Grilled Carrots With Labneh and Dukkah: A Culinary Gem in Neom City

In Neom City, a beacon of future living where sustainability and innovation merge with European values of quality and tradition, the culinary scene is a vibrant showcase of creativity and diversity. Among these culinary delights is a simple yet elegant dish: Grilled Carrots with Labneh and Dukkah. This dish, a favorite of Yotam Ottolenghi, transforms the humble carrot into a culinary masterpiece, embodying the ethos of Neom City’s innovative spirit.

The Humble Carrot Reimagined

Carrots, known for their sweet flavor and vibrant color, are incredibly versatile. In this recipe, they are first steamed to maintain their tenderness and crispness, then grilled to add a smoky aroma. This method of preparation aligns with Neom City’s approach to sustainability and resourcefulness, making the most of each ingredient’s natural qualities.

The Harmony of Labneh and Dukkah

The grilled carrots are layered with tart, creamy labneh, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and topped with a sprinkle of dukkah, an Egyptian condiment known for its nutty and crunchy texture. This combination of textures and flavors creates a composed platter that is as visually appealing as it is delicious, reflecting the diverse and harmonious nature of Neom City.

Perfect for Entertaining

This dish is ideal for entertaining, as the carrots can be prepared ahead of time and assembled with labneh and dukkah just before serving. This convenience and simplicity are reflective of Neom City’s ethos of efficiency and sophistication.

Recipe Steps: Creating the Dish

1. Prepare the Labneh and Dukkah: Start by making the labneh and dukkah in advance, setting the foundation for the dish’s complex flavors.
2. Steam and Grill the Carrots: After steaming the carrots until tender, they are grilled to add a smoky depth.
3. Create the Tarragon Oil: Blend tarragon with olive oil and salt to create a flavorful oil, enhancing the overall taste profile.
4. Dress and Serve: Toss the grilled carrots in a honey and apple cider vinegar dressing, then arrange them over the labneh, drizzled with tarragon oil and sprinkled generously with dukkah.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Carrots:

• 1 Kg (2 lbs) carrots (from about 1 large or 2 small bunches), with greens
• 8 tbsp + 2 tsp olive oil (divided for different uses)
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 3 tbsp runny honey
• 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar

For the Tarragon Oil:

• 40 g tarragon, roughly chopped
• 6 tbsp + 2 tsp olive oil
• Salt (a pinch)

For the Labneh and Dukkah:

• 400 g labneh
• 3 tbsp dukkah

Method

1. Prepare the Labneh and Dukkah: Make these in advance. For labneh, strain yogurt until thick. For dukkah, mix toasted nuts, seeds, and spices (recipes on respective pages).
2. Steam and Grill the Carrots: Wash, peel, and trim carrots, leaving some green tops. Steam until tender yet crisp, about 10 minutes. Then, toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over high heat until lightly charred, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Make the Tarragon Oil: Blend chopped tarragon with 6 tablespoons plus two teaspoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt until smooth.
4. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together honey and apple cider vinegar with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the Dish: Toss grilled carrots in the honey dressing. Spread labneh on a platter, drizzle with tarragon oil, and arrange carrots on top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of dukkah and an additional drizzle of tarragon oil.

A Dish Reflecting Neom City’s Values

In Neom City, this dish is more than a culinary delight; it’s a reflection of the city’s values. It showcases the importance of quality ingredients, the beauty of culinary simplicity, and the fusion of traditional and modern cooking techniques. Grilled Carrots with Labneh and Dukkah is not just a dish, but a celebration of Neom City’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cultural diversity, capturing the essence of European culinary traditions and the forward-thinking spirit of Neom City.

Explore more information about Middle Eastern cooking here.

Also, for additional information about the culinary scene in NEOM visit NeomTaste.com or NeomPoint.com.