Tender carrots are glazed in a luscious maple syrup sauce and topped with crunchy toasted pecans, making this dish a perfect accompaniment to any meal, especially during the holiday season.
2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally into 1/4-inch thick pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Cook the Carrots:
Place the sliced carrots in a large skillet or saucepan.
Add enough water to just cover the carrots and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the carrots are just tender but not mushy.
Drain the carrots and set them aside.
Prepare the Glaze:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the maple syrup and ground cinnamon (if using), and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
Glaze the Carrots:
Return the cooked carrots to the skillet with the maple syrup mixture.
Add the salt and pepper, and stir well to ensure the carrots are evenly coated with the glaze.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are heated through and nicely glazed.
Toast the Pecans:
While the carrots are glazing, place the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat.
Toast the pecans for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them.
Serve:
Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish.
Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations: For added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange juice to the glaze.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can cook the carrots and prepare the glaze in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the glaze, add the carrots, and proceed with the recipe from step 3.
Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and makes a festive addition to holiday meals.
Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/maple-pecan-glazed-carrots/