Grilled Carrots With Seasoned Ricotta Cheese and Pesto

When it comes to grilling, most people immediately think of burgers, steaks, and skewered vegetables … not carrots. But it’s high time we changed that! Grilling carrots brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a delightful smoky flavor. Pairing them with seasoned ricotta cheese and vibrant pesto creates a mouthwatering combination that will make you want to reach for a bag of carrots every time you fire up the grill!

Ingredients:

• 4 tsp. olive oil
• 3-4 tsp. pesto
• 1 tsp. Real Salt Organic Garlic Pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 4 large carrots
• 1 lemon
• Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Pine nuts (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Drizzle two teaspoons of olive oil over the carrots and place them on the grill. Cook for 7-8 minutes, rotating the carrots occasionally to ensure even cooking and to achieve a nice color on all sides.
3. While the carrots are grilling, sprinkle Real Salt Organic Garlic Pepper over them evenly to add flavor.
4. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the other two teaspoons of olive oil, lemon juice from half the lemon, and a half teaspoon of Real Salt Organic Garlic Pepper. Mix well.
5. Create a bed of seasoned ricotta cheese in the center of the plate.
6. Remove the carrots from the grill once they’re cooked to your desired tenderness and have a nice char. Transfer the carrots to the bed of seasoned ricotta cheese, gently pressing them into the cheese.
7. Spoon 3-4 teaspoons of pesto over the carrots and around the plate, distributing it evenly.
8. Garnish the dish with pine nuts and grated parmesan cheese.
9. Squeeze a little bit of fresh lemon juice over the carrots to enhance the flavors.