Description
Honey Maple Roasted Carrots are a deliciously sweet and savory side dish featuring tender carrots glazed with olive oil, pure maple syrup, and honey, then roasted to caramelized perfection. Enhanced with ground coriander, fresh herbs, sesame seeds, and a burst of pomegranate arils, this vibrant recipe transforms simple carrots into a spectacular, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots and Glaze
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced on a long angle into pieces approximately 3 inches long
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons honey
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives
- ½ cup pomegranate arils or seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450˚F and lightly oil a sheet pan to prevent sticking.
- Coat Carrots: Place the prepared carrots on the sheet pan and drizzle evenly with olive oil, maple syrup, and honey. Sprinkle the coriander, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the carrots. Toss them thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated. You may use your hands or a spatula for tossing.
- Initial Roasting: Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the pan to allow even cooking. Roast them in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Stir and Roast Further: Stir the carrots to redistribute them on the pan. Return to the oven and continue roasting for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. The carrots are done when tender and some edges have developed caramelized, golden-brown spots.
- Add Sesame and Herbs: Remove the carrots from the oven, sprinkle with sesame seeds, fresh thyme, and sliced chives. Toss to mix the flavors evenly.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional sea salt and pepper if necessary. Transfer the carrots to a serving bowl, scatter the pomegranate arils on top, and serve hot.
Notes
- These carrots turn out sweet and caramelized, often making guests want seconds!
- The combination of honey and maple syrup makes this side dish taste indulgently candy-like but still healthy.
- Using fresh herbs and pomegranate arils adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich roasted flavors.
- For extra crunch, you can toast the sesame seeds lightly before adding.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled dishes, or vegetarian meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 153 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 493 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
