the bottom..
How to Store Carrot Tops
My favorite way to save carrot tops is put them in a glass of cold water (half full) and then refrigerate.
If you want to store them for a longer time, wrap them in damp paper towels and place in a freezer bag.
This method works for both freezing and regular refrigerated storage.
The tops and the leaves of the carrots are very fragile, so it is best not to refrigerate them for more than two days.
And if you plan to freeze them, be sure to use them within a month.
Carrot pesto and more easy carrot recipes
1. Carrot pesto
Carrot pesto is a wonderfully flavorful and unique twist on the classic heavy basil seasoning.
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It has a bright, earthy flavor that is absolutely delicious.
The slightly bitter taste of the vegetables is offset by the sweetness of the carrots, creating a complex and full flavor.
It's incredibly versatile too. Serve it on pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and even salads.
2. Carrot Soup
If you are looking for a soup recipe that is both delicious and visually appealing, give this Carrot Soup a try!
The key to unlocking the flavor is roasting the carrots before adding them to the pot. This brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky touch.
When combined with the other ingredients, the result is a delicately balanced soup with complex flavors.
3. Carrot Top Chimichurri
Carrot chimichurri is a flavorful and unique way to make your steak one of a kind.
It's a fun take on the traditional Argentinian salsa, and it's so good you'll want it on everything.
Adding carrot leaves gives the sauce a beautiful color and a slightly sweet taste.
The herbs and spices in the chimichurri balance out the sweetness of the carrots, and the vinegar adds a nice touch.
4. Zero Waste Green Carrot Soup
Here is another delicious soup; only this one features a flavorful vegetable broth loaded with nutrient-dense vegetables like celery, carrots, and onion.
You'll add earthy spices like bay leaves and red pepper flakes to give the soup a greater depth of flavor.
If you want to go overboard, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it makes a world of difference.
5. Roasted carrots with carrot and pistachio pesto
The next time you host a dinner party, make these awesome carrots.
They're bright, sweet, and bursting with incredible flavor, thanks to the pistachio-carrot pesto (which you'll want to make more of).
They go well with almost any protein and are very easy to prepare.
The pesto is bright and earthy and really brings out the flavor of the carrots. I promise you will be a top carrot convert after trying this recipe.
6. Carrot salad with chickpeas
This wonderfully flavorful and healthy salad is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish.
The combination of crunchy carrots, creamy chickpeas and spicy carrot dressing is truly delicious.
And best of all, it's easy to do!
I like to serve it on a bed of vegetables, but it's extra special with some crusty bread.
7. Sautéed carrot leaves
Sautéed carrot tops are a simple garnish that will be ready in a matter of minutes.
The vegetables are cooked in a hot pan with oil and spices, infusing them with incredible flavor.
This combination of flavors is both fresh and flavorful, making them the perfect accompaniment to a weeknight meal.
They are also very healthy and tasty and go well with almost any main dish.
8. Tabbouleh Carrot Salad
In the mood for a refreshing and flavorful twist on the traditional tabbouleh salad? Give this recipe a whirl!
Adding carrot tops, chopped fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing makes for a great summer meal.
It's amazing with grilled chicken or fish, but will also complement a hearty burger or hot dog.
9. Curried Carrot Fritters
The curry fritters have an amazing mix of savory and sweet flavors, with a slight hint of the curry powder.
The carrots add a natural sweetness and pop of color that you will love. Meanwhile, the fritters are slightly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
I recommend serving them with a spicy aioli or chutney sauce and some raita or yogurt to cool things down.
10. Roasted Rainbow Carrots With Pistachio Herb Relish
Roasted Rainbow Carrots are healthy, incredibly flavorful, and totally Instagram-worthy.
Carrots are roasted with a blend of herbs and spices, then covered in a delicious dressing.
The result is a dish full of flavor and nutrients.
Serve as a side dish or as a main dish. Either way, you're bound to want seconds.
11. Carrot Herb Cornbread
If you haven't picked out a holiday cornbread recipe yet, may I suggest this one?
It's super rich and moist with lots of sweet corn flavor.
It's also fabulously herbaceous, thanks to the carrot tops, rosemary, and chives.
Oh, and did I mention it's vegan? Everyone will want to try this one, and since it's dairy-free, everyone can!
12. Hummus with carrot pesto
Carrot hummus pesto is a tasty and healthy dip that is perfect for any occasion.
Made with freshly picked carrots, tangy lemon, and aromatic basil, this pesto is mixed with creamy hummus for the perfect balance of flavors.
Serve it with fresh vegetables or pita chips, or use it as a spread on sandwiches and wraps.
13. Orecchiette with Creamy Carrot Miso Sauce
How impressive does this plate look? It's so creamy you'd never guess it's vegan!
This one features two incredibly delicious recipes, both of which I highly recommend.
Carrot miso sauce is an umami-rich dream that makes any pasta dish a million times more addictive.
But it's the superior carrot gremolata that will keep you coming back for more!
