Maple glazed carrots are a delightful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the rich, deep flavor of maple syrup. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. The carrots are roasted to perfection, creating a tender and slightly caramelized texture that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory glaze.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep maple syrup on hand, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Look for pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup, as it has a more authentic flavor. Additionally, ensure you have fresh carrots and good quality olive oil for the best results.
Ingredients For Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe
Carrots: Fresh carrots are the star of this dish, providing a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Olive oil: Olive oil helps to coat the carrots and aids in the roasting process, adding a subtle richness.
Maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a deep, sweet flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the dish and balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Black pepper: Black pepper adds a hint of spice and complexity to the glaze, making the dish more savory.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure even caramelization and a beautiful glaze, make sure the carrot sticks are cut to a uniform size. This allows them to cook evenly and absorb the maple syrup mixture consistently. Additionally, halfway through the roasting time, give the carrots a quick toss on the baking sheet to redistribute the glaze and promote even browning.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness when roasted, making them a great alternative to carrots.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, which works well for roasting vegetables.
maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency to maple syrup, making it a good vegan substitute.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor profile.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly milder flavor but can be used in the same quantity to provide a similar peppery kick.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the carrots to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Transfer the cooled maple glazed carrots to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the amount of carrots snugly to minimize air exposure.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The carrots will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
If you want to freeze the carrots, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and place the sheet in the freezer. This prevents the carrots from sticking together.
Once the carrots are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen maple glazed carrots, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the carrots in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle a little more maple syrup over the carrots before reheating.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the leftover maple glazed carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Cover the carrots with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to regain some of that delightful caramelization.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or vegan butter to the skillet.
- Add the leftover carrots to the skillet.
- Stir occasionally, heating for about 5-7 minutes until the carrots are heated through and slightly caramelized.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover maple glazed carrots in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check the temperature and continue to heat in 30-second intervals if necessary until warmed through.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover carrots in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check the carrots and continue to heat for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the leftover maple glazed carrots in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are heated through.
- Remove from the steamer and serve immediately.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to roast the carrots at a high temperature, ensuring they become tender and caramelized.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper with the carrot sticks.
Whisk: Used to mix the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper into a uniform glaze.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the carrots in a single layer for even roasting.
Parchment paper: Optional, but can be used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
Peeler: Used to peel the carrots before cutting them into sticks.
Knife: Used to cut the peeled carrots into sticks.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the carrots into sticks.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper accurately.
Tongs: Useful for tossing the carrots in the glaze and for serving them once roasted.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Preheat the oven first: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's ready when you are.
Use pre-cut carrots: Save time by buying pre-peeled and pre-cut carrot sticks from the store.
Mix in a ziplock bag: Combine the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a ziplock bag, then add the carrots and shake to coat evenly.
Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on your baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for a quick side dish later in the week.
Maple Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the carrot sticks to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the mixture.
- Spread the carrots out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Thai Red Curry With Tofu Recipe45 Minutes
- Spicy Thai Basil Tofu Recipe30 Minutes
- Tofu Green Curry Recipe35 Minutes
- Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe25 Minutes
- Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe35 Minutes
- Pad Thai Recipe35 Minutes
- Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe25 Minutes
- Thai Coconut Soup Recipe30 Minutes
Leave a Reply