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Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

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3.8 from 6 reviews

This Maple Glazed Carrots recipe offers a delightful balance of natural sweetness and herbaceous flavor, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. Tender slender carrots are roasted to perfection with a fragrant glaze of maple syrup, fresh thyme, and a hint of orange zest, creating a vibrant and nutritious vegetable dish that's simple to prepare and sure to please.

Ingredients

Carrots

  • 1 pound slender carrots, leaves attached (about 2 bunches if small and slim)

Glaze

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (from half an orange)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. If using foil, lightly spray it with oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Prepare the carrots: Peel the carrots thoroughly, scrubbing the green stem ends well if you leave about 1/2 inch attached. For even cooking, try to select carrots of similar width or slice larger ones lengthwise in half. Arrange the carrots on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Make the glaze and coat carrots: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, vegetable oil, chopped thyme, and salt. Pour this mixture over the carrots and toss well to coat every piece evenly with the flavorful glaze.
  4. Roast the carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the carrots are tender. About 10-15 minutes into roasting, give the carrots a gentle shake or stir to ensure even cooking and glazing.
  5. Serve: Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with the freshly grated orange zest for a bright, citrusy finish. Optionally, drizzle a bit more maple syrup or honey over the top before serving. These carrots are delicious served hot or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Note 1: Use slender carrots with leaves attached for the best flavor and presentation, about 1 pound or 2 bunches.
  • Note 2: Peeling and cleaning the carrots thoroughly, especially near the green stems, ensures no gritty texture.
  • Note 3: The addition of grated orange zest adds a lovely aromatic citrus note that complements the maple glaze.