Delicious Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries
If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy side dish to add to your holiday feast, look no further than maple roasted carrots with cranberries. This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The sweet and savory flavors of the maple syrup and roasted carrots perfectly complement the tartness of the cranberries, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table.
Ingredients for Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries
To make maple roasted carrots with cranberries, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs of carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 3 tbsp of olive oil
- 3 tbsp of maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/4 tsp of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions for Making Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries
Here’s how to make maple roasted carrots with cranberries:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until they are well coated.
- Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and beginning to caramelize.
- Remove the carrots from the oven and add the fresh cranberries to the baking sheet, tossing them with the carrots.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries have softened and released their juices.
- Remove the carrots and cranberries from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Benefits of Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries
Maple roasted carrots with cranberries offer a range of health benefits, making them a nutritious addition to your holiday meal. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, essential for maintaining good vision and a healthy immune system. Additionally, cranberries are packed with antioxidants and are known for their ability to support urinary tract health. By using maple syrup as a sweetener, this dish also provides a natural source of minerals like manganese and zinc.
Ways to Customize Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries
There are several ways to customize maple roasted carrots with cranberries to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and cozy flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to give the dish a more savory profile. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of cranberries, you can swap them out for dried cherries or raisins for a similar sweet and tart element.
Conclusion
Maple roasted carrots with cranberries are a delicious and healthy side dish that will add a pop of color and flavor to your holiday table. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this dish is the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. Plus, with its vegan and gluten-free credentials, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all your guests, no matter their dietary restrictions. Give this recipe a try and elevate your holiday feast with the sweet and savory goodness of maple roasted carrots with cranberries.
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