Maple Glazed Carrots

$- 1 pound baby carrots (or 2-3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch sticks) - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter The main ingredients create a sweet and rich flavor. Baby carrots are tender and sweet. If you use medium carrots, cut them into sticks for even cooking. Pure maple syrup brings a deep sweetness. It makes every bite a delight. Unsalted butter adds creaminess and flavor depth. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Seasoning is key to enhancing the dish. Ground cinnamon gives warmth and a hint of spice. Sea salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick. - 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley Garnishing with parsley adds a pop of color. It also brings a fresh taste that contrasts the sweet glaze. This small touch makes the dish visually appealing and vibrant. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions on how to prepare these delicious maple glazed carrots. To start, you want to boil the carrots for perfect tenderness. I recommend using baby carrots for ease. If you use medium carrots, peel and cut them into 1-inch sticks. Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the carrots. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crunchy. After boiling, drain the carrots and set them aside. Next, let’s make the maple glaze. In the same saucepan, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Swirl the pan to keep the butter from burning. Once the butter is melted, pour in 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture well. The spices really enhance the flavor. Now we will glaze the carrots. Carefully add the drained carrots into the syrup mixture. Use a spatula to toss the carrots gently in the glaze. Let the carrots simmer in the syrup for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the glaze thickens to your liking. This gives the carrots a beautiful, shiny coating. Once done, transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley for color. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful side dish! For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. To get the best glaze on your carrots, timing is key. Boil the carrots for just 4 to 5 minutes. This makes them tender but still slightly crunchy. When you drain them, let them sit for a moment. This keeps them from getting too wet. Gently toss them in the glaze. This helps them coat evenly without breaking apart. Want to make your glazed carrots even better? You can add spices like nutmeg or ginger. These spices give a warm kick that pairs well with the maple. You can also try flavored maple syrup. Maple with vanilla or even pecan adds a special twist. For serving, choose a shallow dish. This lets the carrots spread out nicely. Drizzle any leftover glaze on top for shine. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair. You can also use fresh parsley for a pop of color. This makes your dish look even more inviting. {{image_4}} You can use honey instead of maple syrup. Honey adds a nice floral note. It can change the flavor slightly, but it’s just as tasty. Brown sugar is another option. It brings a caramel flavor that pairs well with carrots. You can mix brown sugar with a bit of water to make a sauce. This sauce can be drizzled over the cooked carrots for a sweet touch. Try mixing carrots with other root vegetables. Parsnips or sweet potatoes can add depth and variety. They cook similarly, so they blend well. You can also add herbs for a fresh twist. Thyme or dill can brighten the dish and add new flavors. Just sprinkle them in while cooking. Use seasonal produce to switch up your dish. In the fall, try adding butternut squash. In spring, green peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Adjust your recipe for different holidays, too. For Thanksgiving, add a pinch of nutmeg. For Easter, a sprinkle of lemon zest can add brightness. These small changes can make your dish feel fresh and festive. To keep your maple glazed carrots fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents odors from other foods. They will stay good for about three to five days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them. When freezing, place the cooled carrots in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This will help prevent freezer burn. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To reheat, I suggest using the stove. This method keeps the carrots tender and prevents drying. Heat a small pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or a bit of butter to help steam them. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to trap steam. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. Overcooked carrots can become mushy and lose their flavor. How long do maple glazed carrots last? In the fridge, they last three to five days. If you freeze them, they can keep for about three months. Signs of spoilage include off smells, changes in color, or a slimy texture. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to throw them away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can prep Maple Glazed Carrots ahead of time. Cook the carrots and glaze them. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them gently before serving. This saves time for busy days. Maple Glazed Carrots pair well with many dishes. They go great with roasted chicken or pork. Try them with a hearty grain like quinoa or couscous. They also complement a fresh salad nicely. For a complete meal, add a starch like mashed potatoes or rice. Yes, Maple Glazed Carrots are healthy. Carrots are rich in vitamins A and C. They are good for your eyes and skin. Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness without refined sugar. The butter provides some fat, which helps absorb nutrients. Eat them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Maple glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side dish made with simple ingredients. You learned about the main components like carrots, maple syrup, and butter, as well as seasonings that enhance flavor. The step-by-step guide shows how to prepare and glaze your carrots perfectly. I shared tips for storage and reheating too. Experiment with variations to find your favorite twist. Enjoy this tasty dish at any meal!$

Create a delicious side dish with these Maple Glazed Carrots that everyone will love! This simple recipe combines tender baby carrots with a sweet maple syrup glaze and a hint of cinnamon, making it perfect for any meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, it will elevate your dinner table with its vibrant colors and flavors.

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Ingredients

1 pound baby carrots (or 2-3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch sticks)

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by bringing 1 cup of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the baby carrots (or carrot sticks) to the boiling water and cook them for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be tender while still retaining a slight crunch. Once done, drain the carrots and set them aside.

In the same saucepan, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan occasionally to prevent burning.

Once the butter has melted, pour in the pure maple syrup and sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

Carefully add the reserved cooked carrots into the syrup mixture. Gently toss the carrots in the glaze using a spatula. Allow the carrots to simmer in the syrup for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will ensure they are well coated and the glaze thickens to a luscious consistency.

After the glaze has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from heat. Transfer the glazed carrots to a beautiful serving dish, ensuring they are evenly coated in the syrup. Finish by garnishing with the freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch of color and freshness.

- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Consider serving the glazed carrots in a shallow, wide dish and drizzling any remaining maple glaze over the top for an inviting sheen. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon can also enhance the presentation.