Roasted Carrots with Maple (Printable)

Carrots roasted to caramelized perfection, enhanced with maple syrup and fresh herbs. A simple yet elegant side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or diagonals

→ Seasonings & Oils

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
04 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

→ Garnish

07 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
08 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or chopped nuts (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and ground cumin (if using). Toss thoroughly until the carrots are evenly coated.
03 - Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded for optimal caramelization.
04 - Roast the carrots for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them once halfway through the cooking time. Continue roasting until they are tender when pierced and exhibit caramelized edges.
05 - Carefully transfer the roasted carrots to a serving platter. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped nuts. Serve warm and enjoy.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You'll adore how effortlessly these carrots transform into something deeply flavorful and tender-crisp, making you look like a kitchen wizard with minimal effort.
  • They're incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with almost any main dish, and they always disappear from the serving platter faster than you'd expect.
02 -
  • Crowding the baking sheet is the arch-nemesis of roasted vegetables; I learned the hard way that steamed carrots are not what we're aiming for.
  • A little secret: roasting at a higher temperature, like 425°F, dramatically improves the caramelization and develops deeper, sweeter flavors.
03 -
  • For extra caramelization, don't stir the carrots too much during the first 15 minutes of roasting; let them get a good sear on one side.
  • A splash of balsamic glaze drizzled over the finished carrots before serving adds a sophisticated tangy-sweet note that's absolutely divine.

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