Parmesan Carrots
If you're looking for a delicious and kidney-friendly side dish, these Parmesan Carrots are the perfect choice. Packed with natural sweetness, savory flavors, and a touch of spice, this recipe is low in sodium and potassium, making it ideal for those managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Easy to prepare and full of heart-healthy ingredients, it's a flavorful addition to any meal!
As a Registered Dietitian specializing in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), I am passionate about helping individuals manage their health through personalized nutrition strategies. With years of experience working with CKD patients, I understand the importance of a well-balanced diet in supporting kidney function and overall well-being. I am dedicated to providing practical, evidence-based advice that empowers people to make informed choices about their health.
This Crispy Parmesan Carrot recipe is perfectly suited for a CKD-friendly diet, as it is low in sodium and potassium while providing heart-healthy fats from olive oil. The use of flavorful herbs and spices enhances taste without relying on high-sodium seasonings, making it a nutritious and delicious side dish for those managing Chronic Kidney Disease.
Imagine this paired with other kidney friendly side dishes, like wild rice stuffing or Italian peas. You can make a yummy meal with these carrots and a nice CKD Chicken recipe as well. This dish is part our healthy meal for CKD to start the new year!
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Ingredients for Roasted Carrots with Parmesan
This simple yet flavorful parmesan carrots recipe uses a handful of wholesome ingredients, including fresh carrots, heart-healthy olive oil, and a blend of aromatic spices. Together, they create a delicious dish that's both satisfying and perfect for a CKD-friendly diet.
- Carrot sticks – A low-potassium vegetable that adds natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch, making it ideal for kidney-friendly recipes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – A flavorful, low-moisture cheese that can be used sparingly to add richness without significantly increasing sodium levels.
- Olive oil – A heart-healthy fat that enhances the flavor of the dish and supports overall cardiovascular health, crucial for those with CKD.
- Minced garlic – A natural flavor enhancer that helps reduce the need for added salt while offering potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Smoked paprika – A spice that adds depth and smokiness to the dish without relying on high-sodium seasonings.
- Cumin powder – A warm, earthy spice that complements the carrots while providing a subtle boost in flavor and nutrition.
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Roasted Carrots with Parmesan
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to preparing these tasty Parmesan Carrots. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful, kidney-friendly side dish in no time!
1. Preheat oven to 350'F. Prepare carrots by peeling them and slicing them into sticks. You can also make carrot coins if you like instead of sticks.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, paprika and cumin powder. Mix together to make the sauce/marinade for the carrots.
3. Add the carrots to the mixture and mix to combine to ensure all carrots are coated.
4. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spray with non stick pan spray. Place ½ of the parmesan cheese in the middle in a small layer large enough to lay the carrots on side by side.
5. Lay the carrots on the cookie sheet on top of the parmesan. Set them next to each other so they are touching. Add remaining cheese and marinade on top of the carrots.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until carrots are fully cooked.
7. Remove from oven and flip over immediately to let the parmesan melt onto the carrots. Enjoy.
Hint: Roasting Tip: If you like your carrots extra crispy, increase the roasting time by a few minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Substitutions
If you need to adjust the recipe to fit specific dietary preferences or restrictions, here are some substitutions that keep it kidney-friendly:
- Garlic Substitute: For those who prefer a milder flavor, use garlic powder in place of minced garlic.
- Olive Oil Substitute: Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a slightly richer taste with heart-healthy fats.
- Parmesan Substitute: Opt for a lower-sodium cheese like part-skim mozzarella if you need to reduce the sodium content further.
Variations on Crispy Parmesan Carrots
This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different flavor profiles while maintaining its kidney-friendly benefits. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the Parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that’s still flavorful.
- Herb-Infused: Swap out the smoked paprika and cumin for thyme and rosemary for a fragrant, earthy alternative.
- Sweet & Savory: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the roasted carrots for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory Parmesan.
Storage
To store your Parmesan Carrots and keep them fresh for future meals, follow these tips:
- Reheating: To keep the carrots crisp, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this may cause the carrots to become soggy.
- Refrigeration: Allow the roasted carrots to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Top Tip
- Customize the Spice: If you like a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the spice mix for an extra kick.
FAQ
Yes, baby carrots work just as well in this recipe. Simply cut them in half or quarters lengthwise to ensure they cook evenly and can absorb the seasoning.
Yes, you can use a lower-sodium cheese like part-skim mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. These alternatives will still add flavor without the added sodium.
To give the dish a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the smoked paprika and cumin. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
Related Side Dish Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing with Roasted Parmesan Carrots
Kidney friendly chicken entrees work perfectly with these carrots roasted in the oven:
If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Parmesan Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 cup carrot sticks about 3 medium carrots
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350'F. Prepare carrots by peeling them and slicing them into sticks. You can also make carrot coins if you like instead of sticks.
- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, paprika and cumin powder. Mix together to make the sauce/marinade for the carrots.
- Add the carrots to the mixture and mix to combine to ensure all carrots are coated.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Spray with non stick pan spray. Place ½ of the parmesan cheese in the middle in a small layer large enough to lay the carrots on side by side.
- Lay the carrots on the cookie sheet on top of the parmesan. Set them next to each other so they are touching. Add remaining cheese and marinade on top of the carrots.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes or until carrots are fully cooked.
- Remove from oven and flip over immediately to let the parmesan melt onto the carrots. Enjoy.
