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- 1 pound medium carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks - 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish The ingredients for Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots are simple yet full of flavor. Start with fresh, medium carrots. These carrots should be peeled and sliced into sticks. You want them to be even for cooking. Next, grab your pecans. Roughly chop them so they add a nice crunch. The pecans pair well with the sweetness of the maple syrup. Use pure maple syrup for the best taste. Olive oil is key for roasting. It helps the carrots cook evenly and adds richness. Ground cinnamon gives warmth and depth to the dish. Don’t forget salt and black pepper. They enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness when you serve the dish. This mix of ingredients creates a delightful side dish. Each bite blends sweet, nutty, and earthy notes. Perfect for any meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating your oven is key for good roasting. The right temperature helps carrots cook evenly. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat brings out the best flavors in the carrots and pecans. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots, chopped pecans, maple syrup, olive oil, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well. Make sure each carrot stick gets a nice coat of the mixture. This helps the flavors mix and stick during roasting. Spread the carrot mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper to help with cleanup. Roast the carrots in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through to help them cook evenly. You’ll know they are done when they are tender and slightly caramelized. Enjoy the sweet aroma as they cook! To make your maple pecan roasted carrots pop, try adding extra spices. Nutmeg and ginger add warmth. Thyme or rosemary also work well for a fresh touch. You want to balance the sweet maple syrup with some salt. A pinch of salt brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots. For great caramelization, spread your carrots in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate. Stir them halfway through for even cooking. To avoid soggy carrots, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Make sure your oven is at 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps achieve that lovely brown color. Maple pecan roasted carrots pair well with many main dishes. Try them with roast chicken or pork. They also go great with quinoa or rice for a vegetarian meal. For creative serving, sprinkle some feta cheese on top. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh twist. Pro Tips Choose the Right Carrots: Select medium-sized, fresh carrots for the best texture and flavor. Look for ones that are firm and vibrant in color. Maple Syrup Quality Matters: Use pure maple syrup for the best taste. Avoid imitation syrups as they can contain artificial flavors and sugars. Don’t Skip the Stir: Stir the carrots halfway through roasting to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice caramelization on all sides. Garnish for Freshness: Adding freshly chopped parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a pop of freshness to the dish. {{image_2}} If you need a nut-free dish, you can swap out the pecans. Try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Both options add a nice crunch. To keep the texture, chop them to a similar size as pecans. You want a good bite in each forkful. To change up the flavor, adding citrus zest is a great idea. A bit of lemon or orange zest brightens the dish. It adds freshness that pairs well with the sweet maple. You can also mix in other root vegetables. Sweet potatoes or parsnips work great. They cook similarly and add different flavors. For a vegan version, make sure all your ingredients are plant-based. The maple syrup and olive oil are already vegan. Use a sweetener like agave if needed. You can also play with spices. Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. These small changes can make your dish stand out even more. To store your maple pecan roasted carrots, let them cool first. Place them in a container with a tight lid. Keep them in the fridge for up to five days. Glass or plastic containers with a seal work best. This keeps them fresh and tasty. When you want to eat the leftovers, reheating is key. Use an oven or microwave for the best results. If using the oven, heat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the texture crisp. In the microwave, heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to warm evenly. You can freeze maple pecan roasted carrots. This is great for meal prep! Start by cooling the carrots completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. They can last for up to three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned earlier for the best flavor and texture. You will know your carrots are done when they are tender and lightly caramelized. They should be easy to pierce with a fork. You may also see a golden color on the edges. This means the natural sugars have caramelized and added great flavor. Yes, you can use baby carrots. Keep in mind that baby carrots cook faster than medium ones. Reduce the roasting time to about 20-25 minutes. Check for tenderness often to avoid overcooking them. Maple pecan roasted carrots pair well with many dishes. You can serve them with roasted chicken or grilled fish. They also go nicely with quinoa or wild rice. For drinks, try a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon. This blog shared a simple recipe for maple pecan roasted carrots. We covered the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance the flavor. You learned how to achieve perfect roasting and even possible variations. These roasted carrots can fit into many meals, adding taste and fun. Trying new recipes helps you grow as a cook. I hope you enjoy making these tasty carrots for your family and friends!

Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots

A delicious side dish featuring roasted carrots tossed in maple syrup and pecans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound medium carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks
  • 0.25 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced carrots, chopped pecans, maple syrup, olive oil, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the carrots are evenly coated with the mixture.
  • Spread the carrot mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.
  • Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword carrots, maple syrup, pecans, roasted