Maple roasted carrots with cranberries

If you’re looking for a vibrant and delicious side dish that will wow your guests, look no further than maple roasted carrots with cranberries! This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. The sweet, caramelized carrots paired with the tangy burst of cranberries create a beautiful balance of flavors that’s perfect for festive gatherings or even busy weeknights.

What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can whip up something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy dinner at home, these maple roasted carrots with cranberries are sure to impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal chopping and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The sweet and tangy flavors make this dish a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the ingredients ahead of time so you can enjoy quality moments with family and friends.
• Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free: Everyone can enjoy this delightful side dish without any dietary worries.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need for your maple roasted carrots with cranberries:

For the Carrots

• 500 g / 1.1 lb / 17 oz medium young carrots, scrubbed clean
• 60 ml / ¼ cup maple syrup, divided
• 30 ml / 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tsp harissa paste, adjust to taste (strength varies!)
• A few sprigs of thyme or lemon thyme
• 1 clove of garlic, finely grated
• ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
• Black pepper, to serve

For the Cranberries

• 100 g / 3.5 oz fresh cranberries
• Zest of ½ large orange

For Topping

• 20 g / ¼ cup almond flakes

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Some Spice: If you want more heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Mix Up the Nuts: Swap almond flakes for chopped walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
• Incorporate Other Veggies: Toss in some parsnips or sweet potatoes for added texture and flavor.
• Sweeten It Up: Drizzle extra maple syrup over the finished dish if you prefer an even sweeter profile.

How to Make Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 170° C / 340° F fan forced (or 190° C / 375° F no fan). Lining one large baking tray (or two smaller ones) with baking paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!

Step 2: Prepare the Carrots

Trim the green tops off your cleaned carrots (don’t toss those tops; they make great pesto!). Cut each carrot in half lengthwise so they roast evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Coat the Cranberries

In a small bowl, coat your fresh cranberries in one tablespoon of maple syrup and mix in the orange zest. This step adds a lovely sweetness that pairs perfectly with the earthy carrots.

Step 4: Create the Marinade

In another bowl, combine olive oil, three tablespoons of maple syrup, harissa paste, thyme leaves (about one tablespoon), garlic, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients creates a flavorful marinade that will help caramelize your carrots.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Coat your dry carrot halves in the maple and harissa mixture. Spread them out on your baking tray. If you’re using a large tray, place cranberries at one end; otherwise, use two trays.

Step 6: Roast Away!

Pop everything into your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until the carrots are tender with slightly caramelized edges and cranberries are soft. If cranberries finish early, just scoop them out so they don’t overcook!

Step 7: Toast Those Almonds!

While your veggies roast, lightly toast almond flakes in a hot pan until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This adds an extra crunch!

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Once done roasting, place your beautiful carrots and cranberries on a serving platter. Sprinkle them generously with toasted almonds and fresh thyme or finely chopped carrot tops for a lovely finishing touch!

And there you have it—the perfect dish to brighten up any meal! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

Creating the perfect maple roasted carrots with cranberries is all about technique and a sprinkle of love! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Opt for bright, fresh carrots and plump cranberries; the quality of your ingredients directly affects the flavor and presentation of the dish.

• Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your taste preference and how sweet your carrots are, feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup. A touch more can enhance the caramelization!

• Watch the roasting time: Keep an eye on your carrots and cranberries as they roast. Ovens can vary, and you want them tender yet slightly caramelized, so check for doneness a few minutes early.

• Experiment with herbs: While thyme adds a lovely flavor, consider combining it with rosemary or sage for a different herbaceous twist that complements the sweetness of the dish.

• Add texture: For a delightful crunch, try including seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds along with almond flakes. They add both flavor and texture to your dish!

How to Serve Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

Serving your maple roasted carrots with cranberries can turn this simple dish into a stunning centerpiece! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or extra thyme leaves over the top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Zest: Finely grate additional orange zest on top just before serving. It adds brightness and enhances the citrus notes in the dish.
• Microgreens: For an elegant touch, finish off with microgreens, which will add both color and sophistication to your platter.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with cucumber, bell peppers, and a citrus dressing pairs perfectly with these sweet carrots, creating a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts complement the sweetness of the carrots beautifully; drizzle them with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
• Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous mixed with nuts and dried fruits provides a delightful textural contrast and rounds out the meal beautifully.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that balances well against the vibrant flavors of the roasted veggies.

Enjoy serving this delicious dish at your next gathering! Your guests will be delighted by its beautiful presentation and incredible flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

These maple roasted carrots with cranberries are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious side dish throughout the week. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or just looking to simplify your mealtime, this recipe fits the bill!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the roasted carrots and cranberries to cool completely.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Place cooled roasted carrots and cranberries in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 180° C / 350° F until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes).
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make maple roasted carrots with cranberries ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the carrots and cranberries ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What other vegetables can I use with maple roasted carrots with cranberries?

Feel free to experiment! Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even Brussels sprouts would complement the flavors beautifully.

How long do maple roasted carrots with cranberries last in the fridge?

These tasty treats can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I adjust the sweetness of maple roasted carrots with cranberries?

Yes! You can add more or less maple syrup based on your taste preferences. Just remember that the natural sweetness of both carrots and cranberries adds a lot of flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these maple roasted carrots with cranberries! They not only bring warmth and color to your table but also deliver a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, these veggies are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!