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To make maple glazed carrots, gather these items: - 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots cut into sticks) - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Zest of 1 orange (optional) - Chopped parsley for garnish (optional) You can easily swap some ingredients if needed: - Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for sweetness. - Olive oil can replace unsalted butter for a dairy-free option. - If you don’t have thyme, try rosemary or basil for a different flavor. - Skip the orange zest if you prefer a simpler taste. To prepare the carrots, you will need: - A medium saucepan for boiling and glazing - A cutting board and knife for cutting carrots - A colander for draining the carrots - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring - A serving dish for presentation These tools make cooking easy and fun. When you have all your ingredients and tools ready, you will enjoy making this dish! For the full recipe, check the link provided above. Start by rinsing 1 pound of baby carrots under cold water. If you use regular carrots, peel and cut them into sticks. Make sure the pieces are even. This helps them cook uniformly. After rinsing or cutting, pat the carrots dry with a towel. This step is key to getting a good glaze later. Fill a medium saucepan with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the carrots. Blanch them for about 5 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. Drain the carrots and set them aside. This process gets them ready for the maple glaze. In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter is melted, stir in 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, plus salt and pepper to taste. If you want a citrus twist, add the zest of 1 orange. This adds depth to the flavor. Next, add the blanched carrots back into the saucepan. Toss them well to coat with the maple glaze. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step thickens the glaze and warms the carrots through. After cooking, taste the carrots. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Once satisfied, remove the saucepan from heat. Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. For a fresh finish, sprinkle with chopped parsley. This step adds color and makes your dish pop. Now you have a simple and flavorful side dish to enjoy! For the full recipe, click here. To get that shiny, sweet glaze, you need to cook the carrots right. Blanch them first, then let them soak in the maple mix. Stir them often to cover every piece. The butter and maple syrup combine to create a sweet hug for the carrots. The heat should be medium, so the glaze thickens without burning. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper to balance the sweetness. You can save time by prepping your carrots early. Rinse and cut them a day before. Store them in water in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and crisp. You can also make the glaze ahead of time. Just warm it up before you toss in the carrots. This way, you can whip up this dish in no time. Maple glazed carrots shine as a side dish. They pair well with roasted meats, like chicken or pork. You can also serve them alongside rice or quinoa for a tasty vegetarian meal. For a fun twist, add some toasted nuts on top for crunch. If you want more color, sprinkle some fresh herbs right before serving. The Full Recipe gives you all the details to impress your family and friends! {{image_2}} You can switch out maple syrup for other sweeteners. Honey adds a nice touch. Agave nectar is also a good choice. If you want a low-calorie option, try stevia. Each sweetener changes the taste, but all work well. Mix in other veggies for more color and taste. Sweet potatoes add sweetness. Green beans give a nice crunch. You can even add peas for a pop of color. Just cut them to similar sizes for even cooking. This way, you create a fun and tasty dish. You can enhance the flavor with a few simple tweaks. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for richness. A sprinkle of chili flakes can give it a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like dill or basil brighten the dish. You can also add nuts for crunch and texture. Each of these changes makes the dish unique and delicious. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe! After you enjoy your maple glazed carrots, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Let the carrots cool to room temperature first. Then, place them in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. To reheat your maple glazed carrots, you can use the stove or the microwave. On the stove, place them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or more maple syrup to help them warm up. Stir gently until heated through. If using a microwave, place the carrots in a bowl and cover them. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, checking often. Yes, you can freeze maple glazed carrots! First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can. They should keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat them using the methods mentioned above. Enjoy the flavor of maple magic anytime! For the full recipe, check out the details provided. Yes, you can make maple glazed carrots ahead. Prepare them and store in the fridge. They taste great even after a day. To reheat, just warm them in a pan over low heat. This keeps their flavor and texture. You can enjoy them at your next meal without much fuss. Maple glazed carrots pair well with many dishes. They make a great side for roasted chicken or pork. You can serve them with a grain like quinoa or rice. They also go well with a fresh salad. For a cozy dinner, try them with mashed potatoes. Their sweet taste adds a nice balance to savory meals. To boost the flavor of maple glazed carrots, try adding fresh herbs. Rosemary or sage work nicely. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A splash of apple cider vinegar gives a tangy kick. If you love citrus, add lemon zest for brightness. These small tweaks can elevate your dish. Maple glazed carrots are simple yet tasty. We covered the key ingredients, tools, and steps. I shared tips for a perfect glaze and ways to add variations. Plus, I explained how to store and reheat leftovers. With these basics, you can make this dish shine at any meal. Enjoy creating a dish that brings joy and flavor to your table.

- Maple Glazed Carrots

Elevate your meals with this simple and flavorful maple glazed carrots recipe! In just a few easy steps, you’ll create a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. Discover how to achieve that glossy glaze and explore fun ingredient swaps and variations. Perfect for impressing family at dinner or for a quick weeknight meal. Click through to unlock the full recipe and start cooking these delicious carrots today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots cut into sticks)

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Rinse the baby carrots under cold water and pat them dry with a towel. If using regular carrots, peel and cut them into sticks of even size for uniform cooking.

    In a medium saucepan, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and blanch for 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

      In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. If using orange zest, add it to the mixture now.

        Add the blanched carrots to the saucepan and toss well to coat them in the maple glaze. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and the carrots are heated through.

          Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.

            Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

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