3 delicious carrot recipes you've got to try

Carrots are great keepers, so stock up. They're a superb source of beta-carotene, a proven cancer fighter that also guards against diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts and even arthritis. Raw, their crunchy texture makes for a good snack paired with a low-fat dip, while cooked, their savoury-sweet taste makes for great soups. These simple recipes demonstrate how delicious and versatile the common carrot can be.

• Preparation time: 5 minutes.
• Cooking time: 35 minutes.
• Serves 5.

Ingredients:

• 1 L (4 c) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 750 g (3 c) peeled baby carrots
• 250 g (1 c) chopped onion
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) curry powder
• 75 ml (1/3 c) orange juice

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, simmer the broth, carrots, onion, ginger, garlic, and curry powder until very tender, 25 to 35 minutes.
2. Working in two batches, puree the soup in a blender.
3. Return to the pan and stir in the orange juice.

• Preparation time: 5 minutes.
• Cooking time: 20 minutes.
• Serves 2.

Ingredients:

• 750 g (3 c) carrot sticks
• 10 ml (2 tsp) olive oil
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 15 g (1 tbsp) chopped fresh parsley
• 5 ml (1 tsp) grated lemon zest
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F). Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the carrots with the oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on the baking sheet and bake, stirring once or twice, until tender and lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
4. Toss with the parsley, lemon zest and lemon juice.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes.
• Serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 5 ml (1 tsp) ground cumin
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 200 g (7 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) chopped fresh parsley
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) chopped scallions

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the carrots, chickpeas, parsley, and scallions and toss to coat.

Adding delicious carrots to your healthy diet has never been easier! Keep these simple recipes in mind and try cooking with carrots today.