Maple Carrots
Sweet and savory maple carrots feature tender carrots glazed in a buttery maple syrup mixture, perfect as a side dish for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place peeled carrots in a saucepan with about an inch of water, salt, and sugar.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
- Remove carrots from the pan and keep warm.
- Cook the carrot water until it is reduced to about 1/2 cup.
- Add maple syrup, butter, and dry mustard to the reduced water.
- Cook until a heavy syrup is formed, about 7 minutes.
- Add the cooked carrots and white pepper to the syrup.
- Cook briefly to coat the carrots with the glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup mixture. If you don't have dry mustard, Dijon mustard can be a suitable substitute. Additionally, using honey instead of maple syrup can create a different yet delicious glaze. Make sure to peel the carrots for a smoother texture, and consider using rainbow carrots for a vibrant presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Maple carrots are a delightful side dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and vegetarian recipes. Serve alongside glazed ham or a hearty grain salad for a balanced meal. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or walnuts. These carrots also make a great addition to a holiday spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover maple carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can sauté them in a pan with a little butter to revive their flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple Carrots contains roughly 109 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen carrots instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots, but be aware that they may become softer during cooking. To maintain their texture, reduce the cooking time slightly and ensure they are thawed before preparing the dish.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
If you don't have maple syrup, you can use agave nectar, honey, or even brown sugar mixed with a bit of water for a similar sweetness and consistency. Each will impart a slightly different flavor but will still enhance the carrots.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make maple carrots vegan, simply substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Ensure that the maple syrup you use is 100% pure and not blended with any animal products. This keeps the dish both delicious and suitable for a vegan diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).