Description
Sweet maple magic meets earthy carrots in this Canadian-inspired side dish. Glazed with pure maple syrup and toasted pecans, these carrots offer a perfect balance of caramelized richness and nutty crunch that will elevate your dinner plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally into ¼-inch thick pieces
- ½ cup (60 grams) pecans, coarsely chopped
Sweeteners and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Fat and Cooking Ingredient:
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Immerse sliced carrots in a simmering water bath, allowing them to become tender yet maintain a slight crispness. Carefully drain and set aside, preserving their vibrant color and texture.
- Transform the skillet into a canvas for a luscious maple symphony. Gently melt butter, introducing maple syrup and a whisper of cinnamon, creating a golden, aromatic elixir that promises depth and warmth.
- Reunite the carrots with the glistening maple mixture, coating each piece with a luxurious glaze. Season with salt and pepper, allowing the flavors to intertwine and intensify during a brief, gentle dance over medium heat.
- Awaken the pecans in a dry skillet, stirring them attentively until they release their nutty aroma and develop a delicate, toasted bronze hue. Exercise vigilance to prevent scorching these delicate morsels.
- Cascade the glazed carrots onto a serving platter, crowning them with the freshly toasted pecans. Their golden-brown fragments will provide a delightful crunch and rich, earthy undertones to the dish.
Notes
- Select fresh, firm carrots with vibrant orange color for the best flavor and texture.
- Use pure maple syrup instead of artificial flavors to create a rich, authentic sweetness.
- Choose whole pecans and chop them yourself for maximum crunch and fresher taste.
- Adjust cooking time carefully to prevent carrots from becoming too soft or mushy during boiling.
- Toast pecans slowly and watch closely to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that maintains delicious flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to enhance the warm, comforting spice profile of the dish.
- Cut carrots into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent glazing.
- Experiment with different nut options like almonds or walnuts for unique flavor variations.
- Reduce maple syrup for a lower-sugar version without compromising the delightful sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg