This recipe for carrots and Brussels sprouts is a perfect example of the transformative power that a hot oven can have over certain vegetables that are, sadly, less likely to elicit strong feelings of excitement from their intended audience. The glaze cooks to a salty, sweet, and spicy finish, forming a caramelized crust with a creamy, fork tender interior. I can eat a large bowl of these vegetables for dinner a la carte, but I also like to pair them with something heartier such as roast chicken or red wine braised lamb shanks. The parsley doesn’t necessarily carry the recipe, but there’s something so lovely about the dish when the earthiness of the carrots and Brussels sprouts is softly touched with the pure green astringency of the parsley. You could also make this a more substantial menu item by grating in some Reggiano or Pecorino Pepato, or even crumbling up some mild Macedonian feta as a final addition.

honey and chili glazed brussels sprouts and carrots:

About 2 cups of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

4 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. honey

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper

1/2 tsp. dried chili flakes

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Place carrots and Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl; normally I would just drizzle the glaze over the vegetables on the baking sheet but in this case it’s important that the vegetables are evenly coated.

3. Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, chill flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour over the vegetables and stir to coat before tumbling out onto a parchment lined baking sheet.

4. Bake for about 40 minutes, stirring 3 times in total over the duration of the roasting time. Finish with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, extra chilies (if you like), and a generous garnish of parsley.

I was really into Massive Attack’s album Blue Lines when I was in high school. I also had Mezzanine’s CD liner notes taped to the inside of my locker door (locker doors were kind of a big deal for me, as they were the most obvious way to display tastes and interests when you’re a shy 16 year old girl.) The intensity of the lyrics and opposing buoyancy of the music makes the song feel timeless and special, one that definitely stands apart as a favourite from their other works.

Like a soul without a mind
In a body without a heart
I’m missing every part

Massive Attack – Unfinished Symphony