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Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme Recipe

Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme Recipe

5.3 from 12 reviews

Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme is a simple and elegant side dish featuring tender carrots sautéed in butter and coated with a sweet and savory maple syrup glaze. Enhanced with fresh thyme and optional garlic, lemon juice, and pecans, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs carrots (peeled and sliced into sticks or left whole if small)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots: If using large carrots, peel and slice them into even sticks or rounds for uniform cooking. For baby carrots, leave them whole. Rinse the carrots thoroughly and pat them dry to prepare them for cooking.
  2. Sauté the Carrots: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the carrots and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and develop a slight golden color, ensuring they cook evenly.
  3. Add Maple Syrup and Thyme: Reduce the heat to medium-low and drizzle the maple syrup over the carrots. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat the carrots evenly with the aromatic flavors and sweetness.
  4. Cook Until Glazed: Continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender and the maple syrup thickens into a glossy glaze. For extra flavor, stir in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and, if desired, stir in lemon juice to add brightness. Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with additional thyme leaves or chopped pecans for added texture and presentation.

Notes

  • Use baby carrots for quicker cooking and a tender texture.
  • Adjust maple syrup according to your preferred level of sweetness.
  • Fresh thyme offers the best flavor, but dried thyme works well as a substitute.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple glazed carrots, glazed carrots with thyme, easy carrot recipe, maple syrup carrots, side dish carrots