Pretty Maple Carrots
Sweet and savory maple carrots with fresh basil offer a vibrant side dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions, highlighting natural flavors with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice carrots into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
- Steam, covered, over boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan and add maple syrup.
- Stir to combine.
- Add the steamed carrots, chopped basil, and seasoned salt.
- Stir gently until carrots are well coated with the sauce and basil leaves.
- Pour into an attractive bowl to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the maple syrup mixture. If you don't have seasoned salt, a mix of regular salt and a dash of garlic powder can work well. Using fresh basil is best, but dried basil can be a substitute in a pinch—just reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
Serving Suggestions
These Pretty Maple Carrots make a delightful side dish for roasted meats or a vegetarian option for a holiday meal. They pair beautifully with Mamie's Yams and can be served alongside a fresh salad like Sue's Salad for a balanced plate. Garnish with additional chopped basil for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional maple syrup to prevent sticking and to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pretty Maple Carrots contains roughly 197 calories, with 10g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (117% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and iron (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% 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, frozen carrots can be used, but they may require a shorter cooking time. Steam them for about 5-7 minutes until tender, then follow the rest of the recipe as instructed.
What other herbs can I use instead of basil?
You can experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or dill, which will provide a different flavor profile. Dried herbs can also work, but use them sparingly as they are more concentrated.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and the maple syrup will keep it vegan-friendly. Just make sure to check that your maple syrup is pure and free from additives.
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).