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- 1 lb baby carrots - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves - Freshly ground black pepper - Additional thyme sprigs - Extra drizzle of maple syrup When you choose carrots, fresh is best. Baby carrots work well, but larger ones also shine. If using larger carrots, slice them into sticks or rounds. This helps them cook evenly. Frozen carrots are convenient, but fresh carrots give the best flavor and texture. Next, let’s talk about maple syrup. Always go for pure maple syrup. The taste is rich and deep. Avoid imitation syrup; it lacks the same quality. Pure maple syrup enhances the sweet glaze on your carrots. Trust me, it makes a big difference. For the thyme, fresh is ideal, but dried thyme works too. Use one teaspoon of dried if you can’t find fresh. And don’t skip the black pepper! It adds a nice kick to balance the sweetness. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. First, wash your baby carrots well. If you use larger carrots, peel them and cut into sticks or rounds. This helps them cook evenly. Next, take a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. The butter adds a rich flavor to the dish. Once the butter melts, add the carrots to the skillet. Sauté them for about five minutes until they soften slightly. This step starts to bring out their natural sweetness. Then, drizzle the maple syrup over the carrots. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and sea salt. Stir everything together to coat the carrots well. As the carrots cook, sprinkle in the fresh thyme leaves and season with black pepper. This adds a nice herb flavor. Cook for another minute until the carrots are tender and coated in a sticky glaze. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Then, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the carrots cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this sweet and savory side dish! For the full recipe, check the details above. To get that perfect glaze on your carrots, start by sautéing them gently. Use medium heat to avoid burning the butter. I recommend stirring often for even cooking. If you find the glaze too sweet, you can adjust it. Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor. Using the right skillet makes a big difference. A large non-stick skillet works best for this recipe. It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. For utensils, grab a wooden spoon or spatula. They help stir the glaze without damaging your skillet. Check the doneness of your carrots often. You want them tender but not mushy. If you use larger carrots, they will need more time. Cut them into smaller pieces to cook evenly. Aim for about 15 to 20 minutes total cooking time for larger cuts. {{image_2}} To make your maple glazed carrots unique, try adding citrus zest. A bit of orange or lemon zest brightens the flavor. It adds a fresh kick that makes the dish pop. You can also use different herbs. Instead of thyme, try rosemary or dill for a new twist. Each herb brings its own taste, enhancing your dish. If you want to make this dish vegan, you can swap out the butter. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead. These alternatives will still give you a rich flavor. For those watching their sugar intake, consider sugar substitutes. Stevia or monk fruit can replace maple syrup. Just adjust the amount to taste, as these sweeteners can be much sweeter. Maple glazed carrots pair wonderfully with many main dishes. They go great with roasted chicken or grilled fish. You can also add them to salads or grain bowls. Their sweet and savory taste complements greens or quinoa perfectly. This gives you a colorful and tasty meal that is sure to impress. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. To store leftover maple glazed carrots, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. You can store them in the fridge for up to four days. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. When reheating glazed carrots, the best methods are using the stove or microwave. For the stove, warm them in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to ensure even warming. If using the microwave, heat them in short bursts. Check them frequently to avoid overcooking. This keeps them tender and tasty. You can freeze cooked maple glazed carrots, but raw carrots do not freeze well. To freeze cooked carrots, let them cool first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay good for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. For best results, don’t refreeze them once thawed. What can I serve with maple glazed carrots? You can pair maple glazed carrots with many dishes. They go well with roasted chicken or grilled salmon. They also complement rice or quinoa nicely. Try them with a fresh salad for a bright touch. Can I make maple glazed carrots ahead of time? Yes, you can make them ahead. Simply cook the carrots, then let them cool. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a pan. Why are my carrots not getting tender? If your carrots are not tender, they might need more time. Cook them longer at medium heat. You can add a splash of water to help steam them. How do I fix overly sweet glazed carrots? If your carrots taste too sweet, add a pinch of salt. This helps balance the sweetness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tart flavor. Nutritional benefits of maple glazed carrots Maple glazed carrots are rich in vitamins A and C. They provide fiber, which aids digestion. The maple syrup adds a natural sweetness without refined sugars. Are maple glazed carrots healthy? Yes, they are a healthy side dish. They use simple ingredients, and you control the sweetness. Enjoy them as part of a balanced meal. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. In this post, we covered how to make maple glazed carrots. We explored the main ingredients, the cooking process, and tips for perfecting your dish. I shared ways to vary the recipe and discussed how to store and reheat leftovers effectively. Maple glazed carrots are simple and delicious. With fresh ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty side. Experiment with flavors and make this dish your own. Enjoy your cooking!

Maple Glazed Carrots

Indulge in the delightful flavors of maple glazed carrots with this simple and mouthwatering recipe! Perfectly tender baby carrots are sautéed in butter, sweetened with pure maple syrup, and flavored with a hint of cinnamon and thyme. Elevate your meals with this easy side dish that takes just 25 minutes to make. Ready to impress your family and guests?
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Ingredients
  

1 lb baby carrots, halved lengthwise

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by washing the baby carrots thoroughly. If using larger carrots, peel and cut them into sticks or rounds.

    In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

      Once the butter has melted, add the carrots to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.

        Drizzle the maple syrup over the carrots and sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and sea salt. Stir to combine everything evenly.

          Continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender and coated in a sticky glaze.

            When the carrots are almost done, sprinkle in the fresh thyme leaves and season with black pepper to taste. Stir to combine and cook for another minute.

              Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the glazed carrots in a shallow dish, garnished with additional thyme sprigs and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added sweetness and visual appeal.