Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots

$- 1 pound medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks - 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish These ingredients come together to make a tasty side dish. The carrots bring sweetness, while the pecans add crunch. Maple syrup provides a rich flavor, and cinnamon gives warmth. If you don’t have pecans, try walnuts or almonds. Both add a nutty taste. For maple syrup, honey works well, but it changes the flavor a bit. If you want a nut-free dish, skip the nuts. You can add more spices like nutmeg or ginger for a twist. This dish serves four and is packed with nutrients. Each serving contains about: - Calories: 180 - Carbohydrates: 25g - Protein: 2g - Fat: 8g - Fiber: 4g - Sugar: 8g Carrots are rich in vitamins A and K. Pecans add healthy fats and protein. This makes a nutritious side that can fit into many diets. Enjoy these roasted carrots for a healthy boost! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven helps the carrots roast well. While the oven heats, peel and cut one pound of medium carrots into sticks. The size of the sticks should be even. This way, they cook at the same rate. In a large bowl, combine the carrot sticks, 1/4 cup of roughly chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and sprinkle in some salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything well. You want the carrots to be fully coated in the sweet and savory mixture. This step adds great flavor to your dish. Next, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. Spread the carrot mix evenly on the sheet. Be sure not to overcrowd the carrots; give them space to roast. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway, stir the carrots gently to help them caramelize. You will know they are done when they are fork-tender and have a nice caramel color. Once finished, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy! To get that sweet, golden look on your carrots, space is key. Spread them out on the baking sheet. If they overlap, they will steam instead of roast. Stir them halfway through the cooking time to help them brown evenly. This is where the magic happens! The sugar from the maple syrup and the natural sugars in the carrots will caramelize, giving you a rich flavor. These maple pecan roasted carrots work well with many dishes. Serve them with grilled chicken or pork for a nice contrast. They also pair nicely with a creamy risotto or a fresh green salad. For an elegant touch, add a sprinkle of extra pecans on top. This adds crunch and enhances the visual appeal. Want to boost the flavor even more? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. It adds warmth and depth. You can also mix in some fresh thyme or rosemary for an herbaceous note. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up. These small changes make a big impact on flavor! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: For the best flavor and texture, select bright orange carrots that are firm and smooth, avoiding any that are soft or blemished. Toast the Pecans: Enhance the nutty flavor of the pecans by toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the mix. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or ginger to the carrot mixture for a unique flavor twist that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the roasted carrots right after they come out of the oven while they are still warm and caramelized. {{image_4}} You can switch nuts for a new taste. Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Each nut has its own flavor. Walnuts add a rich, earthy taste. Almonds bring a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle seeds on top. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds work great here. Carrots are just the start. Other veggies can shine too. Sweet potatoes add a creamy texture. Butternut squash gives a sweet, nutty flavor. You can try Brussels sprouts for a hearty bite. Just cut them into small pieces for even cooking. Each veggie will change the dish's look and taste. Adjust the spices to match your taste. Cinnamon is warm and sweet. You can add nutmeg for a cozy depth. If you like heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs can also brighten the dish. Thyme or rosemary adds a fragrant touch. Mix and match to find your favorite blend. After enjoying your Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots, you’ll likely have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, place the carrots in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge, where they can last for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure the lid is tight to prevent moisture loss. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for 10-15 minutes until warm. This method helps retain their flavor and texture. You can also use a microwave. Place the carrots in a safe bowl and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming. If you want to keep your roasted carrots longer, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, spread the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat as instructed above for best results. You can tell when roasted carrots are done by checking their texture. They should be fork-tender. This means you can easily pierce them with a fork. Look for a nice, caramelized color on the outside. If they look golden brown, they are ready. You can also taste one to see if it has a sweet, soft flavor. Yes, you can use baby carrots instead of regular carrots. Baby carrots cook faster due to their smaller size. Just keep an eye on them while roasting. You may need to reduce the cooking time by a few minutes. They will still taste great with the maple syrup and pecans. Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly. It uses maple syrup and olive oil, both of which are plant-based. There are no animal products in the ingredients. You can enjoy these Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots on a vegan diet without worry. In this blog post, we covered the key ingredients and steps for roasting carrots perfectly. You now know how to prepare them, achieve great flavor, and store leftovers. Remember, experimenting with nuts and spices can change the taste. Always check for that golden brown color to ensure they are done. Enjoy this simple yet tasty dish that fits many diets and occasions. I hope you feel ready to make delicious roasted carrots on your own!$

Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring roasted carrots coated in maple syrup and pecans.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot enough for roasting.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced carrots, chopped pecans, maple syrup, olive oil, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to toss everything thoroughly until the carrots are well-coated in the flavorful mixture.
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then, spread the carrot mixture evenly on the baking sheet, ensuring the carrots have enough space to roast without overlapping.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for approximately 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, take a moment to stir the carrots gently to promote even caramelization, which will result in a delicious tender texture.
Once the carrots are fork-tender and have developed a lovely caramelized color, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes.
Transfer the beautifully roasted carrots to a serving dish. For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

For an elegant touch, consider serving the carrots in a vibrant bowl with a sprinkle of extra pecans on top, and a few parsley leaves arranged artistically on the side.

Keyword carrots, maple syrup, pecans, roasted, vegetarian