Thyme-Roasted Carrots with Maple Syrup

A Perfect Maple-Infused Side Dish for Thanksgiving 🍁🥕

Carrots are a staple in many households, easily accessible year-round and perfect for adding colour and crunch to any meal. While they’re often enjoyed as a snack or steamed side, roasting carrots can truly transform their flavour and texture! One common challenge with cooking carrots is achieving that perfect bite without them turning too soft or mushy. If you’ve been searching for a way to avoid soggy carrots, this recipe is for you!

These Thyme-Roasted Carrots with Maple Syrup solve the sogginess problem by roasting, bringing out a natural sweetness that’s enhanced by the addition of Maple Roch Maple Syrup. The fresh thyme gives the dish a subtle earthy aroma, and the end result is a deliciously caramelized side that is guaranteed to impress your Thanksgiving guests. Plus, they’re as gorgeous on the table as they are tasty! 🍁✨

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Maple Roch Maple Syrup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Place two baking sheets in the oven and preheat to 400°F. Preheating the sheets ensures that your carrots start roasting the moment they hit the pan, locking in flavour and promoting even caramelization.
   
   
2. Prepare the Carrots: Start by peeling and slicing 3 pounds of carrots. To make slicing easier, cut a small strip along the length of the carrot first, creating a stable, flat surface. Then, cut the carrots into even strips using a sharp knife.
   
   
3. Season the Carrots: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced carrots with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh minced thyme, 1 tablespoon of Maple Roch Maple Syrup, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Toss gently to ensure all the carrots are evenly coated.
   
   
4. Roast the Carrots: Carefully remove the hot baking sheets from the oven and spread the carrots in a single layer on each sheet. This ensures that the carrots roast evenly and develop a nice caramelized exterior.
   
   
5. Roasting Time: Place the baking sheets back in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly golden brown at the edges. If you prefer a little extra crisp, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
   
   
6. Serve Immediately: Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish and drizzle with a little extra Maple Syrup if desired. The bright orange colour, combined with flecks of fresh green thyme, makes this dish not only delicious but also a visual delight on your Thanksgiving table.
   
   

Why This Recipe Works:

• Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, avoiding the soggy texture that can occur with steaming or boiling.
• The Maple Roch Maple Syrup adds a rich, caramelized sweetness without overpowering the earthy notes of the carrots.
• Fresh thyme complements the maple flavour and adds an aromatic depth to the dish.

Tips for Success:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh thyme and high-quality pure, organic Maple Syrup make a big difference in the final flavour.
• Single Layer is Key: Make sure the carrots are in a single layer to promote even cooking and avoid steaming.
• Don’t Skip the Hot Baking Sheet: Starting with a preheated baking sheet helps the carrots caramelize quickly, locking in that sweet flavour.

This simple yet elegant recipe is sure to become a new family favourite. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for Thanksgiving or an everyday addition to your meals, these Thyme-Roasted Carrots with Maple Syrup are a delicious, nutritious choice.

Enjoy! 🥕🍁 Let us know how you liked it in the comments below and don’t forget to share your pictures with us on social, tagging @mapleroch in all your posts!