Description
Maple roasted carrots from Ina Garten elevate simple root vegetables into a sophisticated side dish. Caramelized edges and sweet maple glaze create a delightful accompaniment that will charm dinner guests with its elegant simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 large carrots
Seasoning and Sweeteners:
- 1.5 tablespoons (22 milliliters) olive oil, melted
- 0.5 tablespoons (7.5 milliliters) maple syrup
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 pinch sea salt
Herbs and Garnish:
- 5 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
- Chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 400°F (205°C), ensuring an even temperature for roasting.
- Carefully slice carrots lengthwise, creating uniform halves that will caramelize evenly on the baking sheet.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil and maple syrup to create a glossy, sweet-savory glaze.
- Generously brush the oil-syrup mixture over the carrot halves, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and cayenne pepper across the carrots, adding depth of flavor and a subtle heat.
- Optional: Intersperse fresh rosemary sprigs between the carrot halves to infuse an aromatic herbal essence.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 25 minutes, rotating the carrots midway to promote uniform caramelization.
- Verify doneness by checking the carrots’ tenderness – they should be soft yet retain a slight firmness.
- Remove from the oven and arrange the roasted carrots on a serving platter.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, fresh touch and enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Notes
- Elevate flavor complexity by selecting fresh, organic carrots with vibrant color and firm texture for superior roasting results.
- Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or agave nectar if maple syrup isn’t available, maintaining similar caramelization properties.
- Enhance presentation by cutting carrots diagonally, creating elegant, elongated pieces that maximize surface area for caramelization.
- Balance heat intensity through careful cayenne pepper application, starting with minimal amounts and gradually increasing to personal spice tolerance.
- Prevent burning by monitoring carrots closely during final roasting minutes, using a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for consistent heat distribution.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg