Maple Glazed Carrots

$Here are the simple ingredients you need for maple glazed carrots: - 1 pound baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots) - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients create a sweet, savory, and colorful dish. You can find them at any grocery store. The maple syrup gives a nice sweetness, while thyme adds a fresh taste. Using baby carrots makes prep easy, but regular carrots work too if you slice them nicely. Make sure to use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. The butter helps the carrots cook perfectly. Don't forget the lemon juice and parsley; they add brightness and color. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, wash the carrots under cold water. If using regular carrots, peel them. Peel off the outer skin to make them tender. Next, cut the carrots into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the baby carrots. Stir them well to coat each carrot in butter. Now, drizzle the pure maple syrup over the carrots. Then, sprinkle in the cinnamon and thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated. Next, pour in a quarter cup of water. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop them from sticking. The carrots should become tender-crisp during this time. After the carrots are tender, remove the lid. Increase the heat to medium-high. Let any excess water evaporate while you continue to cook. Stir often for about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps caramelize the glaze and makes it sticky. Once the carrots are nicely glazed, remove them from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavor. This adds a nice touch of freshness. Finally, transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and taste. Enjoy your delicious maple glazed carrots! To make sure your carrots cook evenly, cut them into uniform pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Use baby carrots for a sweet, tender bite. If using regular carrots, slice them about the same size as baby carrots. For great caramelization, let the excess water evaporate before serving. After the carrots cook for 10-12 minutes, remove the lid. Increase the heat to medium-high. Stir often to get that sticky glaze. You can add more texture and taste with nuts or dried fruits. Walnuts or pecans add crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins bring in sweetness. Both options give your dish a unique twist. Herbs can also change the flavor. Try rosemary or sage for a different taste. They pair well with maple glaze and add an earthy note. Make it your own by experimenting with what you love! Pro Tips Cut Evenly: Ensure all carrot pieces are cut to the same size for uniform cooking. Use Fresh Herbs: Opt for fresh thyme instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your desired sweetness. Garnish for Freshness: Add parsley just before serving to keep it bright and fresh. {{image_2}} You can change the sweetener in this recipe. If you don't have maple syrup, try honey. It gives a nice sweetness. Agave syrup works too. Both options taste great and add a unique flavor. Carrots are not the only choice. You can use parsnips. They add a sweet, earthy taste. Sweet potatoes are another good option. These will give a creamier texture. You can also mix in other roasted vegetables. Think of bell peppers or zucchini. This adds color and flavor. Each change makes the dish your own! To keep your maple glazed carrots fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. They can last for about three to five days. Make sure the carrots are cool before sealing the container. This helps prevent steam build-up, which can make them soggy. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. The best way to reheat glazed carrots is on the stove. Place them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a little butter to keep them moist. Stir occasionally until they are heated through. You can also use a microwave. Put the carrots in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. They save time and work well in this dish. However, fresh carrots give better flavor and texture. Frozen carrots may become softer when cooked. If you use them, reduce cooking time. Aim for tender, not mushy, carrots. You can still achieve that sweet glaze with frozen ones. Maple glazed carrots pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with roast chicken or grilled pork. They also complement salmon nicely. Add them to a holiday meal for color and flavor. You can even serve them with a fresh green salad for a lighter option. To make maple glazed carrots vegan, substitute the butter. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead. This keeps the richness without dairy. For a sweeter touch, ensure your maple syrup is pure and vegan-friendly. The rest of the recipe works as is. Enjoy your delicious, plant-based side! You now have a clear recipe for delicious maple glazed carrots. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for the best results. You can customize this dish to fit your taste or dietary needs with easy variations and storage advice. Enjoy making this simple, tasty side dish that brightens any meal. With just a few ingredients, you can impress your family and friends. Give it a try, and let the flavors shine!$

A delicious side dish featuring tender carrots glazed with maple syrup and spices.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound baby carrots
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Start by washing and peeling the carrots if you're using regular ones. Cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the baby carrots, stirring to coat them in the butter.
Drizzle the maple syrup over the carrots, then sprinkle in the cinnamon, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated.
Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet, then cover and let the carrots cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Allow any excess water to evaporate while continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to caramelize the glaze.
Once the carrots are tender and coated in a sticky glaze, remove them from heat. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.
Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of color and freshness.

Notes

For a more intense flavor, use fresh thyme instead of dried.

Keyword carrots, glazed, maple syrup