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- 1 lb young carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Optional: Crushed walnuts for topping Alternatives for maple syrup: You can use honey or agave syrup if needed. Both options add sweetness but change the flavor a little. Using different herbs: If you don’t have thyme, try rosemary or parsley. Each herb will add its own taste and aroma. Possible vegetable variations: You can mix in sweet potatoes or parsnips. They roast well and add different flavors. - Baking sheet: This helps the carrots roast evenly. - Parchment paper: It keeps the baking sheet clean and prevents sticking. - Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the ingredients before roasting. When you gather these items, you set yourself up for success. Each part plays a role in making your carrots shine. For the full recipe, check the details above. - Preheating the oven: Start by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps caramelize the carrots. - Preparing the carrots: Take 1 lb of young carrots. Peel them and cut them in half lengthwise. This size helps them cook evenly and absorb the flavors. - Spreading the carrots on the baking sheet: Place the carrots in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Toss them well to coat every carrot. After that, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. - Cooking time and tips: Roast the carrots for 25-30 minutes. Toss them halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice caramel color. You’ll know they are done when they are tender and slightly golden. - Adding lemon juice and optional toppings: Once the carrots are done, take them out of the oven. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the carrots. Toss them gently to mix in the lemon taste. If you like, sprinkle crushed walnuts on top for added crunch. - Serving suggestions: These maple glazed roasted carrots make a great side dish. They pair well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a healthy snack. Check the Full Recipe for more details! To get great roasted carrots, avoid steaming. Space the carrots well on the baking sheet. If they touch, they will steam instead of roast. Spread them in a single layer. This helps them get brown and tasty. For optimal caramelization, use high heat. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat makes the sugars in the carrots turn golden and sweet. You can prep the carrots in advance. Peel and cut them a day before. Store them in water in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and crisp. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They can last for up to three days. Just reheat them in the oven to bring back the taste. To boost the flavor, try adding spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth. Fresh herbs like rosemary or dill can also work. For texture, crushed walnuts add a nice crunch. You can sprinkle them on top after roasting. This gives your dish a delightful contrast with the soft carrots. {{image_2}} You can add nuts to your maple glazed carrots for extra texture. I love using crushed walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch. You can also try almonds or hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own taste. For a sweet twist, add maple-roasted nuts. For a savory touch, use salted nuts. Both options work well with the sweet glaze. Nuts can make the dish more filling, too. Mixing carrots with other root vegetables can be fun. Try parsnips or sweet potatoes for a colorful dish. Be sure to cut them to similar sizes for even cooking. Cooking times vary by vegetable. Carrots take about 25-30 minutes. Parsnips may need 5-10 minutes more. Sweet potatoes can take the same time as carrots. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Maple glazed roasted carrots are easy to make vegan. Just use all plant-based ingredients. Maple syrup is naturally vegan, so it fits perfectly. For gluten-free assurance, always check the labels. Some products may contain gluten. Stick to pure maple syrup and safe seasonings. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry. For the full recipe, check the section above. To keep your maple glazed roasted carrots fresh, refrigerate them right away. Place the cooled carrots in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors locked in and prevents drying out. You can also use a glass jar with a lid. Make sure to eat them within three to five days for the best taste. If you want to save your roasted carrots for later, freezing is a good option. First, let them cool completely. Then, spread the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer the carrots to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. In the fridge, your roasted carrots will last about three to five days. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss them. Signs of spoilage include a slimy texture or a sour scent. Always trust your senses to check for freshness. Enjoy your carrots while they are at their best! Yes, you can use baby carrots. They are smaller but very sweet. Just cut them in half if they are large. This keeps them tender while roasting. Baby carrots save time since they are pre-peeled. However, fresh young carrots bring a better taste and texture. You can tell when the carrots are done by checking their tenderness. They should be soft when pierced with a fork. Look for a nice caramel color on the outside. This shows they have roasted well. Roasting usually takes 25 to 30 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Toss them halfway to cook evenly. Maple glazed roasted carrots pair well with many dishes. Here are some great ideas: - Meal pairing ideas - Grilled chicken or pork - Quinoa or rice dishes - A fresh green salad - Other family-friendly dishes - Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes - Macaroni and cheese - Tacos or wraps These options will create a balanced meal with tasty flavors. Feel free to mix and match! Try the Full Recipe for great results. This blog post covered how to make delicious maple glazed carrots. You learned about the key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions for roasting. We also shared tips for perfect results and ideas for variations. Remember, you can adjust flavors and add other veggies for variety. Whether you want to prep in advance or store leftovers, we've got you covered. Enjoy these tasty carrots as a side dish or snack. You will impress family and friends with this simple recipe!

Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots

Elevate your mealtime with these delicious Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots! This simple and flavorful recipe combines young carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, and fresh thyme, creating a sweet and savory dish that's perfect for any occasion. Learn the easy steps to achieve perfectly caramelized carrots in just 40 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb young carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Optional: Crushed walnuts for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large bowl, combine the peeled and halved carrots, olive oil, maple syrup, sea salt, black pepper, and thyme. Toss well to coat all the carrots evenly.

      Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space to roast rather than steam.

        Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized, tossing them halfway through for even cooking.

          Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the lemon juice over the carrots. Toss gently to incorporate.

            If desired, sprinkle crushed walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4