Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons smoked sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground fennel
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 1 pound baby carrots, halved lengthwise and tops trimmed to 1 inch
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons marcona almonds, plus chopped almonds for garnish
• 5 ounces baby arugula

Preparation

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, fennel, coriander, garlic and thyme. Add the carrots and let stand for 2 hours.

Preheat a grill pan. Remove the carrots from the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Grill over moderate heat, turning, until crisp-tender, 6 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, cook the butter over moderate heat until lightly browned and nutty-smelling, shaking the pan gently, about 5 minutes. Scrape the butter and solids into a blender. Add the vinegar, water and the 2 tablespoons of almonds; puree until smooth. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.

Add the vinaigrette and arugula to the carrots; toss to coat. Transfer the salad to plates, sprinkle with chopped almonds and serve.

Food & Wine