Carrot Puree With Hazelnut Tapenade Food

HERITAGE CARROTS WITH HAZELNUT GRANOLA

Steps:

• First, make the granola. Heat the oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Melt the butter with the honey in the microwave for 40 seconds. Toast the oats, seeds and hazelnuts on a baking tray in the oven for 5 mins. Remove from the oven, mix with the melted butter mixture and return to the oven for another 8 mins. Stir well, then return to the oven for another 8 mins until the granola is golden and toasted. Season with salt and set aside to cool. Can be made up to two days ahead and kept in an airtight container.
• Turn up the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the baby carrots in foil with a glug of olive oil, the thyme and a little seasoning. Wrap in an envelope and bake for 20 mins or until tender.
• Meanwhile, make the purée by heating 80g butter in a pan and gently frying the carrot slices with 50ml water until they start to caramelise. Keep over a low heat for about 15 mins until deeply coloured and completely tender. Leave to cool a little, then put in a blender. Blend with 25ml water until smooth, then season.
• Melt the remaining 20g butter and cook until just brown with a nutty smell. To serve, divide the purée between two plates. Cut the baby carrots into two to three pieces and sit on top of the purée. Drizzle with a little of the brown butter, sprinkle over generous amounts of the granola and finish with a grating of the cheese and a pinch of sea salt.

SWEET CARROT PURéE

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large frying pan and cook the onions and sugar together for 20-30 mins, stirring from time to time, until very soft and dark golden.
• Meanwhile, boil or steam the carrots for 15-20 mins until very tender. Drain well and return to the pan. Add the caramelised onions and using a hand blender, whizz to make a smooth purée. Stir in the parsley and serve.