Caramelized Carrots with Za’atar Mayonnaise

Pressure caramelizing the carrots gives them a silky, luxurious texture enhanced by lemony zaatar mayonnaise. Crisp, bright gremolata and candied nuts give the dish a crunch.

Prepare the Carrots
- Trim the carrot tops so there is ½-inch of the greens. Reserve the leaves for the gremolata. Peel the carrots.
- Combine the carrots, butter and baking soda and cook in a pressure cooker on high pressure for 15 minutes. Some of the carrots will be darkly caramelized, while some are still bright orange.
Prepare the Gremolata
- Fry the carrot top and parsley leaves in canola oil until translucent and crisp, about 15-25 seconds. Drain on paper towel and sprinkle with salt.
- Gently toss the fried leaves with lemon zest and set aside.
Prepare the Zaatar Mayonnaise
- Combine all ingredients for the zaatar mayonnaise and place in a squeeze bottle. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Prepare the Candied Sunflower Seeds
- Heat the sunflower seeds in a small non-stick pan for about 3 minutes over medium-high heat. Stir in the brown sugar, stirring constantly until seeds are coated and brown sugar has melted.
- Place on wax paper, sprinkle with salt and let cool.
Assemble the Dish
- Place the warm carrots on a plate and drizzle with zaatar mayonnaise.
- Top with candied seeds and gremolata. Serve.