Carrots are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. From raw to steamed to roasted, there are endless possibilities when it comes to preparing and serving this vibrant orange veggie. In this article, we’ll explore a delicious recipe for Maple Tarragon Roasted Carrots that is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering or weeknight dinner.
Growing up, cooked carrots were a staple at my family’s holiday meals. Whether it was Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, there was always some form of cooked carrots on the table. However, I found myself getting bored with the traditional steamed baby carrots and wanted to shake things up a bit. That’s when I stumbled upon this accidental recipe for Maple Tarragon Roasted Carrots.
The inspiration for this recipe came from my kids wanting to help out in the kitchen. I keep crinkle cutters on hand for them to safely chop veggies, and one day they decided to tackle a bag of carrots. After they had chopped up five pounds of carrots into crinkle slices, I knew I had to come up with a delicious recipe to make with them.
With some leftover maple syrup from a pecan pie, fresh tarragon from the turkey, and a pot of broth simmering on the stove, I threw together this simple yet flavorful recipe for oven roasted carrots. The combination of sweet maple syrup, aromatic tarragon, and savory broth created a dish that was a hit with the whole family.
Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural flavors and textures. It’s also a simple and hands-off cooking method that yields delicious results. I love throwing together a sheet pan of roasted veggies and protein for an easy one-pan meal. Brussels sprouts, root vegetables, and of course, carrots all work well for roasting.
For this recipe, I used regular orange carrots, but you could also use rainbow carrots or baby carrots if you prefer. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that complements the natural sweetness of the carrots, while the tarragon provides an herby and slightly licorice-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
To make Maple Tarragon Roasted Carrots, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 6-8 carrots, whole or sliced
– 1 ½ tablespoons melted butter, coconut oil, or extra virgin olive oil
– ½ tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Peel carrots and place them on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Mix together the oil, maple syrup, and tarragon in a small bowl. Toss the carrots in the mixture to coat them.
4. Roast for 15 to 25 minutes, or until fork-tender and caramelized but not mushy.
5. Remove from the oven, season to taste with salt and pepper, and garnish with additional tarragon.
These Maple Tarragon Roasted Carrots are perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Easter, but they’re also simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet maple syrup, aromatic tarragon, and caramelized carrots is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you prefer a steamed version of this dish, simply mix the ingredients with some broth and simmer the carrots until they are tender. This method creates a softer texture and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Whether you roast or steam your carrots, this recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. So next time you’re looking for a new side dish to serve at your holiday meal or weeknight dinner, give these Maple Tarragon Roasted Carrots a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
