SMASHED CARROTS WITH FETA AND MINT

Smashed Carrots With Feta and Mint image

For a zesty side dish of carrots, employ the sharp, salty flavor of feta cheese and lots of chopped fresh mint. This is more rustic than a smooth purée, with noticeable texture and bright colors. You can cook and mash the carrots in advance, then reheat, adding the toppings at the last minute.

Provided by David Tanis

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Salt and pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons freshly chopped mint leaves
Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional)

Steps:

In a large, heavy pot with a lid, warm olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add carrots and stir to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Add garlic, stir, and let sizzle just until golden; do not let it brown. Then add 1 cup water and cover pot.
Reduce heat to low, and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove lid, and turn heat to high. Simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.
With a potato masher, crush carrots roughly, right in the pot, leaving mixture a bit chunky. Set aside until ready to serve.
To serve, reheat carrots over low heat. Fold most of the feta and mint into the hot carrot mixture, reserving enough for garnish. Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper, if using. Top with remaining feta and mint.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 200, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 16 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 441 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams