Glazed Carrots with Green Harissa & Benne Seed Crunch

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. To prepare carrots: Cut green tops from carrots and set aside for harissa. Place the carrots on a large rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon salt. Bake until just starting to soften but still firm, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside.

3. Meanwhile, prepare topping: Combine benne (or sesame) seeds, pepitas, cumin and coriander seeds in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder or mini food processor. Pulse until the pepitas are about half their original size.

4. To prepare harissa: Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, ice cubes, parsley, reserved carrot greens, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, coriander, cumin and salt in a blender. Blend on high until smooth, about 1 minute.

5. To finish preparing carrots: Transfer the carrots to a large pot and add carrot juice and the remaining pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a lively simmer and cook, gently stirring occasionally, until the carrot juice is almost completely reduced, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and chopped herbs.

6. Serve the carrots with the carrot juice reduction, harissa, seed topping and blue cheese.

Tip:

Benne seeds are a South Carolina staple. They're similar to sesame seeds, but have a more distinct, bitter taste. Find them online.