USA
New England Maple-Glazed Carrots
A simple, elegant dish highlighting sweet homegrown carrots paired with real maple syrup.
~25 mintotal~115 kcalper serving~1g protein~17g carbs~6g fat
Estimated. Worked out from the ingredients using the UK food composition tables, so treat it as a guide rather than a measurement. A typical recipe lands within about a quarter of the true figure. Makes about 4.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh carrots, sliced or whole
- 1–2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- Optional: fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, lemon zest
Cooking Steps
Prepare carrots
Wash well; peel if desired. Leave small carrots whole.
Sauté or roast
Sauté in butter OR roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Glaze
Drizzle maple syrup and toss. Cook another 5 minutes until caramelized.
Serve
Top with fresh herbs or lemon zest.
Optional Enhancements
- Savory: add garlic or soy sauce
- Citrus glaze: add orange juice
- Herb-roasted: toss with thyme or rosemary
- Spicy: add chili flakes or cayenne
Plant & Growing Tips
Carrots
- Direct sow in loose, sandy, stone-free soil.
- Plant early spring or late summer for fall crop.
- Keep moist during germination (1–3 weeks).
- Thin seedlings for straight, strong roots.
Maple Syrup
- Sugar maples grow in northern U.S. (Zones 3–7).
- Tapping occurs in late winter when days warm above freezing.
Natural Pest Control
- Carrot fly → row covers & strong-smelling companions (onions, garlic).
- Mulching reduces weeds & moisture stress.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers (causes excessive tops, small roots).
Harvest
Carrots
- Ready when tops look bushy, roots show bright color at crown, diameter ½–1 inch.
- Harvest gently using a fork to loosen soil.
Storing & Freezing
Raw carrots store 1–2 months in refrigerator. Cooked carrots keep 3–4 days. Freeze roasted carrots up to 3 months.
