Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots

$- 1 pound of medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into uniform sticks - 3 tablespoons maple syrup - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional) When making Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots, start with fresh carrots. They should be medium-sized for even cooking. Peel them, then cut them into sticks. This helps them roast nicely. Next, gather the key flavors. Maple syrup adds sweetness. Dijon mustard provides a tangy kick. Olive oil keeps the carrots moist. Garlic powder enhances the flavor. Sea salt and black pepper add seasoning. - Alternative garnishes (e.g., sesame seeds, chives) - Variation of mustard types (e.g., whole grain, spicy) Want to switch things up? You can add sesame seeds or chives as garnishes. They give a nice crunch and flavor. Different types of mustard can also change the taste. Whole grain adds texture, while spicy mustard brings more heat. Experiment with these options to make this dish your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for great roasting. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, add 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and well mixed. Now, it’s time to coat the carrots. Take 1 pound of medium-sized carrots, peel them, and cut them into uniform sticks. This helps them cook evenly. Add the carrot sticks to your bowl with the sauce. Toss them gently until each piece is nicely coated. You want the sweet and tangy mix to stick to every carrot. Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on your lined baking sheet. This keeps them from steaming and ensures they roast well. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through to help them cook evenly. They are done when they are tender and slightly caramelized. Once finished, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them on a dish and, if you like, add fresh thyme or parsley on top for a pop of color. To balance sweetness and tang, use the right amounts. The maple syrup brings sweetness while Dijon mustard adds tang. A good mix keeps flavors bright. Cut the carrots into uniform sticks. This helps them cook evenly. If they are different sizes, some will cook faster than others. Roasting times depend on carrot size. Medium-sized carrots take about 25-30 minutes. If you use larger pieces, add 5-10 minutes. To prevent burning or sticking, spread them out on the baking sheet. Lining the sheet with parchment paper helps a lot. Stir halfway through to make sure they roast evenly. Maple Dijon roasted carrots pair well with many dishes. Serve them with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a nice meal. They also go well with quinoa or a fresh salad. For drinks, try a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. A sparkling water with lemon is also refreshing. Pro Tips Cut Uniformly: Make sure to cut the carrots into uniform sticks to ensure even cooking and roasting. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your preference for sweetness. Use Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color to the dish. Stir Halfway: Stir the carrots halfway through roasting to promote even caramelization and prevent burning. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your maple Dijon roasted carrots easily. Adding spices is a great way to do this. For a warm flavor, try adding cumin. It gives a nice depth. If you want a smoky taste, use paprika. You can also mix in other root veggies for variety. Think about using parsnips or sweet potatoes. These will roast well and add a different taste. Just cut them into sizes that match your carrots. This keeps everything cooking evenly. If you need a vegan dish, this recipe is perfect. All the ingredients are plant-based. You can use maple syrup and Dijon mustard, which fit well in a vegan diet. For those on a gluten-free diet, check your mustard. Most Dijon mustards are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this dish without worry. If you’re looking for low-carb options, you can swap carrots for zucchini. Zucchini roasts nicely too. Just remember, it will cook faster, so check on it often. After you enjoy your Maple Dijon roasted carrots, store the leftovers right. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure the carrots cool before sealing. This helps keep their taste and texture. If you want to freeze them, that works too! Spread the roasted carrots on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Then, transfer the carrots to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them carefully. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about one to two minutes, checking often. This keeps them soft and tasty. How long do roasted carrots last in the fridge? Roasted carrots last about five days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. If you notice any off smell or mushiness, it’s best to toss them. Can I use baby carrots instead of medium-sized ones? Yes, you can use baby carrots! They will cook faster, so reduce the roasting time. Keep an eye on them while they cook to avoid overcooking. Caloric content per serving Each serving of maple Dijon roasted carrots has about 100 calories. This makes them a healthy choice for a side dish. Health benefits of the ingredients used Carrots are high in vitamin A, which is great for your eyes. Olive oil contains healthy fats that support heart health. Maple syrup adds antioxidants, and Dijon mustard offers a boost of flavor with fewer calories. Can I prepare the carrots in advance? Yes, you can prepare the carrots a day ahead. Cut and coat them, then store in the fridge. Just roast them when you’re ready to eat. What can I substitute for maple syrup? You can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute for maple syrup. Both will add sweetness. Adjust the amount to your taste, as they may vary in sweetness. This blog post covered how to make tasty maple Dijon roasted carrots. You’ve learned the right ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for great flavor. You can try different spices and pairings to change things up. Storing leftovers correctly ensures you can enjoy them later. With these insights, you can confidently create a delicious side dish that shines at any meal. Now, time to put your skills to the test and enjoy cooking!$

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring roasted carrots coated in a sweet and tangy maple-Dijon glaze.

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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-sized carrots, peeled and cut into uniform sticks
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon sea salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
to taste Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add the cut carrots to the bowl, and toss them with the maple-Dijon mixture until they are evenly coated.
Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures they roast evenly and don’t stick.
Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
Once done, remove the carrots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

Fresh thyme or parsley can be used for garnish.

Keyword carrots, maple, roasted, side dish