Carrot tops, also known as carrot greens, are often overlooked and discarded, but they are edible, nutritious, and surprisingly delicious. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you cook carrot tops?-you’re in the right place! This guide will show you simple, tasty ways to prepare carrot tops, turning what might be kitchen scraps into vibrant, flavorful dishes.
What Are Carrot Tops?
Carrot tops are the leafy green part of the carrot plant that grows above the ground. They have a fresh, slightly earthy flavor reminiscent of parsley or celery, making them a wonderful ingredient for many recipes. Since they grow underground, it’s important to wash them thoroughly before cooking to remove dirt and grit.
How to Prepare Carrot Tops for Cooking
- Separate the Greens: Cut the leafy tops from the carrot roots. Remove the thicker, tougher stems near the base, as these can be stringy and hard to chew.
- Wash Well: Soak the greens in cold water and swish around to remove dirt. Repeat if necessary, then dry them gently.
- Chop: Depending on your recipe, chop the carrot tops into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole for quick sautéing.
Easy and Delicious Ways to Cook Carrot Tops
1. Sautéed Carrot Greens with Garlic and Red Pepper
Sautéing carrot tops is quick and lets their flavor shine.
– Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
– Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly browned (1-2 minutes).
– Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and cook for 20-30 seconds.
– Toss in the carrot tops and stir continuously until wilted and tender, about 2-3 minutes.
– Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
This method cooks the greens quickly, similar to spinach, and they shrink to about a third of their original size.
2. Carrot Tops Pesto
Turn carrot tops into a vibrant pesto to use on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
– Blanch carrot tops in boiling water for 3 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
– Drain and dry the greens.
– In a food processor, combine carrot tops, garlic, lemon juice and zest, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs (like mint or cilantro), and olive oil.
– Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil as needed.
– Season with salt and pepper.
This pesto can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer use.
3. Blanched Carrot Greens with Soy and Sesame
For an Asian-inspired side dish:
– Blanch carrot tops in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain.
– Toss with light soy sauce, a teaspoon of sugar, and roasted sesame oil.
– Mix well and serve as a flavorful appetizer or side.
This simple dish highlights the delicate texture and fresh flavor of carrot greens while adding a savory, nutty twist.
4. Roasted Carrots with Carrot-Top Harissa
Make the most of your carrots by roasting the roots and using the tops to create a spicy harissa sauce.
– Roast peeled baby carrots with olive oil, honey, garlic, thyme, and spices at 450°F for 20 minutes.
– Blend carrot tops with scallions, cilantro, mint, oregano, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and spices to make a vibrant harissa.
– Serve the roasted carrots with the carrot-top harissa on the side for dipping.
This pairing balances the sweet, caramelized carrots with the bright, herbaceous, and spicy carrot-top sauce.
Tips for Cooking Carrot Tops
– Carrot tops cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
– Use fresh, organic carrot tops when possible to avoid pesticide residues.
– The stems near the leaves are tender and edible, but discard the thicker, woody stems.
– Carrot tops can be used similarly to herbs like parsley or cilantro in salads, soups, and sauces.
Carrot tops are a versatile, flavorful, and sustainable ingredient that deserve a place in your kitchen. Whether sautéed, blended into pesto, blanched with Asian seasonings, or pureed into a spicy sauce, they add a fresh, green note that complements many dishes. So next time you buy carrots, don’t toss those tops-cook them up and enjoy!
Carrot tops are easy to prepare and delicious cooked in various ways, making them a wonderful addition to your meals. Give these methods a try and savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of carrot greens!