Spicy maple roast carrots topped with crispy chickpeas and yogurt sauce

Spicy Maple Roast Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Spicy maple roast carrots with crispy chickpeas and yogurt sauce is a delightful dish that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s perfect as a side or a vegetarian main dish. The carrots become tender and caramelized, while the chickpeas turn crispy and packed with flavor. The yogurt sauce adds a creamy, tangy touch that balances the dish perfectly. This recipe not only tastes great but is also healthy, easy to make, and visually appealing with vibrant colors.

how to make Spicy maple roast carrots with crispy chickpeas and yogurt sauce

Ingredients:

  • 16 Dutch carrots, scrubbed clean and tops trimmed (keep 2cm/1" of tops for looks)
  • 600 g/1.2 lb regular carrots (5 medium), peeled and cut into quarters (Note 1)
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup (or 2 1/2 tbsp honey)
  • 2 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 400g/14 oz can chickpeas, drained but not dried
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic, finely grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander/cilantro leaves (or parsley)
  • 3 tbsp toasted pistachios, finely chopped (Note 3)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/425°F (180°C fan) and arrange the oven racks so they are 20 cm/8" apart for air circulation.
  2. For the chickpeas and carrots, drain the chickpeas and spread them on a tray (they should still be wet). Toss the carrots with the ingredients for the spicy maple sauce. Place both trays in the oven, with carrots on the top shelf.
  3. After 10 minutes, take the chickpeas out of the oven. Push them to one side of the tray, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well with a rubber spatula, then return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes, until they are crispy (listen for the clatter when you shake the tray or taste one!).
  4. Roast the carrots for 30 minutes, tossing halfway, until they are tender and caramelized on the edges.
  5. For the yogurt sauce, mix all the yogurt sauce ingredients in a bowl and let it sit for at least 20 minutes to develop flavors.
  6. To assemble, spread the yogurt sauce on a plate. Place the roasted carrots on top, scraping out all the juices from the tray. Drizzle with extra sauce if desired. Sprinkle the crispy chickpeas, chopped coriander, and pistachios on top. EAT!

how to serve Spicy maple roast carrots with crispy chickpeas and yogurt sauce

Serve this dish warm on a large plate. The creamy yogurt sauce acts as a base, with the beautiful roasted carrots and crispy chickpeas scattered on top. You can also sprinkle extra coriander and chopped pistachios for an added crunch.

how to store Spicy maple roast carrots with crispy chickpeas and yogurt sauce

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The roasted carrots and chickpeas can lose some crispness when stored, so it’s best to eat them fresh for the best texture.

tips to make Spicy maple roast carrots with crispy chickpeas and yogurt sauce

  • Make sure the chickpeas are dried well before roasting for them to become crispier.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like sweet potatoes or bell peppers to the dish.
  • Adjust the level of sriracha to your heat preference.

variation

You can substitute maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness. Additionally, you can replace yogurt with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables instead of carrots?
Yes, you can use vegetables like sweet potatoes or cauliflower. Just make sure to adjust the roasting time based on the size and type.

2. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is great for meal prep! Just store the components separately and assemble them when ready to eat.

3. How spicy is this dish?
The sriracha gives it a nice kick. If you prefer it less spicy, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or use a milder sauce.