Maple roasted carrots with cranberries

If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your table, you’ve found it in these maple roasted carrots with cranberries. There’s something about the combination of tender carrots caramelized in maple syrup and tart cranberries that just warms my heart. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and the way it celebrates fresh ingredients. The natural flavors shine through, creating a comforting yet sophisticated addition to any meal. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious side ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the sweet and tangy flavor of maple roasted carrots with cranberries.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the ingredients ahead of time and roast them just before serving.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion where you want to add something special to your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this dish. You might even have some of them already in your pantry!

For the Roasted Carrots

• 500 g / 1.1 lb / 17 oz medium young carrots, scrubbed clean
• 30 ml / 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tsp harissa paste, adjust to taste (strength varies!)
• ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
• black pepper, to serve

For the Cranberry Mixture

• 100 g / 3.5 oz fresh cranberries
• 60 ml / ¼ cup maple syrup, divided
• zest of ½ large orange

For Garnish

• a few sprigs of thyme or lemon thyme
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• 20 g / ¼ cup almond flakes

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some easy ways to switch things up:

• Add Other Vegetables: Toss in some parsnips or sweet potatoes for extra flavor and variety.
• Change the Nuts: Swap almond flakes for walnuts or pecans for a different texture and taste.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of maple syrup or mix in some balsamic vinegar for tanginess.
• Herb Options: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique twist.

How to Make Maple roasted carrots with cranberries

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 170° C / 340° F fan forced (or 190° C / 375° F no fan) and line one large baking tray (or two smaller ones) with baking paper. Preheating ensures that our carrots will roast evenly and develop that lovely caramelization.

Step 2: Prepare the Carrots

Trim the green tops off the carrots—don’t toss them; they can be used later in pesto or soups! Cut each carrot in half lengthwise. This not only helps them cook faster but also allows more surface area for that delicious glaze.

Step 3: Coat the Cranberries

In a small bowl, coat your fresh cranberries with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and mix in the orange zest. This will enhance their natural tartness while adding a lovely citrusy note that complements our carrots perfectly.

Step 4: Create the Maple-Harissa Mixture

In another bowl, combine olive oil, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, harissa paste, thyme leaves (about 1 tablespoon), grated garlic, salt, and a good pinch of black pepper. This mixture is what gives our roasted carrots their amazing flavor—don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Coat and Arrange Carrots

Coat your dry carrot halves in the maple-harissa mixture until they’re well covered (keep any leftovers!). Space them out on your baking tray—this allows them to roast properly without steaming. If using a large tray, place cranberries at one end; otherwise, use separate trays.

Step 6: Roast Away!

Roast everything for about 20-25 minutes until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized while cranberries become soft and jammy. Keep an eye on those cranberries; if they finish cooking sooner than expected, remove them early so they don’t overcook!

Step 7: Toast Almonds

In a hot pan, lightly toast almond flakes until they’re browned and fragrant. This quick step adds crunch and enhances their nutty flavor—trust me; it’s worth it!

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Once everything is perfectly roasted, transfer your carrots and cranberries onto a large serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and fresh thyme or finely chopped carrot tops for an extra touch of flavor.

Enjoy these maple roasted carrots with cranberries as part of your next meal! They’re sure to bring smiles around the table!

Pro Tips for Making Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

Creating the perfect maple roasted carrots with cranberries is all about the right techniques and tweaks! Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, young carrots and plump cranberries will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Their vibrant colors also make for a gorgeous presentation!

• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Tray: Space the carrots out adequately on the baking tray to ensure they roast evenly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which won’t give you that lovely caramelization.

• Adjust Harissa According to Your Taste: Since harissa paste varies in heat, start with less if you’re unsure. You can always add more later, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal without it being too spicy.

• Keep an Eye on the Cranberries: Cranberries can cook quickly and turn mushy if left too long in the oven. It’s best to check them after 15 minutes; if they are soft, remove them early and let the carrots continue roasting.

• Experiment with Nuts: While almond flakes are delightful, feel free to swap them out for other nuts like walnuts or pecans. This not only changes up the flavor but adds a unique crunch that complements the dish beautifully.

How to Serve Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

Presenting your maple roasted carrots with cranberries can turn a simple side dish into a stunning centerpiece for your meal. Here are some ideas to make it shine!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley can brighten up the dish visually and add a pop of flavor.
• Zest: A little extra orange zest on top just before serving adds a refreshing aroma and enhances the citrus notes in the dish.
• Pomegranate seeds: For a burst of color and sweetness, scatter some pomegranate seeds over the top—it’s festive and adds a delightful crunch!

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs nicely with the sweetness of the carrots while adding protein and fiber.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts provide a wonderful contrast to the tender roasted carrots. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting for maximum flavor.

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the crunchy almonds in this dish perfectly and makes for a heartier meal option.

• Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous flavored with herbs is easy to prepare and provides a lovely base for serving your roasted veggies on top.

With these tips and serving ideas, your maple roasted carrots with cranberries will not only be delicious but also visually appealing—a true highlight at any dinner table! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for maple roasted carrots with cranberries is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it stores well so you can enjoy these delicious veggies throughout the week.

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

• Cool the roasted mixture completely before freezing.
• Place in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 180° C / 350° F.
• Spread the leftovers on a baking tray and cover with foil.
• Reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in a microwave-safe dish until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may come to mind while preparing this delightful dish!

Can I use different vegetables in my maple roasted carrots with cranberries?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes. Just adjust the roasting time as needed based on their size and type.

How do I make maple roasted carrots with cranberries spicier?

To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of harissa paste or adding red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with adding fresh chili peppers based on your spice preference!

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

Yes! This recipe is excellent for meal prep—just store leftovers properly or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Are maple roasted carrots with cranberries suitable for vegans?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect addition to any plant-based meal plan.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for maple roasted carrots with cranberries brings joy and warmth to your table! It’s not only a vibrant side dish but also a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Enjoy making this delightful dish, and don’t hesitate to share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!