Honeyglazed Roasted Carrots with Thyme
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy jazzing up your veg? Ever wondered how to make sweet roasted carrots actually exciting? These honey glazed carrots are not just any roasted vegetables side dish , they're an absolute game changer.
Why This Recipe Rocks!
This isn't your boring old carrot dish. Forget mushy boiled carrots! We're talking about something special here. It's the perfect roasted carrot side dish .
They are easy roasted carrots , elevated with a delicious honey thyme glaze! Expect tender carrots, oozing with a subtle sweetness and a thyme aroma.
Basically, it's carrot perfection.
Getting to Know Our Star Veggie
Carrots have been around forever. Did you know that purple carrots were a thing before orange ones? We are making caramelized carrots with honey and thyme.
This is a simple, easy roasted carrots recipe . Prep takes about 10 minutes, and cooking is done in 25-30. This roasted carrots recipe serves four.
Sweet Benefits, Sweet Carrots
Honestly, carrots are great for you. They’re packed with vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. These balsamic roasted carrots are also a fantastic addition to any Sunday roast.
Or even a midweek meal when you're feeling fancy. This recipe transforms a humble vegetable into something truly special. These are the sweet glazed carrots everyone will rave about.
A truly simple roasted carrots recipe.
Alright, let's talk carrots! You know those sad, boiled carrots your mum used to make? This is the total opposite! We're making sweet roasted carrots so good, you'll actually crave them.
Trust me, even carrot skeptics will be converted.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's get down to business. You'll be surprised how few bits you need for this easy roasted carrots recipe.
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) carrots, peeled and chopped. Bigger carrots work best.
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil. Extra virgin, obviously!
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey. Runny honey is ideal.
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar. Adds a lovely tang.
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh thyme. Fresh is best , but dried works in a pinch.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt. Sea salt is my go-to.
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper. Freshly ground, please!
For the carrots, look for firm, brightly coloured ones. Avoid any that are bendy or have lots of blemishes. Seriously, the better the carrots, the better the dish.
We're going for the perfect caramelized carrots today!
Seasoning Notes
Thyme and honey? Oh my gosh! It's a match made in heaven. Balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the earthiness of the carrots.
Want to mix things up? A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a little kick. No thyme? Rosemary works a treat.
For a sweet glazed carrots finish, don't skimp on the honey!
Equipment Needed
Honestly, you don't need much.
- A big bowl. For tossing all that goodness.
- A baking sheet. The bigger, the better for even roasted vegetables side dish .
- Parchment paper. Optional, but saves on washing up.
Don't have parchment? No worries. Just grease the baking sheet. I've done it loads of times. So this is our special Honey glazed carrots .
Get ready for the best Roasted carrot side dish you've ever had! It will easily become a Roasted carrots recipe favorite.
You can even call it Thyme roasted carrots , Balsamic roasted carrots or Simple roasted carrots .
Transform Your Carrots: The Magic of Roasting
Honestly, who gets excited about carrots? I didn't, until I discovered the secret to sweet roasted carrots . This roasted carrots recipe is a game changer.
It's so simple, even I can't mess it up! Let's face it, we all need a reliable roasted vegetables side dish in our repertoire.
And this one's a winner.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place
First, peel and chop your carrots. Aim for 1 inch pieces. This ensures even cooking. Trust me, you don't want some carrots crunchy and others mushy.
Gather the other ingredients. Have everything measured and ready to go. This essential mise en place saves you time and stress.
step-by-step to Carrot Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . This is crucial!
- Chop 1.5 lbs of carrots into 1 inch pieces.
- Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil , 2 tablespoons honey , 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar , 1 tablespoon thyme , 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl.
- Add the carrots and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Roast for 25- 30 minutes , flipping halfway.
- They should be tender and slightly caramelized .
Pro Tips and Tricks for Honey glazed carrots
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet! Spread the carrots in a single layer. This allows for proper caramelization . Use good quality honey for the best flavour.
Local honey is amazing. Avoid burning your carrots. They should be tender, not charred. You can even try balsamic roasted carrots for a more tangy flavour.
Don't forget to get some fresh thyme.
These easy roasted carrots are a total crowd pleaser. I mean, who doesn't love sweet glazed carrots ? Plus, they make a fantastic roasted carrot side dish .
So next time you're looking for a simple and flavourful side, give this simple roasted carrots recipe a go. You won't regret it! You know, cooking is kind of like a party.
The more flavours you bring in, the merrier it is!.
Recipe Notes
These sweet roasted carrots are more than just a side. They are a flavour bomb! Let's dive into some helpful notes. They'll help you nail this roasted carrots recipe every time.
Serving Suggestions
Want to wow your guests? Arrange the honey glazed carrots artfully on a platter. Sprinkle with fresh thyme. A drizzle of extra honey adds shine! Pair these beauties with roasted chicken or pork.
They are also fab with a hearty lentil stew. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the caramelized carrots perfectly.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them.
Pop them in a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet. Warm them in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven.
Microwaving works too. Just don't expect the same caramelized magic.
Variations
Fancy a twist? Swap the honey for maple syrup for a vegan version. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
For a seasonal change, try balsamic roasted carrots in autumn. Use parsnips or sweet potatoes alongside the carrots. This makes a colourful roasted vegetables side dish .
Nutrition Basics
These easy roasted carrots are packed with goodness. They are a great source of vitamin A and fiber. Carrots are also rich in antioxidants.
Honey provides a natural energy boost. Thyme adds a touch of herbal goodness. Each serving is around 160 calories. It is a guilt free way to enjoy a sweet glazed carrots side.
Honestly, these thyme roasted carrots are foolproof. Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices. The key is to roast them until they are tender and caramelized .
You will achieve that sweet roasted carrots magic. Happy cooking, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my sweet roasted carrots to actually caramelize and not just steam?
Ah, the million dollar question! To get that beautiful caramelization, make sure you're not overcrowding the baking sheet. Give those carrots some breathing room! Also, roasting at a higher temperature (around 400°F/200°C) helps evaporate moisture and promotes browning.
Don't be afraid to flip them halfway through to ensure even caramelization on all sides; like a perfectly bronzed beach bum.
Can I make sweet roasted carrots ahead of time?
You can certainly prep the carrots by peeling and chopping them a day or two in advance and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. However, for the best texture and flavour, it's best to roast them closer to serving time.
If you do roast them ahead, gently reheat them in a warm oven or skillet before serving just don't overdo it, or they'll turn to mush like overcooked sprouts!
What are some good variations for these sweet roasted carrots? I'm looking to spice things up a bit!
Fancy a twist? You could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey glaze for a subtle kick - a bit of oomph, as they say. Maple syrup makes a great substitute for honey for a vegan option, or you could experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavours.
My kids are fussy eaters. Are these sweet roasted carrots likely to be a hit?
The sweetness of the honey glaze often makes these carrots a winner with picky eaters. It's like a healthy candy! Make sure the carrots are cooked until tender, as nobody likes a crunchy carrot when they're not expecting it.
Cutting them into fun shapes can also help think carrot "fries" or "coins." Good luck even Paddington Bear would approve of this marmalade esque veg!
How long do leftover sweet roasted carrots last, and what's the best way to store them?
Leftover roasted carrots will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, you can either warm them gently in the oven, microwave them (though they might lose a bit of their crispness), or toss them in a skillet with a little oil.
They're great added to salads, grain bowls, or even as a side with eggs for breakfast!
Honeyglazed Roasted Carrots With Thyme
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 160 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |