Maple Chipotle Roasted Carrots Recipe – Easy Garlic Glaze

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Maple Chipotle Roasted Carrots Recipe – Easy Garlic Glaze

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s become a total weeknight staple in my kitchen. Seriously, these Maple Chipotle Roasted Carrots are so good, even carrot-haters ask for seconds! They’re sweet, smoky, and have just the right amount of kick. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make. Let’s get roasting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your grandma’s boiled carrots (no offense, Grandma!). Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, and the maple chipotle glaze takes them to a whole new level. It’s a flavor combination that’s surprisingly addictive. They’re perfect as a side dish, a vibrant addition to a vegetarian meal, or even a healthy snack. Honestly, I sometimes just eat them straight off the baking sheet!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing roasted carrots:

• 1 lb baby carrots (about 450g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30ml)
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder (1.25ml)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (1.25ml)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5ml)
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (0.6ml)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (7g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients. The chipotle powder and smoked paprika are a dream team for adding a lovely smoky depth. Don’t be scared of the chipotle – it adds warmth, not overwhelming heat!

I love using maple syrup as a natural sweetener. It complements the smokiness beautifully. You could use honey or agave nectar if you prefer, but maple syrup really shines here. Using good quality olive oil also makes a difference – it adds a lovely richness to the glaze.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, and maple syrup. This is the base of our delicious glaze.
3. Now, add the chipotle powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Give it another good whisk to combine everything.
4. Place the baby carrots in a ziplock bag (or a large bowl). Pour the marinade over the carrots and seal the bag (or toss in the bowl). Make sure every carrot is nicely coated.
5. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This is important for even roasting!
6. Roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. You want them tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Once they’re done, garnish with sesame seeds, pomegranate arils, and chopped cilantro. The pomegranate adds a lovely burst of freshness! Serve immediately and enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! If you have too many carrots, use two baking sheets. Overcrowding will steam the carrots instead of roasting them.
• Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time. Ovens vary, so they might need a little less or a little more time.
• For extra caramelization, you can broil the carrots for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch them very carefully to prevent burning!

Variations

• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just ⅛ teaspoon of chipotle powder. For a real kick, add up to ½ teaspoon! My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper too.
• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your maple syrup to ensure it’s 100% pure.
• Alternative Root Vegetables: Feel free to swap out some of the carrots for other root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or beets. They all roast beautifully with this glaze. My family loves a mix of carrots and parsnips.

Serving Suggestions

These Maple Chipotle Roasted Carrots are incredibly versatile. They’re fantastic with:

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Roasted chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian meal
• A simple quinoa salad
• As a side to a hearty lentil soup

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re still delicious cold, but you can also reheat them in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

• What’s the best way to ensure the carrots roast evenly? Make sure they’re in a single layer on the baking sheet and stir them every 10 minutes.
• Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of maple syrup? Yes, you can! Honey or agave nectar are good substitutes.
• How can I adjust the smokiness of the carrots? Adjust the amount of smoked paprika. More paprika = more smokiness!
• What if I don’t have chipotle powder? What can I substitute? You can use a pinch of cayenne pepper and a little extra smoked paprika. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
• Can these carrots be made ahead of time? You can marinate the carrots a few hours in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast.