Spicy Maple Roasted Carrots blend the natural sweetness of maple syrup with a hint of heat from chili flakes, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This simple yet flavorful side dish is ideal for any season, bringing warmth and spice to your table.
Carrots are the star of the dish, providing a hearty and nutritious base. When roasted, their natural sugars caramelize, enhancing their sweetness. Olive oil helps to coat the carrots, ensuring they roast evenly and don’t dry out. Maple syrup adds a lovely, rich sweetness that complements the carrots beautifully. Chili flakes bring a subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness, adding depth to the flavor profile. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley offers a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
These Spicy Maple Roasted Carrots pair wonderfully with roasted chicken or a hearty beef roast. They also complement a holiday spread beautifully, adding a vibrant and tasty side to any festive meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside a grain-based salad or a creamy polenta.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it's hot enough to roast the carrots to perfection. While the oven is heating, peel your carrots and cut them into even sticks; this helps them cook evenly. In a large bowl, combine your olive oil, maple syrup, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Add the carrot sticks to the bowl and toss them until they’re all nicely coated with the mixture.
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the carrots from sticking and for easy cleanup. Spread your carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This spacing allows them to roast properly, rather than steaming. Pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, give the carrots a quick stir to ensure they caramelize evenly. Once they’re tender and have a beautiful, slightly caramelized glaze, take them out of the oven.
Transfer your roasted carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with the fresh parsley. This final touch not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the flavor with its fresh, herbaceous note.
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