Description
Ina Garten’s maple roasted carrots elevate simple root vegetables with sweet maple syrup and aromatic herbs. Rich caramelized edges and golden brown surfaces create a delightful side dish you will crave at dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large carrots
- 1.5 tbsps (22 mL) olive oil, melted
- 0.5 tbsps (7.5 mL) maple syrup
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 5 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
- Chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Position the oven rack at center position and warm to 400°F (205°C), creating an ideal roasting environment.
- Carrot Preparation: Slice carrots lengthwise into symmetrical halves, ensuring consistent sizing for optimal caramelization and even cooking.
- Glaze Creation: Whisk olive oil and maple syrup in a mixing bowl until smooth, developing a rich, glossy coating that will enhance the carrots’ natural sweetness.
- Seasoning Application: Brush the maple-oil mixture comprehensively over carrot surfaces, then generously sprinkle kosher salt and cayenne pepper to introduce complex flavor dimensions and subtle spiciness.
- Herbal Infusion: Strategically position fresh rosemary sprigs between carrot halves, allowing aromatic herbs to permeate the vegetables during roasting process.
- Roasting Technique: Place prepared carrots in preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform caramelization and prevent uneven browning.
- Doneness Assessment: Verify carrots have achieved perfect texture – tender yet maintaining slight resistance when pierced, with edges beautifully caramelized and glistening.
- Finishing Touch: Transfer roasted carrots to serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding visual vibrancy and complementary herbaceous notes to the dish.
Notes
- Caramelize with Care: Slice carrots evenly to ensure uniform roasting and beautiful golden-brown edges that boost flavor intensity.
- Glaze Magic: Whisk maple syrup and olive oil thoroughly to create a perfect sweet-savory coating that transforms ordinary carrots into a gourmet side dish.
- Spice Balance: Use cayenne pepper sparingly to add a subtle heat that complements the maple’s sweetness without overwhelming the carrots’ natural flavor.
- Herb Enhancement: Fresh rosemary sprigs infuse an aromatic depth, elevating the roasted carrots from simple to spectacular with minimal extra effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg