Description
Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries is a flavorful and colorful side dish featuring tender carrots glazed with a sweet maple syrup blend, accented by warm spices and tart dried cranberries. This vegan and gluten-free recipe is perfect for holiday meals or any time you want a comforting, healthy vegetable dish with a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant fall flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch sticks
Glaze and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Additions & Garnish
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect roasting temperature for caramelizing the carrots evenly.
- Toss Carrots with Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrot sticks with olive oil, pure maple syrup, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss well until every piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful glaze and spices.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup.
- Roast Carrots: Roast the carrots in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir them once halfway through cooking to promote even caramelization and tenderness.
- Add Cranberries: In the final 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the carrots and return the baking sheet to the oven. This step warms the cranberries and integrates their tartness with the sweet carrots.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven, optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve the dish warm as a delicious, healthy side.
Notes
- For added crunchy texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the carrots just before serving.
- If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, substitute honey, keeping in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Use fresh parsley as a garnish to add a fresh contrast to the sweetness and warmth of the dish.
