Maple-Pecan Carrots
Sweet glazed carrots with crunchy pecans and maple syrup create a warm, nutty side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil.
- Add sliced carrots; cover and cook over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender.
- Drain the carrots; cover to keep warm.
- In the same pan, melt butter on low heat and stir in maple-flavored syrup.
- Add the cooked carrots to the pan.
- Cook until carrots are well glazed, stirring constantly.
- Serve topped with chopped pecans.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Maple-Pecan Carrots, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you're out of maple-flavored syrup, try using honey or agave syrup as a substitute, though it may alter the taste slightly. For a vegan version, swap the butter for coconut oil. Slicing the carrots evenly ensures uniform cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Maple-Pecan Carrots make a delightful side dish for roasted meats like Boneless Chuck Roast or can be enjoyed alongside a hearty salad. They pair beautifully with Mustard Marinated Green Beans. For a complete meal, serve them with quinoa or rice to soak up the delicious maple glaze.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple-Pecan Carrots contains roughly 721 calories, with 16g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (144% of the Daily Value), and potassium (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1653mg per serving (72% of the Daily Value).
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 adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster. Ensure they are thawed before adding them to the pan for glazing to achieve the best texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the maple glaze. This will create a sweet and spicy contrast that can elevate the dish.
What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?
You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Each nut will bring its unique taste and texture, making this dish versatile.
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).