Description
Savory maple carrots dance with sweet Canadian maple syrup, creating a simple side dish that elevates humble vegetables into a culinary delight. Rich glazed flavors and caramelized edges will make guests ask for seconds at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 grams) carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the carrot slices and simmer for 5-7 minutes until they reach a tender-crisp consistency.
- Drain the carrots thoroughly and set them aside momentarily.
- Activate a large skillet over medium heat, allowing butter to melt smoothly.
- Introduce maple syrup, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon into the melted butter. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture transforms into a slightly thickened, bubbling glaze.
- Gently incorporate the cooked carrots into the skillet, ensuring each slice becomes lavishly coated with the aromatic maple mixture.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, rotating the carrots to guarantee even heating and maximum glaze absorption.
- Calibrate the flavor profile with a judicious pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Transfer the glistening carrots to an elegant serving dish, crowning the creation with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Select fresh, firm carrots with vibrant orange color for the best flavor and texture.
- Slice carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent glaze coverage.
- Use pure maple syrup for an authentic, rich sweetness that enhances the natural carrot flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on carrot thickness to maintain a tender-crisp texture without becoming mushy.
- Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or agave for different dietary preferences.
- Sprinkle toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch and nutty complexity.
- Reduce butter for a lighter version or use plant-based butter to make the dish vegan-friendly.
- Roast carrots instead of boiling for a deeper caramelized flavor and slightly firmer texture.
- Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 113 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 38 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 14 mg