Maple roasted carrots with cranberries

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, then you’ll love these maple roasted carrots with cranberries. This recipe has become a favorite in my home, especially during the holiday season. The sweet maple syrup caramelizes beautifully on the carrots, while the tart cranberries add a delightful pop of color and flavor. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.

What I adore about this dish is how simple it is to make. Even on busy weeknights, I can whip up this vibrant side without a fuss. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a stunning side ready in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The sweet maple syrup paired with tart cranberries creates a delicious balance that will impress your guests.
• Healthy Goodness: Packed with nutrients, these roasted veggies are a wholesome addition to any meal.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive feast or a casual dinner, this dish fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Here’s what you need for the maple roasted carrots with cranberries:

For the 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!)
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
• black pepper, to serve

For the Cranberries

• 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
• 20 g / ¼ cup almond flakes

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Other Vegetables: Toss in some parsnips or sweet potatoes for added sweetness and variety.
• Try Different Nuts: Swap almond flakes for toasted pecans or walnuts for a different crunch.
• Use Honey Instead of Maple Syrup: If you’re not strictly vegan, honey works beautifully as a substitute.
• Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to give the dish an extra depth of flavor.

How to Make Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

Step 1: Preheat Your 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 even cooking and helps caramelize those lovely vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the Carrots

Trim the green tops off the carrots and cut them into halves lengthwise. This helps them cook evenly while allowing more surface area for that delicious glaze!

Step 3: Coat the Cranberries

In a small bowl, coat your cranberries in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and mix in the orange zest. This step enhances their natural sweetness and adds zesty flavor.

Step 4: Make the Marinade

In another bowl, combine olive oil, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, harissa paste, thyme leaves (about 1 tablespoon), garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well; this marinade will impart amazing flavors to our carrots.

Step 5: Prepare to Roast

Coat the dry carrots in your maple and harissa mixture (saving any leftovers). Space them out on your baking tray. If there’s room on one tray, place cranberries at the other 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 turn soft and jammy. If your cranberries finish sooner, simply remove them from the tray so they don’t overcook.

Step 7: Toast Those Almonds

While everything roasts away, toast your almond flakes lightly in a hot pan until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This adds an irresistible crunch!

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Once done roasting, arrange your beautiful carrots and cranberries on a large serving platter. Top it all off with those toasted almonds and fresh thyme or finely chopped carrot tops if you’d like! Enjoy this delightful dish warm as part of your meal!

Pro Tips for Making Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

Creating the perfect dish can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with a few helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to a delicious success!

• Choose fresh ingredients: Opt for vibrant, firm carrots and bright red cranberries. Fresh produce not only enhances flavor but also adds beautiful color to your dish.

• Adjust harissa to taste: Harissa can vary in heat intensity; start with less, and taste as you mix. This way, you can ensure the dish isn’t too spicy for sensitive palates.

• Don’t crowd the tray: Space out the carrots on the baking tray to allow even roasting. Crowding can lead to steaming rather than caramelizing, which affects the final texture and flavor.

• Use leftover marinade wisely: Brush any remaining marinade onto the carrots halfway through cooking. This extra layer of flavor will enhance their sweetness and depth.

• Toast almonds just before serving: Toasting almonds right before serving keeps them crunchy and flavorful. Adding them warm to your dish will create a delightful contrast in texture.

How to Serve Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

Presentation is key when serving this vibrant dish! Consider arranging it on a lovely platter to highlight the colorful carrots and cranberries.

Garnishes

Garnishing elevates your dish’s appearance and adds an extra layer of flavor:
* Fresh thyme: A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves complements the earthy flavors beautifully.
* Finely chopped carrot tops: Use sparingly for a pop of green that adds freshness without overwhelming the dish.
* Orange zest: Add a touch more orange zest just before serving for a burst of citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair your maple roasted carrots with these delightful sides for a complete meal:
* Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast while keeping it wholesome.
* Roasted sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness echoes the flavors of the carrots, creating harmony on your plate.
* Green bean almondine: Crisp green beans tossed with toasted almonds offer crunch and color, making them an ideal complement.
* Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy dressing adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the carrots.

With these tips and pairing suggestions, your Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries will be a stunning centerpiece at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These maple roasted carrots with cranberries are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the roasted carrots and cranberries to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• For best results, freeze the carrots and cranberries separately.
• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the carrots and cranberries on a baking tray and warm them in a preheated oven at 180° C / 350° F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making maple roasted carrots with cranberries!

Can I use other vegetables with maple roasted carrots with cranberries?

Absolutely! Root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes pair beautifully with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I enhance the flavor of maple roasted carrots with cranberries?

Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist. A splash of balsamic vinegar before roasting can also elevate the flavor profile!

What is the best way to serve maple roasted carrots with cranberries?

These carrots are a fantastic side dish for holiday meals, but they also make a lovely addition to grain bowls or salads!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these maple roasted carrots with cranberries as I was when I first made them! Their sweet and savory balance truly makes this dish special, whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy making them, and don’t forget to share your experience! Happy cooking!