Budget-friendly ways to cook carrots

Elevate the humble root vegetable with our budget carrot recipes or see how to cook carrots for tips on roasting, boiling, and air frying.

Food Editor

Emily Lambe

A pack of our sweet, crunchy Remarksable Value carrots, carefully harvested from M&S Select Farms, goes a long way in the kitchen. This versatile root veg makes a great addition to everything from filling stews to crowd-pleasing pasta. Make the most of this everyday hero with our budget carrot recipes or learn how to cook carrots to enjoy them on their own.

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How to cook carrots

Discover the best ways to cook carrots, whether roasting in the oven or making the most of your air fryer. Before you get started, peel your carrots and cut them into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Drizzle with a spoonful of honey for an extra touch of sweetness and a glossy finish.

How to roast carrots

Preheat oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/ gas mark 6.
Toss with olive oil and season, then spread on a shallow roasting tray.
Roast for 30-35 minutes until golden, turning halfway through.

How to boil carrots

Bring a pot of salted water to boil on medium-high heat.
Carefully add your carrots and boil for 5-7 minutes.

How to air fry carrots

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C.
Place carrots in a single layer in the basket.
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

What to cook in an air fryer

Our top budget carrot recipes

Our M&S Select Farms carrots are always at a great-value, everyday low price. Use up a bunch with our thrifty recipes, from hearty stews to comforting dal.

Golden spiced roasted root vegetable soup

Blend warming ginger and golden turmeric in this veggie soup with swede, parsnips and carrots. Top with crunchy seeds and fragrant curry leaves.

Vegetable soup recipe

Beef meatball and dumpling stew

Achieve the unctuous, rich flavours of a slow-cooked beef stew in a fraction of the time with this easy stew, packed with sweet carrots. Top with cheesy dumplings for the ultimate cosy dinner.

Meatball stew recipe

Cheesy curried lentil and baked bean bake

This easy, cheesy bake cleverly uses a tin of baked beans and plenty of veggies, including grated carrots. Use a pinch of our Caribbean Curry Powder for a kick of turmeric, coriander, and cumin.

Bean bake recipe

Moroccan-style roasted carrot and lentil dal

Carrots are the star of the show in this lentil dal, spiced with aromatic Ras El Hanout. Serve with a dollop of rose harissa yogurt for an extra hit of flavour.

Dal recipe

Pasta e fagioli

Raid the store cupboard for this thrifty pasta recipe. Combine chopped tomatoes with a tin of borlotti beans, chunky veggies, and leafy cavolo nero.

Pasta recipe

Curried root vegetable fritters with mango chutney yogurt dip

Shred potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and swede, then form into patties seasoned with curry spices. These golden fritters are perfect for a packed lunch or a midweek meal.

Fritters recipe

Mulligatawny soup

Bring carrots to life with this vibrant soup recipe, packed with root veggies. Our Korma Paste, enriched with creamed coconut and bursting with flavour, creates a rich depth of flavour without fuss.

Mulligatawny soup recipe

More tips for cooking on a budget with M&S Food

Discover new ways to save in the Foodhall from our Remarksable Value range to Bigger Pack, Better Value. We have plenty of ideas for using up thrifty ingredients like tinned tuna or packs of mince. See our tips for cooking on a budget to cut down on waste without compromising on flavour.

More budget ideas

Published 11.18.2025