Imagine a side dish so delectable that it transforms humble carrots into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds. Our Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots are not just a recipe; they're a flavor explosion that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the rich, caramelized notes of maple syrup and the crunchy, toasted goodness of pecans. This simple yet sophisticated dish bridges the gap between everyday cooking and gourmet dining, proving that sometimes the most extraordinary flavors come from the simplest ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the baby carrots thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Place the carrots in a large saucepan and add enough water to just cover the carrots. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer the carrots for 8-10 minutes until they are tender but still have a slight crunch when pierced with a fork.
- While the carrots are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped pecans to the melted butter and toast them lightly, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and golden brown.
- Drain the cooked carrots completely, shaking off any excess water.
- Pour the maple syrup into the skillet with the toasted pecans and butter, stirring to combine.
- Add the drained carrots to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly with the maple-pecan glaze.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly and coat the carrots.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish, ensuring the carrots are evenly coated with the maple pecan glaze.
- Sprinkle with a final pinch of salt if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose the Right Carrots: Baby carrots work best for this recipe, but you can also use whole carrots cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don't Overcook: The key to perfect carrots is maintaining a slight crunch. Test with a fork and remove from heat as soon as they're tender but not mushy.
- Toast Pecans Carefully: Watch your pecans closely when toasting - they can burn quickly. Remove from heat as soon as they become fragrant and golden brown.
- Glaze Management: For a thicker glaze, let the maple syrup reduce slightly in the pan before adding carrots. This concentrates the flavor and creates a more luxurious coating.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the maximum flavor and texture contrast between the tender carrots and crunchy pecans.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the carrots and toast the pecans in advance, combining them just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
