Roasted Harissa Carrots with Rose Water Labneh and Pistachio Dukkah

This recipe came together unexpectedly at a farm to table dinner my sous chef, Elena, and I catered in Excelsior Springs. I originally wanted to use the labneh for a different dish but the carrots were begging for something to compliment their sweet and spicy flavor. Elena, who has Lebanese roots, suggested using the creamy and rich labneh for this dish and it turned out beautifully. Labneh tastes like greek yogurt and cream cheese had a baby, its thick, slightly tangy, and spreadable. If you are unsure of where to get these ingredients, search for a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern market in your city. I promise you it is worth the journey.

Ingredients: 

• One 10 oz. bottle Cortas Rose Flower Water

• 400-700 grams Labneh

• ½ lb. carrots organic

• 2 tbsp curry powder

• 1 tbsp sea salt, plus more to taste

• A bundle of fresh parsley 

• ½ cup of pistachios

• 2-3 tbsp sesame seeds

• ½ cup - 1 cup of Harissa paste, depending on spice preference

• optional: dried rose petals for garnish

Directions:

1. Slice carrots evenly into halves and spread onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle with oil of choice and coat with salt and curry powder. Roast in the oven at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes. They should have a sweet, caramelized flavor and be easy to poke through with a fork.

2. Using a mixer, fork, or spoon, mix 5-10 drops of rose water into 400-700g of labneh until well incorporated and fragrant. Spread the mixture generously onto a clean, dry serving plate. Set aside.

3. Rinse, dry and roughly chop a handful of fresh parsley. Toast the pistachios and sesame seeds in a pan on medium-low heat until browned in color and fragrant. Set aside.

4. Once out of the oven and cooled, lightly coat the carrots with harissa. Lay the beautiful roasted carrots evenly across the bed of rose water infused labneh. 

5. Now time to garnish. season the carrots to your heart’s desire as you sprinkle with leaves of parsley, toasted pistachios and sesame seeds, and rose petals for decoration. Serve and enjoy with those you love.