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To make maple glazed carrots, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks) - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a sweet and savory dish. The maple syrup adds a rich sweetness, while the butter and olive oil provide a smooth texture. You can boost the flavor of your carrots with a few extra ingredients. Try adding: - A pinch of nutmeg for warmth - Lemon juice for brightness - A dash of cayenne for heat These options can make your dish even more exciting. Feel free to experiment and find what you like best. Each serving of maple glazed carrots is not only tasty but also nutritious. Here’s a quick look at what you get: - Calories: Approximately 150 - Protein: 1g - Carbohydrates: 24g - Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 10g - Fat: 6g These carrots offer a good amount of vitamins and minerals. They are a great side dish that pairs well with many meals. Enjoy them for their flavor and health benefits! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by prepping your carrots. If you use regular carrots, peel them first. Cut them into uniform sticks. This helps them cook evenly. If you choose baby carrots, just rinse them well. You can leave them whole for a nice look on your plate. Next, heat a large skillet on medium heat. Add unsalted butter and olive oil to the skillet. Watch as the butter melts and mixes with the oil. This mix gives the carrots a rich flavor. Once it's sizzling, add your prepared carrots. Stir them well to coat each piece in the buttery mix. Spread them out in a single layer. This ensures that they cook evenly. Now, let's make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together pure maple syrup, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon. This mix will bring out the carrots' natural sweetness. Pour the glaze over the carrots in the skillet. Gently stir to coat all the carrots. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let the carrots cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until they are tender but still a little crisp. After they soften, remove the lid. Let the glaze simmer and reduce. Cook for 3 to 5 more minutes. Stir often until the glaze thickens and clings to the carrots. Once the carrots are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the top. This adds a burst of color and freshness. For serving, use a shallow dish. Drizzle any leftover glaze from the skillet over the carrots. Garnish with extra parsley if you like. Serve warm alongside your favorite main dish. To get the best flavor from your maple glazed carrots, focus on using pure maple syrup. This syrup has a rich taste that enhances the carrots. The butter and olive oil provide richness and depth. Don't skip the salt and pepper; they help the flavors shine. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness. A touch of fresh parsley at the end brightens everything up. One common mistake is overcooking the carrots. You want them tender but still crisp. If they turn mushy, they lose their great texture. Another mistake is not evenly coating the carrots in the glaze. Make sure each piece gets a good mix in the skillet. Lastly, avoid using fake maple syrup. It won’t give you the same nice flavor. For this dish, you need a large skillet. A non-stick skillet works best for easy cooking and cleanup. A whisk is essential for mixing the glaze smoothly. Use a cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping the carrots. A lid for your skillet helps cook the carrots evenly. Finally, have a serving dish ready for a beautiful presentation. Pro Tips Uniform Sizing: Cut all carrots into similar sizes for even cooking. This ensures that they cook through at the same rate, providing a consistent texture. Maple Syrup Quality: Use high-quality pure maple syrup for the best flavor. The richness of the syrup will enhance the sweetness and overall taste of the dish. Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more; if you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce it slightly. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs for garnish, such as thyme or dill, to complement the flavors of the glaze and add variety to the dish. {{image_4}} You can add other vegetables to make maple glazed carrots even better. Try adding parsnips, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers. Each vegetable brings its own flavor and adds a new twist. Cut them into similar sizes to the carrots. This way, they all cook evenly. Roasting or sautéing before glazing can also enhance their taste. Mixing textures and flavors makes the dish fun and exciting. If you want to change the sweetness, consider using honey or agave syrup. These sweeteners create a different flavor profile while keeping the dish sweet. For a spice twist, add ginger or nutmeg. Both add warmth and depth to the glaze. You can also try using chili flakes for a spicy kick. Experimenting with spices and sweeteners can lead to new favorites. You can pair maple glazed carrots with proteins for a fuller meal. Try serving them with roasted chicken or grilled salmon. The sweet glaze complements the savory flavors of meat perfectly. For a vegetarian option, serve with sautéed tofu or chickpeas. Adding protein transforms this side into a balanced meal. Don't forget to adjust the glaze to match the protein's flavor! After enjoying your maple glazed carrots, let any leftovers cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about three to four days. To keep the flavors intact, avoid adding extra glaze before storing. This helps prevent sogginess. To reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave. For the stovetop, place the carrots in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to help steam them. Stir occasionally until they are heated through. For the microwave, place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warm. Freezing maple glazed carrots is possible, but they may lose some texture. To freeze, first cook the carrots as per the recipe. Allow them to cool completely. Place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently to enjoy their sweet, savory goodness again. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. They work well in this dish. Just remember, frozen carrots may cook faster. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they do not become mushy. Thaw them first for even better results. To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter. Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead. The maple syrup is already vegan, so you’re good there! This keeps the sweet and savory flavor intact. These carrots pair nicely with many dishes. Try serving them with roasted chicken or grilled salmon. They also work well alongside rice or quinoa. For a vegetarian meal, serve them with a hearty grain salad. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the carrots and glaze, then let them cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat them gently on the stove. This keeps the flavor fresh. Maple glazed carrots are simple to make and tasty. We explored key ingredients and the best cooking steps. I shared tips to improve flavor and avoid mistakes. You can try different veggies or sweeteners for variety. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them well. This dish pairs well with many meals. Experiment and enjoy your cooking!

Maple Glazed Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring tender carrots coated in a sweet maple glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks)
  • 1 quarter cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 half teaspoon salt
  • 1 quarter teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 half teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Carrots: If you are using regular carrots, begin by peeling them and cutting them into uniform sticks. If you are using baby carrots, simply give them a thorough rinse and leave them whole for a beautiful presentation.
  • Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil. Place the skillet over medium heat and allow the butter to melt completely, mixing it with the olive oil for added richness.
  • Add Carrots: Once the butter-oil mixture is melted and sizzling slightly, add the prepared carrots to the skillet. Stir well to ensure all the carrots are coated evenly in the buttery mixture, then arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
  • Prepare the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This fragrant mixture will elevate the natural sweetness of the carrots.
  • Cook the Carrots: Pour your maple glaze over the carrots, stirring gently to coat each piece. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the carrots cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still maintain a slight crispness.
  • Reduce the Glaze: After the carrots have softened, remove the lid to allow the glaze to simmer and reduce. Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes while stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens and clings beautifully to the carrots.
  • Garnish and Serve: Once the carrots are cooked to your liking and the glaze has thickened to a luscious consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the finely chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

Serve warm alongside your favorite main dish.
Keyword carrots, glazed, maple syrup