A cozy bowl of this Carrot Mash is an easy and fast weeknight side dish. They’re a delicious potato-free option that goes well with so many main dishes. Mashed carrots are a simple vegetarian side that can easily be made vegan with one ingredient swap.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Like most people with tastebuds, I love a big bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes. But sometimes, a new side dish needs to be added to the mix. And that’s where this comforting and delicious carrot mash comes in.
Life is short. Try new things. Especially when they’re delicious.
Mashed carrots are a great veg to pair with main dishes like Whole30 Pot Roast, Instant Pot Beef Tips, or Paleo Roast Chicken. You can also double this recipe and use it as part of this Simple Shepherds Pie With Turkey.
Carrot Mash Ingredients
- Carrots (surprise!)
- Flavor squad – smoked paprika, dried dill, fresh garlic, and salt & pepper
- Stock – use your favorite (related: Where to Buy Bone Broth)
- Ghee – if you’re not doing Whole30/paleo, then you can use butter. Vegan/dairy-free? Use olive oil or your favorite vegan butter.
To make this carrot mash come together even faster, I used carrots that I canned this summer (related: canning carrots). You can use storebought, but I’ve also included directions to steam or roast your own.
Missing: veggie broth
Can You Freeze Mashed Carrots?
Yes. However, the texture does change upon thawing. It will still be delicious but visually and texturally it will be altered.
Here’s How to Make Carrot Mash
*You’ll find a detailed and printable recipe card at the bottom of this post
If you’re not using canned carrots, you’ll want to peel and chop your fresh carrots. You now have two options: steaming or roasting. Both are delicious!
To steam: place a metal steamer insert into a saucepan and add ~1.5 cups of water. Add the carrots, put the lid on and cook over medium heat until you can easily pierce a knife into a carrot (~15 minutes). Pro tip: they will steam faster if cut into smaller pieces.
To roast: roast on a baking sheet at 400 degrees F until you can easily pierce a knife into a carrot (~20 minutes).
Making the carrot mash: I have used both a potato masher and a mixing bowl and a food processor to make this dish and both work well. With the potato masher, you get a dish that isn’t as smooth but has more texture. With the food processor, you get a dish that is very smooth and has a creamy, buttery texture.
However, you choose to mash the carrots, combine all the ingredients and mash (or process) until it reaches your desired texture. Garnish with fresh dill and parsley. If you like some spice, a sprinkle of cayenne on top takes this next level.
Serve immediately or store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week. That makes this a rad dish that can be part of your easy healthy meal prep.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Try adding other veggies: parsnips, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes.
- Want a sweeter option? Add honey, orange juice, or orange zest.
- Spice it up with a pinch of nutmeg and fresh ground ginger.
- Use Air Fryer Roasted Garlic or Instant Pot Roasted Garlic if you don’t want to deal with cooking the garlic with the carrots.
More Easy Weeknight Side Dishes
- Crispy Ranch Air Fryer Potatoes
- Air Fryer Carrots
- 13 Easy Instant Pot Side Dishes
- Roasted Frozen Broccoli
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Blistered Shishito Peppers
- Whole30 Skillet Fried Potatoes
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS
One serving has 1 WW Freestyle Smart Points
<<<click here to pin this recipe for later>>>
Easy Carrot Mash
Ingredients
- 2 cups carrots {peeled and cut into chunks}
- 1/4 cup vegetable stock
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ghee {sub olive oil or vegan butter}
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried dill
Equipment
Instructions
- To steam: place a metal steamer insert into a saucepan and add ~1.5 cups of water. Add the carrots and garlic, put the lid on and cook over medium heat until you can easily pierce a knife into a carrot (~15 minutes).
- To roast: roast carrots and garlic on a baking sheet at 400 degrees F until you can easily pierce a knife into a carrot (~20 minutes).
- Combine all the ingredients and using a potato masher or food processor, mash (or process) until it reaches your desired texture. Garnish with fresh dill and parsley.
Notes
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop this Post:
(may include affiliate links)
How did your boys do with this side dish?  I’m not sure what my kids would think of it.  But definitely worth a try…
They both always prefer raw veggies to cooked. When I roast broccoli, I set some uncooked for them. When I cook things like this, I just give them the raw version and have them try a few bites of cooked.
That’s probably not a helpful answer. I’m sorry!
My favourite is carrots and swede (rutabagas) mashed together.Â
Mmmmmmmm, that sounds so good! Do you roast your rutabaga?
Don’t roast any root veg when doing a root veg mash. Favourites carrot and swede, swede and potato or potato and celeriac. Or just whatever the fried he yields. But always with butter and in the Instant Pot.Â
*fridge