Savory Algerian Carrot Delight

Step 1

To whip up this delightful dish, start by setting up a steamer insert in a saucepan. Pour in about 1 1/2 cups of water, ensuring it doesn't reach the bottom of the steamer. Cover the pan and crank up the heat until the water comes to a rolling boil. Toss in your sliced carrots, adjust the heat to medium, and cover the pan again. Steam them until they're just tender but still have a delightful crunch, which should take about 4 to 6 minutes, depending on how thickly you've sliced them. Remember to keep aside about 1/2 cup of the flavorful cooking liquid.

Step 2

In a separate skillet, heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Once it's warmed up, lower the heat and mix in a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, a sprinkle of cinnamon and cumin, some minced garlic, and a hint of thyme. Let this aromatic blend cook and infuse the oil, stirring occasionally for roughly 10 minutes until the kitchen fills with enticing scents. Pour in that reserved 1/2 cup of cooking liquid, pop in a bay leaf, cover the skillet, and let it gently simmer for a cozy 20 minutes.

Step 3

When your spice-infused broth is ready, introduce the steamed carrots to the mix. Toss them gently until they're completely coated with the flavorful concoction. Allow them to heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring they soak up all the delicious flavors. Just before serving, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top and don't forget to fish out the bay leaf. Now, it's time to savor this aromatic and perfectly spiced carrot dish!