Don't be so quick to judge a recipe by its title! Read the whole recipe and then decide... after you put the food in your mouth!
I know you love your Buff Boy Brewing Co. coffee (YES YOU DO!) but if you've wondered how else you can enjoy our rich flavor in your mouth, let's talk a big... long... thick... juicy... carrot.
This recipe for carrots baked on coffee beans delivers a subtly smoky, earthy sweetness that will leave your mouth wanting more. (The Buff Boy way!)
While it might sound unconventional, the coffee beans don't actually impart a strong coffee flavor to the carrots. Instead, they act as a flavorful bed, infusing the vegetables with a gentle, toasty aroma and a hint of bitterness that perfectly complements the carrots’ natural sweetness.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup Buff Boy Brewing Co. coffee beans (whole bean or coarsely ground)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
Prep the Coffee Bed: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the Buff coffee beans evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. The size of the dish should be such that the carrots can be arranged in a single layer.
Prepare the Carrots: In a bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt and pepper until evenly coated.
Roast the Carrots: Arrange the carrots in a single layer on top of the coffee beans in the baking dish. If using, tuck fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs amongst the carrots.
Bake to Perfection: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized. Check periodically and stir the carrots to ensure even cooking.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. The coffee beans will have infused the carrots with a delightful aroma and subtle flavor. Discard the coffee beans after roasting; they have already imparted their flavor.
Tips and Variations:
Bean Choice Matters: A darker roast will impart a more intense flavor, while a lighter roast will be more subtle. Experiment to find your favorite.
Add a Touch of Sweetness: For extra sweetness, drizzle a touch of maple syrup or honey over the carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Other Vegetables: This method works well with other root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes and beets.
Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill can add a touch of brightness to the finished dish.
By utilizing your Buff coffee beans, you can create a memorable and delicious side dish that’s sure to impress. So, ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary – your carrots will thank you for it!