Description
Maple Herb Roasted Carrots with Cranberries bring rustic Mediterranean charm to your table. Fresh carrots glazed with sweet maple syrup and fragrant herbs create a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every seasonal gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Roasting Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) carrots, washed with skin on and tops trimmed
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups (300 grams) dried cranberries
Sweetening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried basil
- ½ teaspoon (1 gram) garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamon
Spice Accent:
- 1 pinch ground allspice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick roasting.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine whole carrots with olive oil, pure maple syrup, dried oregano, fresh parsley, chopped basil, garlic powder, ground cinnamon, and allspice, ensuring each carrot is evenly and generously coated with the aromatic herb mixture.
- Set aside approximately 2-of the seasoned coating for a final glaze, which will enhance the carrots’ flavor and appearance.
- Spread the seasoned carrots in a single, uncrowded layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing each piece to roast evenly and develop a golden, caramelized exterior.
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, monitoring their transformation until they become tender, slightly wilted, and develop a rich golden-brown color.
- Once roasted, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently brush the carrots with the reserved maple herb mixture, amplifying their robust flavor profile.
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a decorative serving platter and artfully scatter dried cranberries around them, creating a visually appealing and delicious side dish with contrasting textures and colors.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by thoroughly coating carrots in the maple herb mixture, ensuring each piece absorbs the delicious seasonings.
- Spacing carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet prevents steaming and promotes even caramelization.
- Use fresh, medium-sized carrots for the best texture and optimal roasting results.
- Dried cranberries add a delightful sweet-tart contrast and beautiful pop of color to the finished dish.
- Optional garnish: Sprinkle toasted nuts or fresh herbs for extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately after roasting to enjoy the carrots at their most crisp and flavorful state.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 52.5
- Sodium: 168
- Fat: 5.5
- Saturated Fat: 0.7
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.8
- Carbohydrates: 82
- Fiber: 7.2
- Protein: 2.6