Balsamic & Maple Glazed Carrots
It's always a joy to revisit a family favorite recipe, and these Balsamic & Maple Glazed Carrots are just that. Loved by all at our family table, they're perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special holiday gatherings. Easy to make and deliciously nutritious, these carrots are a culinary delight that never fails to impress.
Finding a vegetable dish that pleases everyone can be quite the feat, especially with varied tastes in the household. But these glazed carrots have consistently been a crowd-pleaser. They're my go-to when I need a reliable, tasty side dish that I know will be met with smiles all around. And when my nephew, who's usually picky about vegetables, asks for more, it's a sure sign of success!
The beauty of these Balsamic & Maple Glazed Carrots lies in their universal appeal. They've become a staple in our family meals, seamlessly fitting into various dietary preferences. My husband, in particular, looks forward to this dish, and it's become his favorite way to enjoy carrots. We find ourselves returning to this recipe at least once a month, a testament to its beloved status in our home. So, whether you're serving them up for the first time or the hundredth, these carrots are sure to bring warmth and flavor to your table.
Balsamic & Maple Glazed Carrots
These carrots are so simple to prepare. You will start by cleaning and peeling your carrots. I peel mine if they have any discoloration (because we all know kids won't eat something if they think there is a one tiny bad spot in the entire batch), but you can just scrub them really well. Do what works best for you, or even substitute in baby carrots instead for even less prep work.
Ingredients
To make this dish, you will need:
- 2 lbs carrots, washed and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices or strips
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup real maple syrup
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh herbs (pick either rosemary, parsley, tarragon, or one of your own favorites)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425 F.
In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by about half and thickened to a glaze consistency. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning.
While the glaze is simmering, cook the carrots. Boil about half of the carrots at a time for best results. Cook them for about 5 minutes for strips and 8 minutes for slices until they are tender-crisp.
Drain the carrots and transfer them to a baking dish. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs of your choice. Pour the glaze over the carrots and stir until they are well coated.
Bake the carrots for 8-12 minutes, or until they are tender.
These will cook so fast and easily, that you will wonder why you haven't made them before. Kids love the natural sweetness of the carrots, and the addition of the savory yet sweet sauce will make the dish much more appealing to everyone.
Love these Balsamic & Maple Glazed Carrots? For a spicy twist, check out this fantastic Honey Harissa Roasted Carrots recipe. It's a delightful blend of sweetness and heat, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of a kick with their veggies!
Best Main Dishes to Go with Glazed Carrots
When it comes to pairing balsamic maple glazed carrots with a main dish, it's important to consider flavors that will complement and enhance the sweetness of the glaze. Here are some great options to try:
- Roasted chicken: The savory flavors of roasted chicken pair well with the sweetness of the glazed carrots. Plus, the juicy meat is a perfect match for the tender texture of the carrots.
- Grilled salmon: The richness of grilled salmon is a great contrast to the sweetness of the glaze. The flavors balance each other out perfectly, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Pork tenderloin: Pork is a classic pairing for sweet and savory flavors, and glazed carrots are no exception. The tender texture of the pork pairs well with the tender texture of the carrots, and the flavors complement each other nicely.
- Beef roast: A hearty beef roast is a great option for a cozy, comforting meal. The richness of the beef pairs well with the sweetness of the glaze, and the tender texture of the meat is a great match for the tender texture of the carrots.
No matter what main dish you choose, be sure to serve it with plenty of glazed carrots on the side. The sweetness of the glaze is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Storage
Manage to have some leftovers? Storing any leftovers properly is key to maintaining their taste and texture. Let the carrots cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They'll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. The carrots may also be eaten cold, making them a versatile addition to salads or as a cold side. Remember, reheating them slowly and gently is the trick to preserving their glazed goodness!
Variations
There are many ways to customize balsamic maple glazed carrots to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Add some heat: If you like a little spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Switch up the herbs: Instead of thyme, try using rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Use different veggies: This glaze would work well on other roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts.
- Experiment with different vinegars: Balsamic vinegar is a classic choice, but you could also try using red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even white balsamic vinegar for a milder flavor.
- Try different sweeteners: Maple syrup is great, but you could also use honey, brown sugar, or agave nectar.
By making these small changes, you can create a unique twist on this classic side dish.
Pro Tips
Looking to make the perfect balsamic maple glazed carrots? Here are some pro tips to take your dish to the next level:
- Use fresh carrots for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut your carrots into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Roast your carrots for a caramelized flavor and crispy texture.
- Don't overdo it on the glaze – a little goes a long way!
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added flavor.
By following these simple tips, you'll have a delicious and impressive side dish that's sure to wow your guests.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs organic carrots washed & cut (into 1/4-inch-thick slices or into strips)
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup real maple syrup
- sea salt
- black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh herbs Pick either rosemary, parsley, tarragon, or one of your own favorites
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F.
- In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar and maple syrup to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes (or until liquid has reduced by about half and thickened to a glaze consistency.
- While the glaze is simmering, cook the carrots. Cook about half the carrots at a time for best results. Boil for about 5 minutes for strips and 8 minutes for slices. The carrots should tender-crisp.
- Drain carrots & transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Pour glaze over carrots and stir until well coated.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until tender.
