Grilled Carrots with Basil Pesto

Elevate Your Backyard Cooking Game With Grilled Carrots

When it comes to grilling, most people think of juicy steaks, succulent burgers, or perfectly charred vegetables like corn, squash, and bell peppers.

But there’s another vegetable you should add to your grilling repertoire.

Carrots.

You may have passed this lowly root vegetable by when menu planning for a backyard grilling time without a second thought.

But I’m here to tell you that carrots are not only a delicious and versatile vegetable, they are perfect for the grill.

Grilled Carrots are Good For You

Carrots are not only delicious but also incredibly good for you.

They are packed with essential nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Beta-carotene, which gives carrots their vibrant orange color, is converted by the body into vitamin A, promoting healthy vision, skin, and immune function.

The fiber content aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness, making carrots a great addition to a balanced diet.

Carrots also contain falcarinol that is a natural chemical in the carrot that discourages attacks by insects and protects against fungus.

Scientist are also studying the potential this chemical has shown in fighting cancer.

Grilled Carrots are Naturally Sweet

Grilling carrots enhances the natural sweetness of this good-for-you vegetable.

The browning is a result of a process called the Maillard reaction. When heat reacts with the natural amino acids and sugars in food the delicious result is browning.

Just remember this browning means flavor.

Think the crust on a perfectly seared steak, the browning of baked goods, and even roasted marshmallows.

The browning on a grilled carrot will produce a flavor that you will crave.

And don’t be afraid of a little char – this just means your carrot is cooked perfectly.

If you only eat your carrots raw, you’re missing out.

Grilled Carrots are Easy

And they are super easy to grill.

You’ll grill whole carrots so there’s little prep needed besides washing them off.

Resist the urge to peel your carrots.

You need that peel to provide a layer for the char while the carrot underneath cooks through.

Besides it’s way easier to not peel them.

Bathe your carrots in a bit of olive before you place them on the grill.

As each side chars, turn them.

That’s it.

Platter them whole.

And here’s my favorite secret – slather them with basil pesto. Find my basil pesto recipe here.

My family loves grilled carrots with basil pesto.

This delicious and budget friendly vegetable will elevate your grilling game and  convert your family and friends into grilled carrot believers.

Grilled Carrots

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Add grilled carrots to your backyard grilling repertoire. Slather these charred beauties with basil pesto to elevate them to rock star status.

• Author: Life At The Table

Ingredients

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• 1 lb fresh carrots, washed
• basil pesto
• olive oil
• kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to high heat.
2. Place the carrots on a sheet tray and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Roll the carrots in the olive oil to ensure they are well-coated.
4. Grill the carrots until nicely charred, but not burned. This will take about 10 minutes.
5. Remove the carrots to a serving platter.
6. Drizzle with basil pesto.
7. Garnish with toasted pine nuts.