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For this tasty dish, you need some fresh carrots. I love using baby carrots for their sweet flavor and tender bite. If you can't find them, use whole carrots. Just slice them into sticks about half an inch thick. You will need: - 1 pound baby carrots (or whole carrots sliced into sticks) - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) These fresh ingredients give the dish a vibrant color and crunch. You will also need some common pantry items. These ingredients create a sweet and savory glaze. They are easy to find and add great flavor. Gather these staples: - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon cinnamon These items blend well together to create a delicious sauce for your carrots. Finally, think about some optional garnishes to enhance the dish. These toppings add texture and a nutty taste. Here are my favorites: - Chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish These nuts sprinkle easily on top and make the dish look fancy. You can find the full recipe to prepare this tasty side dish. Start by cleaning the baby carrots under cold water. If you use whole carrots, peel them first. Then cut the whole carrots into sticks about half an inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the cleaned baby carrots. Stir them well to coat with butter. Next, pour in a quarter cup of pure maple syrup. Sprinkle half a teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, and one teaspoon of cinnamon over the carrots. Stir all the ingredients together. Now, raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mix to a gentle boil. After it boils, lower the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let the carrots simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. They should become tender as the glaze thickens. Remember to stir them occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the carrots are cooked, add one tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves. Gently stir them in to mix the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If you like, top the carrots with chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. To get the best glaze, use pure maple syrup. It has a rich flavor that enhances the carrots. Don’t rush the simmering time; patience is key for the glaze to thicken. Stir often to avoid burning. For added depth, try using fresh herbs like thyme. They bring a bright note to the dish. For more details, check the Full Recipe for Maple Glazed Carrots. This dish is easy, tasty, and perfect for any meal. To boost the flavor of maple glazed carrots, consider adding spices. Cinnamon is a great choice. It adds warmth and sweetness. You can also try nutmeg for a more earthy flavor. A pinch of ginger gives a nice zing. Fresh herbs like thyme add depth. Experiment with what you like best. One common mistake is overcooking the carrots. If you cook them too long, they become mushy. Aim for tender, but still crisp carrots. Another mistake is not stirring often enough. Stirring helps the glaze coat the carrots evenly. Lastly, don’t skip the salt. It enhances all the flavors in the dish. Maple glazed carrots pair well with many meals. They work great with roasted meats like chicken or pork. The sweetness of the carrots balances savory dishes. You can also serve them with grain dishes, like quinoa or rice. For a vegetarian option, try them with a hearty lentil stew. They add a bright and colorful touch to your plate. For the full recipe, check out the main section. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the sweetener, try honey or agave syrup. Both work well with carrots. They add a nice touch of sweetness without changing the dish too much. You can also use brown sugar. Just mix it with a little water to melt it before adding it to the pan. You can use more than just carrots for this dish. Try sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even Brussels sprouts. Each veggie brings its own flavor. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you use. For example, sweet potatoes may need a bit longer to soften. If you're following a specific diet, you can still enjoy this recipe. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. If you're low-carb, you can use a sugar-free syrup. This keeps the dish tasty without the extra carbs. To store leftover maple glazed carrots, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Store the container in the fridge. They can last for up to three days this way. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat them in a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or a bit of butter to keep them moist. Stir gently until they are warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat them in a bowl for about one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. If you want to freeze the maple glazed carrots, first cool them completely. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat using the skillet method for the best flavor and texture. For the full recipe, visit the earlier section. The best way to cut carrots is by using baby carrots. They are ready to cook. If you use whole carrots, peel them first. Cut them into sticks about 1/2 inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. Evenly cut carrots will absorb the maple glaze well. Yes, you can make maple glazed carrots ahead of time. Cook them as usual and let them cool. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, just reheat them in a skillet. Add a splash of water or extra maple syrup to keep them moist. Yes, maple glazed carrots can be a healthy side dish. Carrots are rich in vitamins and fiber. Using pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness without processed sugars. The butter adds some fat, which is fine in moderation. If you prefer, you can reduce the butter or use a healthier oil. Overall, this dish is a great balance of taste and nutrition. In this article, we explored how to make maple glazed carrots. We covered fresh and pantry ingredients, important steps for cooking, and tips for great flavor. We shared fun variations and storage tips, too. Maple glazed carrots can brighten any meal. With simple steps and ingredients, you can impress anyone at your table. Now, go ahead and enjoy this delicious dish!

Maple Glazed Carrots

Elevate your dinner with these delicious Maple Glazed Carrots that are as simple to make as they are tasty. Featuring baby carrots glazed with rich maple syrup, buttery goodness, and a hint of cinnamon, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. Perfect as a side dish for any occasion, this easy recipe takes just 25 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound baby carrots (or whole carrots sliced into sticks)

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Optional: Chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by cleaning the baby carrots under cold running water. If using whole carrots, peel and slice them into sticks about 1/2 inch thick.

    In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

      Once the butter is melted, add the baby carrots to the skillet and stir to coat them in the butter.

        Pour in the pure maple syrup, then sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and cinnamon over the carrots. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

          Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat back to medium-low and cover the skillet.

            Allow the carrots to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and the glaze has thickened, stirring occasionally.

              Once cooked, add the fresh thyme leaves to the skillet, stirring gently to incorporate.

                Remove the skillet from heat and let sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.

                  If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before serving for added texture and flavor.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the maple glazed carrots on a decorative platter, drizzling any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top. Garnish with extra thyme leaves for a fresh look.