The One-Ingredient Upgrade For Better Roasted Carrots - Tasting Table

"Carrots are one of the most perfect vegetables to make as a side dish. Aside from being easily available and inexpensive, carrots are a nutrition powerhouse loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are also quite versatile, compatible with a number of vegetables, fruit, spices and herbs. You can simply boil or steam for a quick side or dress up your carrots to turn them into the star of the meal. Most importantly, you'll be hard pressed to find someone who loathes carrots."

"Aside from its rich flavor and color, maple syrup is incredibly nutritious. Studies show that it contains important minerals like zinc, manganese, potassium, and calcium, as well as up to 24 different antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. It also has a lower glycemic index than sugar and is a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners. Added to the natural goodness of carrots, and you have a side dish that's not only super tasty and colorful, but also good for you."

"To make a basic glaze, all you need is a fat, a sweetener, and seasonings. Butter adds a silky, creamy texture, but you can use olive oil if you want to keep your glazed carrots vegan. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, then add the maple syrup, salt, and pepper, and stir until well mixed. You can leave small or young carrots whole, or slice them into coins or lengthwise down the middle if they are larger,"

Carrots offer versatility, affordability, and nutritional value, supplying vitamins, minerals, and fiber while pairing well with many fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs. Roasting with a simple glaze enhances their natural sweetness; maple syrup delivers rich flavor, color, minerals (zinc, manganese, potassium, calcium), and up to 24 antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and support immunity. Maple syrup also has a lower glycemic index than sugar and is preferable to artificial sweeteners. A basic glaze combines a fat (butter or olive oil), a sweetener (maple syrup), salt, and pepper; carrots can be left whole or sliced before tossing with the glaze for roasting.

Read at Tasting Table