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- 1 pound baby carrots, peeled - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Choosing the best baby carrots is key for this dish. Look for bright orange carrots that are firm and smooth. Avoid any that feel soft or have dark spots. If you need a substitute for maple syrup, try honey or agave syrup for sweetness. You can also adjust the spices as you like. For a milder flavor, skip the cayenne pepper or use less. If you want to add a kick, you can even add more! 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps to caramelize the carrots and enhance their natural sweetness. 2. Preparing the maple spice mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these together until they blend well. This mixture brings warmth and depth to the dish. 3. Spreading carrots on a baking sheet: Take 1 pound of peeled baby carrots and add them to the bowl with the spice mixture. Toss them until they are evenly coated. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the sheet. 4. Cooking times and temperature tips: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the carrots for 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through cooking. This step ensures they cook evenly and develop a nice caramelized surface. 5. Cooling time before serving: After roasting, remove the carrots from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This helps the flavors settle and makes them easier to handle. 6. Drizzling leftover glaze and garnishing: Before serving, drizzle any remaining glaze from the baking sheet over the carrots. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish. This adds flavor and a lovely touch to your dish. For the full recipe, check out the Spiced Maple Roasted Carrots recipe. Enjoy this easy and tasty dish! To ensure even roasting, spread the carrots in a single layer. This helps hot air circulate. Turn the carrots halfway through cooking for nice browning. To achieve perfect caramelization, use a high oven temperature, like 425°F (220°C). The sugar in maple syrup will create a rich glaze. Watch them closely to avoid burning. Add nuts or seeds for texture. Chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds provide a nice crunch. They also add healthy fats and protein. You can adjust spices based on your taste. If you like more heat, add extra cayenne pepper. For a warm flavor, try adding nutmeg or ginger. Serve spiced maple roasted carrots on a rustic wooden platter. This adds a cozy feel to your table. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top for a bright pop of color. For special occasions, arrange them in a spiral for a stunning look. You can also drizzle more maple syrup over the top for a sweet touch. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. {{image_2}} You can mix up the flavor by using other root veggies. Try parsnips, sweet potatoes, or turnips. Each veggie brings its own taste. For sweetness, consider using honey or agave syrup. This change offers a new twist while keeping that sweet flavor. Spices can change the whole dish. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy taste. A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest gives a nice brightness. You can also use citrus juice to wake up the flavors. Experiment with these additions to find your favorite combo. This recipe is easy to adapt. For a vegan version, just use maple syrup and olive oil. If you need gluten-free, you’re already set; all the ingredients are gluten-free. Want a low-carb option? Swap carrots for zucchini or cauliflower. These swaps keep it light and tasty. To keep spiced maple roasted carrots fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will last about 3 to 5 days. If you notice any moisture, it’s best to use them quickly. You can reheat these carrots in two ways: the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, place the carrots in a safe dish. Heat them for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep their texture and flavor. To freeze the dish, let the carrots cool fully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the oven or microwave for best results. Enjoy your spiced maple roasted carrots anytime! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Can I prepare these carrots ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare spiced maple roasted carrots ahead. Toss the carrots in the maple mixture and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, roast them as per the Full Recipe. This saves time and keeps flavors fresh. What should I serve with spiced maple roasted carrots? These sweet and spicy carrots pair well with many dishes. Consider serving them with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty grain salad. They also work well alongside other roasted veggies or as a side for holiday meals. Why did my roasted carrots burn or dry out? If your roasted carrots burn or dry out, it could be due to high heat or overcooking. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and check the carrots halfway through cooking. If they look dry, you can drizzle a bit of oil or maple syrup on them during roasting. How can I fix over-seasoned carrots? If your carrots taste too strong, you can balance the flavors. Mix in extra carrots to the batch to absorb the seasoning. You can also add a touch of olive oil or maple syrup to mellow out the spices. How many calories per serving? Spiced maple roasted carrots have about 120 calories per serving. This number can change based on the amount of oil and syrup used. The dish is a healthy option filled with flavor and nutrients. Are there health benefits to eating carrots? Yes, carrots are very healthy! They are rich in vitamins A and K. These vitamins support good vision and healthy skin. Plus, carrots contain fiber, which helps with digestion. Enjoying this dish adds both taste and health to your meals. This recipe for spiced maple roasted carrots is simple and fun. You learned what ingredients to use and how to prepare them. We also discussed helpful tips for cooking, serving, and storing the dish. Remember to adjust the spices and experiment with different flavors. These carrots can fit any meal or celebration. They are tasty and healthy. Enjoy your cooking and share this dish with others!

Spiced Maple Roasted Carrots

Elevate your dinner table with these delectable spiced maple roasted carrots. This simple recipe combines the sweetness of maple syrup with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cumin, creating a mouthwatering side dish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, these carrots are easy to prepare and full of flavor.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound baby carrots, peeled

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Add the peeled baby carrots to the bowl and toss them until they are nicely coated with the spiced maple mixture.

        Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the coated carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

          Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and caramelized, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

            Once roasted, remove the carrots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before transferring to a serving dish.

              Drizzle with any leftover maple glaze from the baking sheet, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the spiced maple roasted carrots on a rustic wooden platter for a charming touch, and sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.