Skip to main content

Tía Rosa and Ruth Eichner's Sweet-and-Sour Carrots

This vibrant vegan side dish offers a nostalgic blend of flavours, combining tender carrots with the crunch of green peppers and mild onions. The sweet-and-sour carrots are coated in a tangy, spiced tomato dressing that balances the natural sweetness of the root vegetables with the sharp hit of cider vinegar. It is a colourful addition to any spread, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional cooked vegetable sides.

Ideal for preparing in advance, this dish actually benefits from a few hours in the fridge to allow the marinade to fully infuse. It works beautifully as part of a cold buffet, alongside grilled mains, or even as a bright component of a weekday lunch. Being naturally plant-based, it is a versatile choice for entertaining guests with varied dietary requirements.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Tía Rosa and Ruth Eichner's Sweet-and-Sour Carrots

  • 900g carrots, peeled

  • 3 green peppers, cut into 1-inch squares

  • 3 yellow onions, cut into 1-inch wedges

  • 180ml cider vinegar

  • 180ml sugar

  • 200g tomato puree

  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to make Tía Rosa and Ruth Eichner's Sweet-and-Sour Carrots

  1. Boil the whole carrots until tender, then cut into 1/2-inch rounds. Steam the peppers and onions until tender. Combine all the vegetables in a large crock or bowl.

  2. Combine the vinegar and the sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Stir in the tomato puree, mustard, and Worcestershire. Remove from the heat. Pour over the vegetables and stir together well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.