Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

You don’t need a spiralizer to make these lovely Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce! This delightful recipe is not only quick and easy, but it also suits various occasions, from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings. The vibrant carrot ribbons paired with aromatic rosemary butter create a dish that is both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. Perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, gluten-free side, this recipe stands out with its fresh ingredients and simple preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 3 minutes of cooking, you can have a flavorful side dish ready in no time.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of fresh rosemary and parsley elevates the taste of the carrots, making them irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy carrot ribbons as a side for any main course, or toss them into salads for added texture.
• Healthy Ingredients: This recipe is paleo, Whole30 friendly, vegetarian, and gluten-free—perfect for those with dietary preferences.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You can easily create beautiful carrot ribbons using just a vegetable peeler.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. These tools will help streamline the process and ensure you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Vegetable peeler
• Steamer basket or metal colander
• Small bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Vegetable peeler: This tool is crucial for creating the thin ribbons from your carrots quickly and easily.
• Steamer basket or metal colander: Using this tool allows you to steam the carrots evenly without losing their vibrant color or crunch.

Ingredients

You don’t need a spiralizer to make these lovely carrot ribbons with rosemary butter! This recipe is paleo, AIP, vegetarian, and Whole30 friendly.

For the Carrot Ribbons

• 3-4 large, straight carrots (to make about 2 cups of carrot ribbons)

For the Rosemary Butter Sauce

• 1 Tbsp ghee or butter
• 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced (or ¼ tsp dried rosemary, crushed)
• 1/2 tsp fresh parsley, minced (or ¼ tsp dried parsley flakes)
• 1/4 tsp salt

How to Make Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

1. Thoroughly wash carrots.
2. Lay one carrot flat on a counter or cutting board.
3. Using a vegetable peeler, peel along the length of the carrot to create a ribbon.
4. Repeat the process, rotating the carrot as necessary until it becomes too thin to peel.
5. Continue with the other carrots until you have about 2 heaping cups of carrot ribbons (extra ribbons are great in salads!).

Step 2: Steam the Carrot Ribbons

1. Fill a saucepan with 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place the carrot ribbons in a steamer basket (or metal colander) and place it in the saucepan.
3. Cover and steam for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender—be cautious not to over-steam!

Step 3: Make the Rosemary Butter Sauce

1. While the carrots are steaming, combine ghee or butter, minced rosemary, minced parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
2. Once steamed, add the carrot ribbons to this mixture and toss well to coat.
3. Serve immediately for maximum freshness!

How to Serve Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

Carrot ribbons in rosemary butter sauce can be a delightful addition to your meal. Their vibrant color and flavor make them versatile for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Side Dish

• Pair with grilled chicken or turkey for a balanced meal that highlights the fresh flavors of the carrot ribbons.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables to create a colorful and nutritious plate.

In Salads

• Mix with leafy greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad that features the carrot ribbons as a main attraction.
• Combine with quinoa or couscous for a hearty, grain-based salad.

As a Snack

• Enjoy cold carrot ribbons with hummus or your favorite dip for a healthy snack option.
• Roll them up with cream cheese or plant-based alternatives for an easy appetizer.

How to Perfect Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

To ensure your carrot ribbons are perfectly cooked and flavorful, consider these tips.

• Use fresh carrots: Fresh carrots yield better flavor and texture compared to older ones.
• Peel evenly: When peeling, try to create uniform ribbons for even cooking. This will help in achieving the desired crisp-tender texture.
• Watch steaming time: Keep an eye on the steaming process; overcooking can lead to mushy ribbons. Aim for just 3 minutes of steaming.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the rosemary and parsley according to your taste preferences. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly.
• Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the carrot ribbons right after tossing them in the rosemary butter sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

Carrot ribbons in rosemary butter sauce pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Grilled Chicken – Juicy grilled chicken seasoned simply allows the carrot ribbons’ flavors to shine through.
2. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes add heartiness and contrast nicely with the tender carrot ribbons.
3. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs provides protein and balances out the dish’s richness.
4. Sautéed Spinach – Bright sautéed spinach adds color and nutrition while being quick to prepare.
5. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower – Creamy mashed cauliflower is a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the aromatic butter sauce.
6. Zucchini Noodles – Light zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil complement the carrot ribbons without overpowering them.
7. Herbed Rice Pilaf – Aromatic rice pilaf enhances the meal’s overall flavor profile while maintaining simplicity.
8. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with grains or lentils provide additional texture and nutrients alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch for.

• Using the wrong carrots – Always choose large, straight carrots for the best ribbons. Smaller or crooked carrots can make it hard to peel evenly.
• Overcooking the ribbons – Steaming too long can turn your ribbons into mush. Keep a close eye on them; they only need 3 minutes!
• Skipping the herbs – Fresh herbs add flavor and aroma. Don’t skip the rosemary and parsley; they elevate this dish wonderfully.
• Not tasting before serving – Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust salt or herbs as necessary for perfect flavor.
• Neglecting presentation – Carrot ribbons are visually appealing! Take a moment to plate them nicely; it enhances the dining experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store carrot ribbons in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

• Place cooled carrot ribbons in freezer-safe bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place ribbons on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, stirring between sessions.
• Stovetop – Warm over low heat in a pan for 3-5 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make carrot ribbons without a spiralizer?

You can use a vegetable peeler! Simply peel along the length of straight carrots to create beautiful ribbons.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes! If you don’t have fresh rosemary or parsley, use dried versions but reduce the quantity—about one-quarter of the amount.

What can I serve with Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce?

These carrot ribbons pair well with grilled chicken or fish, making them a versatile side dish.

How should I store leftover carrot ribbons?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other herbs or spices that you enjoy, such as thyme or dill, for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce is not just a delightful side dish; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite herbs or serve it alongside various proteins. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its vibrant colors and flavors!

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Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce

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• Author: Laura Milligan
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Enjoy vibrant Carrot Ribbons in Rosemary Butter Sauce – an easy, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Try it today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 large straight carrots (about 2 cups of ribbons)
• 1 Tbsp ghee or butter
• 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
• 1/2 tsp fresh parsley, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Wash the carrots thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler, peel along the length of each carrot to create ribbons. Continue until all carrots are ribboned.
2. In a saucepan, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Place the carrot ribbons in a steamer basket or metal colander over the boiling water and cover. Steam for about 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
3. In a small bowl, mix ghee or butter, minced rosemary, parsley, and salt together.
4. Once steamed, add the carrot ribbons to the herb mixture and toss well to coat before serving immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider incorporating other herbs such as thyme or dill. These carrot ribbons can be served cold as part of salads or enjoyed warm as a side dish. Leftover ribbons can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.