Are you tired of the same old boring recipes? Look no further! Canned carrots are a staple in many pantries, but they can often get overlooked as a versatile ingredient. In this article, we’ll explore 18 deliciously simple recipes that showcase the humble canned carrot in all its glory.
From creamy soups to sweet baked goods, and from savory stir-fries to comforting breakfast dishes, these recipes are sure to inspire you to get creative with your canned carrots. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick meals or a foodie seeking new flavors to try, we’ve got you covered.
So grab those cans of carrots and let’s dive in!
Creamy Canned Carrot Soup
This creamy carrot soup recipe is a simple and comforting twist on the classic canned version. With just a few added ingredients, you’ll elevate the flavor and texture of this easy-to-make soup.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can of carrots in juice
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Drain the liquid from the canned carrots and place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the butter, salt, and pepper, and blend until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a pot and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half.
4. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup is warmed through and the cream has melted (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spiced Canned Carrot Hummus
A creative twist on traditional hummus, this recipe combines the convenience of canned carrots with warming spices and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can of carrots in water, drained
– 1/4 cup of lemon juice
– 1/4 cup of tahini
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the drained carrots, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top.
4. Continue blending until well combined and the desired consistency is reached.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in just a few seconds!)
Canned Carrot and Potato Mash
Get ready to enjoy a comforting and effortless side dish with this recipe! This canned carrot and potato mash is perfect for busy days or when you want to whip up something quick and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of carrots (14.5 oz), drained
– 1 can of mashed potatoes (15 oz), warmed
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained carrots, warmed mashed potatoes, and softened butter.
3. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or ramekin and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quick Canned Carrot Stir-Fry
In a hurry but craving a tasty and healthy snack? This simple recipe using canned carrots is the perfect solution. With just a few ingredients and quick cooking time, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of carrots (drained)
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a small non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the canned carrots, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the carrots are coated with the sauce.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Canned Carrot and Lentil Curry
This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, made with readily available canned carrots and lentils. It’s a great option for a quick and satisfying meal that can be prepared in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) of lentils
– 1 can (8 oz) of carrot puree
– 2 cups of water
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine lentils, carrot puree, water, onion, and garlic.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
3. Stir in curry powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Sweet Canned Carrot Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. With the convenience of canned carrots, you can have a delicious batch ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can sweetened carrots, drained
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the drained carrots.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
7. Allow to cool in tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Canned Carrot and Ginger Smoothie
This refreshing smoothie combines the sweetness of canned carrots with the spicy warmth of ginger, making it a perfect blend for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of carrots (drained and rinsed)
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the canned carrots, chopped ginger, Greek yogurt, honey, and almond milk.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency, then blend again until combined.
4. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time: 2 minutes, blending time: 3 minutes)
Roasted Canned Carrot Medley
In this easy and delicious recipe, canned carrots are transformed into a sweet and caramelized side dish by roasting them with some simple spices. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick addition to your holiday menu.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can of carrot medley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Drain the liquid from the canned carrots and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss to coat evenly and spread out the carrots in a single layer.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Canned Carrot and Chickpea Salad
This simple and healthy salad is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With the convenience of canned chickpeas and carrots, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 (4 oz) can carrots, drained and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chickpeas, carrots, olive oil, vinegar, and mustard.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Canned Carrot Pancakes with Maple Syrup
These fluffy pancakes are made with the convenience of canned carrots and topped with a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch, these pancakes are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed carrots
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– Maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the crushed carrots, egg, and milk to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface.
5. Flip and cook for an additional 1 minute.
6. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 pancakes, 4-6 minutes per batch
Savory Canned Carrot Fritters
A creative twist on traditional fritters, these savory treats use canned carrots as a base and are perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of drained and rinsed carrot puree
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the carrot puree, egg, and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a thick batter forms.
4. Drop tablespoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each fritter.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Canned Carrot and Coconut Rice
A flavorful and convenient side dish that combines the sweetness of carrots with the creaminess of coconut milk. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a complement to your favorite international dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) of carrots, drained
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup canned coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the drained carrots, cooked rice, and coconut milk.
4. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Canned Carrot and Raisin Oatmeal
This classic comfort food recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, using convenient canned carrots and raisins to add natural sweetness. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 2 cups water or milk
– 1/2 cup canned carrot puree
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the oats, carrot puree, brown sugar, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid.
3. Stir in the butter until melted.
4. Fold in the raisins.
5. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Garlicky Canned Carrot Pasta
A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that’s perfect for a busy evening. This recipe combines the convenience of canned carrots with the richness of garlic and pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 (14.5 oz) can carrots, drained and chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped carrots and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Canned Carrot and Apple Slaw
This refreshing slaw is a perfect addition to your next BBQ or picnic. Made with canned carrots, apples, and a hint of spice, it’s an easy-to-make side dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can of sliced carrots
– 1/2 cup diced apple (such as Granny Smith)
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Drain the liquid from the canned carrots and rinse them under cold water.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the drained carrots, diced apple, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time only)
Canned Carrot and Pea Risotto
This recipe is a creative twist on traditional risotto, using canned carrots and peas to add natural sweetness and color. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal when you’re short on time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced carrots and peas
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add the warmed broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
5. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in the canned carrots and peas.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Canned Carrot and Walnut Bread
This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for a snack or as a side dish. The combination of canned carrots, chopped walnuts, and warm spices creates a delicious treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) carrots, drained and pureed
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ground cinnamon and nutmeg to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and spices.
3. Add pureed carrots, chopped walnuts, milk, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Canned Carrot and Turmeric Latte
This comforting latte is a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Made with canned carrots and turmeric, it’s an easy and quick recipe to brighten up your day.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) of condensed carrot puree
– 1 cup milk or non-dairy alternative (such as almond or soy milk)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
– Pinch of salt
– Whipped cream or garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the canned carrot puree, milk, and turmeric.
2. Heat over low-medium heat, whisking constantly, until warm and frothy (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in honey or maple syrup (if using). Season with salt to taste.
4. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream or your preferred garnish (if desired).
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Summary
Get creative with canned carrots! This article shares 18 easy and delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of this humble ingredient. From soups to smoothies, mashes to muffins, and salads to breads, there’s something for everyone. Discover new ways to use canned carrots in dishes like creamy soup, spicy hummus, roasted medley, and sweet muffins. Perfect for busy home cooks or those looking for quick and easy meal solutions, these recipes are sure to inspire a world of culinary possibilities.
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