Sweet & Savory Maple Glazed Carrots

$To make maple glazed carrots, gather these items: - 1 lb baby carrots (or large carrots, cut into sticks) - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness You can swap some items if needed: - Use honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweet taste. - Olive oil can replace unsalted butter for a dairy-free option. - If you lack fresh thyme, try other herbs like parsley or dill. To make your carrots even tastier, consider these add-ins: - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. - Toss in a handful of chopped nuts for crunch. - Try a splash of orange juice for a fruity twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preparing the carrots. If you use large carrots, peel them first. Then cut them into even sticks or rounds. This helps them cook evenly. If you have baby carrots, just rinse them under cold water and set them aside. The key is to have uniform sizes for even cooking. Next, we blanch the carrots. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add the carrots. Blanch them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them slightly tender but still crisp. Once done, drain the carrots and set them aside. This step brightens their color and keeps them crunchy. Now, let’s make the maple glaze. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, stir in 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture bubble gently for 2-3 minutes. This thickens the glaze and enhances the flavors. Time to glaze the carrots! Add the blanched carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat all sides in the maple glaze. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the carrots are tender and the glaze looks glossy. This step melds all the flavors together, making every bite delicious. Once your carrots are glazed, it’s time to serve! Transfer them to a serving dish. Make sure they are well-coated with the glaze. For a fun presentation, arrange them in a circular pattern. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top. You can also garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color. Enjoy your sweet and savory maple glazed carrots! To get the best maple glaze, start with pure maple syrup. It gives a rich, sweet taste. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, mix in the maple syrup. Stir in fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the blend bubble gently for a few minutes. This thickens the glaze. A thicker glaze clings better to the carrots. Cooking times depend on the size of your carrots. Baby carrots need less time to cook. Blanch them for about 5-7 minutes. If you use large carrots, cut them into even sticks. This helps them cook evenly. They may need 7-10 minutes of blanching. Always check for that slight crunch before moving on to the next step. You can make glazed carrots ahead of time. Cook them fully, then cool them down. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet. Add a splash of water or more maple syrup to keep them moist. Heat on low until warmed through. This keeps them tasty and fresh. Pro Tips Choose the Right Carrots: Opt for fresh, vibrant baby carrots for a tender bite or use large carrots for a heartier texture, ensuring uniform size for even cooking. Perfectly Blanched: Blanching the carrots before glazing helps retain their bright color and crispness, making for a more visually appealing dish. Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your taste preference. For a more savory profile, reduce the syrup slightly and enhance the thyme flavor. Garnish for Effect: Adding a sprinkle of additional thyme or a few toasted nuts can elevate the presentation and add texture to your dish. {{image_2}} You can change the herbs to fit your taste. Thyme gives a nice earthy flavor. If you like a stronger taste, try rosemary. Just use one teaspoon of fresh rosemary or half that if using dried. You can also mix herbs. This can add depth to your dish. For a kick, add some spice. A pinch of cayenne pepper brings heat. If you prefer warmth, try fresh ginger. Grate a little ginger for a fresh zing. Start with a small amount. You can always add more, but you can't take it out! While maple syrup is sweet and rich, other sweeteners work too. Honey can add a floral touch. Brown sugar gives a deep, caramel flavor. You can even try agave syrup for a lighter sweetness. Each sweetener changes the glaze, so have fun experimenting! To store maple glazed carrots, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge. The carrots can last about three to four days. Make sure the container is sealed tight to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Place the carrots in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra maple syrup to help them heat up. Stir gently until they are hot. This way, they stay tasty and do not dry out. You can also use a microwave. Just put them in a bowl, cover it, and heat for one to two minutes. You can freeze maple glazed carrots if you want to save them longer. Start by blanching the carrots as you did before. Let them cool completely. Then, pack them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove excess air before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use other vegetables! Maple glaze works well with sweet potatoes, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. Just cut them into similar sizes as the carrots. This helps them cook evenly. The sweet and savory taste of the glaze enhances these veggies too. You might need to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable. Make sure they are tender but still crisp for the best texture. To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Both options melt well and keep the rich flavor. The maple syrup is already vegan, so you’re all set there. You can also enhance the taste by adding a pinch of smoked salt. This adds a nice depth to the dish. Enjoy your maple glazed carrots in a vegan way! Maple glazed carrots pair nicely with many dishes. They go great with roasted chicken or pork. Their sweetness complements savory meats perfectly. You can also serve them with quinoa or rice for a veggie-filled meal. Pairing them with a fresh salad adds a nice crunch. These carrots also shine at holiday dinners or as a side for a family gathering. We explored how to make delicious maple glazed carrots. You learned the right ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. Consider various ways to customize this dish. Remember, the glaze can work for other veggies too. Store leftovers properly for future meals, and reheating is simple. Have fun trying this recipe and making it your own! Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors that will enhance any meal.$

Sweet & Savory Maple Glazed Carrots

A delightful side dish featuring tender carrots glazed in a sweet and savory maple syrup mixture.

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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 lb baby carrots (or large carrots, cut into sticks)
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Carrots: If using large carrots, peel and cut them into even sticks or rounds to ensure uniform cooking. If using baby carrots, rinse and set aside.
Blanch the Carrots: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and blanch for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
Make the Glaze: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Glaze the Carrots: Add the blanched carrots to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the maple glaze. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the carrots are tender and the glaze is glossy.
Optional Brightness: If desired, stir in lemon juice right before serving to add a refreshing zing.
Serve: Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish or platter, ensuring they are well-coated with the glaze.

Notes

Arrange the glazed carrots in a circular pattern on a serving platter, drizzle any remaining maple glaze over the top, and garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color.

Keyword carrots, glazed, maple syrup