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- 1 pound baby carrots or regular carrots - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) I love using baby carrots for this dish. They are sweet and tender. If you use regular carrots, just peel and cut them into sticks. This keeps them even for cooking. The maple syrup gives a rich sweetness that pairs well with the carrots. Unsalted butter adds a creamy texture. Olive oil helps the butter melt smoothly. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Lastly, fresh parsley makes a bright garnish. This dish looks great on your table. Each ingredient plays a role in making these carrots shine. Gather these ingredients, and let’s make a tasty side! {{ingredient_image_1}} When you choose carrots, you can use baby carrots or regular carrots. Baby carrots are easy; just rinse them and leave them whole. For regular carrots, peel them first. Then, cut them into uniform sticks. This helps them cook evenly. If they are not the same size, some will cook faster than others. Grab a large skillet for this dish. I like using a non-stick skillet. This way, the carrots won’t stick. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil together over medium heat. Wait until the butter is fully melted before moving on. This mix gives a rich flavor to the carrots. Once the butter and oil melt, add the carrots to the skillet. Make sure to stir them well, so they get coated in the butter and oil. Spread them out evenly in the pan. This helps them cook properly. Stir them occasionally to cook all sides evenly. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This glaze will add a sweet and spicy flavor to the carrots. Proper seasoning is key, so don’t skip this step! Pour the maple glaze over the carrots and stir to coat them well. Cover the skillet and let them cook for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want them to be tender but still a bit crisp. After that, remove the lid and let the glaze simmer for another 3-5 minutes. This thickens the glaze and makes it perfect. Once the carrots are at your desired tenderness and the glaze is thickened, take the skillet off the heat. Chop some fresh parsley for garnish. Sprinkle it on top of the carrots for a nice touch. This adds both color and a fresh flavor to the dish. Serve the carrots warm and enjoy their sweet taste! When choosing carrots, look for bright color and firm texture. Avoid carrots that feel soft or have dark spots. For the best taste, consider organic carrots. They often have more flavor and fewer chemicals. Conventional carrots are fine too, but wash them well. Make this dish your own by adding spices or herbs. Consider a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Or try fresh thyme for a herby twist. If you want less sugar, use honey instead of maple syrup. Agave syrup is another good choice. Use a sharp knife for cutting your carrots. A cutting board will keep your counter safe. For cooking, a large non-stick skillet works best. It helps prevent the carrots from sticking and burning. Make sure you have a good spatula for stirring. This will help you mix the glaze evenly. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Opt for fresh, vibrant carrots for the best flavor and texture. They should be firm to the touch and free of blemishes. Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup according to your taste. For a less sweet glaze, use a little less syrup or add a splash of lemon juice for balance. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time; you want the carrots to be tender but still slightly crisp. Overcooking can make them mushy. Try Different Herbs: Experiment with garnishing your carrots with different herbs like thyme or dill instead of parsley for a unique flavor twist. {{image_2}} You can swap maple syrup for honey. Honey gives a sweet twist. Use the same amount, 1/4 cup. Keep an eye on the cooking time. Honey may caramelize quicker. Check your carrots after 6-8 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. Mixing carrots with parsnips or potatoes works great. Cut them to the same size as the carrots. This helps them cook evenly. Parsnips take about the same time as carrots. If you add potatoes, cut them smaller. They may need a few extra minutes to cook through. Always taste to check doneness. Nuts add a nice crunch to your dish. Try walnuts or pecans for flavor. Chop the nuts coarsely and add them in the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps them crunchy. Stir them in when the glaze starts to thicken. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes. Enjoy the texture and taste! To store leftovers, place the cooled carrots in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always remember to check for any off smells before eating. The best way to reheat maple glazed carrots is on the stovetop. Use a skillet over low heat. This helps keep the glaze smooth. Add a splash of water if the glaze seems too thick. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid drying them out. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. However, the texture may change. Frozen carrots often lose some crunch and can become mushy. Fresh carrots give a sweeter taste and a better bite. If you choose frozen, cook them for a shorter time to keep some firmness. To thicken the glaze, you can use a few methods. First, let it cook longer without a lid. This helps reduce moisture. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. Stir this into the glaze as it cooks. Another option is to add more maple syrup, which will enhance the flavor too. Maple glazed carrots pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with roast chicken or pork. They also complement grilled steak nicely. For a veggie option, serve with quinoa or a green salad. These sides balance the sweet flavor of the carrots. To make more servings, simply double the recipe. Use 2 pounds of carrots and adjust the glaze accordingly. You may need a larger skillet or two pans. Just ensure that the carrots cook evenly. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary with larger batches. In summary, we explored how to make delicious maple glazed carrots using simple ingredients and techniques. From selecting the best carrots to ensuring perfect glaze consistency, each step helps you create a tasty side dish. You can customize this recipe with spices, other veggies, or nuts for more flavor. Whether serving just a few or a large crowd, these carrots impress. Try these tips and enjoy a sweet, savory addition to your meals.

Maple Glazed Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring tender carrots glazed with a sweet maple syrup mixture.
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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
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Carrots: If using regular carrots, peel and slice them into uniform sticks. If using baby carrots, simply rinse them and leave them whole.
  • Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add Carrots: Once melted, add the carrots to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the butter and oil. Spread them out evenly in the pan.
  • Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon.
  • Cook the Carrots: Pour the maple glaze over the carrots, stirring to ensure they are well coated. Cover the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender but still crisp.
  • Reduce the Glaze: Remove the lid and allow the glaze to simmer and thicken for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Garnish and Serve: Once the carrots are cooked to your desired tenderness and the glaze has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a variation, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or using different herbs for garnish.
Keyword carrots, glazed, maple syrup, vegetable side