Ingredients

  • 2 pounds large carrots
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus 3 extra tablespoons for roasting the carrots
  • 2 cardamom pods
  • 2 star anise
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons chervil leaves or chopped fresh parsley

Method

  • 1. Heat the oven to 325. Scrub the carrots, and peel them if you like (it really doesn't matter). Set a roasting pan over two burners on medium heat; put the olive oil in the pan. When the oil is hot, add the carrots and cook, turning as they brown, until lightly caramelized all over, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • 2. Add 3 tablespoons butter, spices, salt and pepper. Transfer the roasting pan to the oven, and cook, shaking the pan once or twice, until the carrots are crinkly on the outside and you can pierce them easily with the tip of a sharp knife, 45 to 60 minutes.
  • 3. Meanwhile, put 1 stick butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until the butter foam subsides and the butter turns nut brown, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
  • 4. Put brown butter, vinegar, Dijon, salt and pepper in a blender. Blend until a creamy emulsion forms, about 30 seconds; taste, and adjust the seasoning. Put the carrots on a platter, drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and garnish with the chervil or parsley, and serve.