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- 1 pound baby carrots (or 4 medium regular carrots, peeled and sliced into ½ inch thick pieces) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish (optional) You can swap baby carrots for regular carrots. Just peel and slice them. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will change slightly. For those who avoid sugar, try a sugar substitute that measures like brown sugar. Ground cinnamon can also be omitted or replaced with nutmeg for a different taste. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. One pound of carrots is about four medium ones. When measuring sticky ingredients like maple syrup and brown sugar, use a liquid measuring cup for maple syrup. For brown sugar, pack it tightly into a dry measuring cup to get an accurate amount. If you don't have a scale, remember that 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons, which helps when measuring smaller amounts. First, choose your carrots. You can use baby carrots or regular ones. If you pick regular carrots, peel them first. Then, cut them into even pieces about ½ inch thick. This helps them cook well and stay tender. Next, fill a medium saucepan with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it boils, add the carrots. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes. You want them tender but still a bit crunchy. When done, drain the carrots and set them aside. Now, let’s make the glaze. Use the same saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt fully, then mix in 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir this mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it to thicken a little and become syrupy. Return the cooked carrots to the saucepan. Pour the warm maple glaze over them. Gently toss the carrots in the glaze until they are all coated. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Stir them often until they heat through and soak up the sweet syrup. When the carrots are ready, take the saucepan off the heat. For a nice touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. You can serve the glazed carrots in a shallow bowl. Drizzle a bit more maple syrup over them for extra sweetness if you like. To cook perfect carrots, use baby carrots for ease. If you choose regular carrots, peel them and cut them into ½ inch pieces. This size helps them cook evenly. Boil them just until tender but still crisp. Aim for 5-7 minutes of boiling time. Drain them well to avoid a watery glaze. The right glaze makes all the difference. Start with unsalted butter in a warm pan. Let it melt before adding the maple syrup and brown sugar. Stir in ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Simmer this mixture for 2-3 minutes. You want it thick and syrupy. Remember to taste as you go; adjust the sweetness if needed. Presentation matters when serving maple glazed carrots. Use a shallow bowl or platter to show off their color. For a pop of freshness, sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top. If you want more sweetness, drizzle extra maple syrup over the carrots. They pair well with roasted meats or as a vibrant side to any meal. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of maple glazed carrots. Try adding a splash of orange juice for a citrus kick. A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth and depth. For a spicy twist, add a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also mix in crushed garlic for a savory note. These additions can make your dish unique and exciting. If you want a vegan option, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a lighter sweetness. For a lower sugar option, reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute. These changes keep the dish delicious while meeting dietary needs. Serving maple glazed carrots can be fun! Try using a shallow bowl to show off their bright color. For a festive touch, add chopped nuts like walnuts on top for crunch. You can also serve them with a drizzle of extra maple syrup for sweetness. Pair them with roasted meats or grilled veggies for a complete meal. After you enjoy your maple glazed carrots, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let the carrots cool before sealing them. This helps keep the glaze fresh and tasty. To reheat your carrots, use the microwave or a pan on the stove. If using the microwave, place them in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. On the stove, add a little butter or water to a pan. Heat gently over low heat, stirring often. You can freeze maple glazed carrots for longer storage. Place cooled carrots in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To use them, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as described above. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. They are convenient and save time. Just remember to thaw them first. Drain any excess water before you glaze them. This helps the glaze stick better. Frozen carrots may cook faster, so check them often. To thicken the glaze, simmer it longer. This lets extra liquid cook off. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. Stir this mix into the glaze until it thickens. Just remember to keep stirring to avoid lumps. Maple glazed carrots pair well with many dishes. They are great alongside roasted meats, like chicken or pork. You can also serve them with grains, like rice or quinoa. For a vegetarian meal, try them with a hearty salad or lentil dish. Yes, you can prep them ahead of time. Cook the carrots and make the glaze. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, reheat the carrots and glaze together. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and vibrant. In this post, we covered how to make maple glazed carrots. We shared the key ingredients, how to prep and cook them, and tips for the perfect glaze. You learned about ingredient swaps and storage tips. Remember, these carrots shine with flavor, and you can try fun variations too. Maple glazed carrots will impress at any meal. Enjoy making them your own!

Maple Glazed Carrots

Add a touch of sweetness to your dinner table with these delicious Maple Glazed Carrots! This simple recipe uses baby carrots, rich maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon for a delightful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 20 minutes, these tender carrots are easy to make and beautifully garnished with fresh parsley. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your meal unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound baby carrots (or 4 medium regular carrots, peeled and sliced into ½ inch thick pieces)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Carrots: If using regular carrots, peel the skin off and cut them into uniform pieces about ½ inch thick. This ensures that they cook evenly and remain crisp-tender.

    Cook the Carrots: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring enough water to cover the carrots to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the carrots and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender yet still have a slight crunch. Drain the carrots and set aside.

      Make the Maple Glaze: In the same saucepan over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely, then mix in the maple syrup, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Continue to simmer the glaze for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.

        Glaze the Carrots: Return the drained carrots to the saucepan with the warm maple glaze. Gently toss the carrots in the glaze until they are nicely coated. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the carrots are heated through and have absorbed the sweet syrup.

          Garnish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat. For an elegant touch, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the glazed carrots before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the glazed carrots in a shallow bowl or platter to showcase their vibrant color and glaze. Drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the top for an extra touch of sweetness if desired.