Delicious Meets Healthy

The next time you're trying to think of an easy healthy side dish or a soup to warm you on a chilly evening, think orange. Inexpensive and readily available year round, there's more to carrots than their crunch. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and a natural immune booster, this versatile veggie is the perfect food choice during cold-and-flu season. 

The two recipes that follow offer simple and delicious ways to make the most of the flavor and nutritional value of carrots. And who knows? They might just make veggie lovers out of even your pickiest eaters. 

Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots
Serves 4

Ingredients

• 8 carrots, washed and peeled
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted
• 2 Tbsp honey
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil, butter, or cooking spray (for baking sheet)
• Handful of parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray or drizzle with oil. Set aside.
3. Slice carrots as desired, so they are all roughly the same size. 
4. In a small pan, melt butter and honey. Simmer 2 minutes or until smooth. Pour over carrots. Season with salt and pepper. 
5. Place on baking sheet and roast for 15 – 20 minutes or until carrots are tender. 
6. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired, and serve warm. 

Vegetarian Carrot-Ginger Soup
Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup yellow onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 heaping cups carrots, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp seasoning salt
• 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and seasoning. Cook until softened. Add garlic and carrots and cook 8 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in the ginger and broth. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the carrots are soft, about 30 minutes. 
3. Let cool slightly and transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add maple syrup, if desired.