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Maple Glazed Carrots

These carrots are cooked until tender and caramelized in a buttery maple glaze, resulting in a dish that’s both sweet and savory with a glossy, slightly sticky finish. The process involves sautéing, caramelizing, and seasoning to highlight the earthy sweetness of carrots, culminating in a comforting yet sophisticated side dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large carrots peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
  • 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing and glazing
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup adds sweetness and caramelization
  • a pinch sea salt to enhance flavor
  • a dash black pepper for subtle heat

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Peeler
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Peel the carrots using a peeler and cut them into sticks or rounds, depending on your preference.
  2. Place a skillet over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt and start to foam with a fragrant aroma.
  3. Add the prepared carrots to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them evenly in the melted butter. Listen for a sizzle and watch for the carrots to start softening and turning a light golden color, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Pour in the maple syrup, stirring continuously to coat the carrots evenly. The syrup will start to bubble and thicken as it begins to caramelize, creating a glossy glaze.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken further and develop a rich, sticky consistency. You may hear a gentle crackle as the syrup caramelizes.
  6. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt and a dash of black pepper over the carrots, stirring to distribute the seasoning evenly. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the carrots are tender but still hold their shape.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. The carrots should be shiny, slightly sticky, and bursting with sweet and savory aroma, ready to serve.

Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before serving. To brighten the dish, a splash of vinegar can be added during the final cooking stage.