If you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish that’s both healthy and flavorful, look no further than brown sugar oven roasted carrots. This simple recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be ready in under half an hour. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of roasting carrots and provide step-by-step instructions for making this tasty dish.
Why Roast Carrots?
Roasting is a simple cooking method that involves baking food in an oven at high heat. This technique is particularly well-suited to carrots, as it brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their texture. Roasting also helps to preserve the nutrients in carrots, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
To make brown sugar oven roasted carrots, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425┬░F.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced carrots with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Spread the carrots out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
- Serve the roasted carrots hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional brown sugar, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to slice the carrots into evenly sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the carrots to steam rather than roast.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the carrot mixture before roasting.
- If you’re short on time, you can also roast baby carrots whole for a quicker cooking time.
Variations
While brown sugar is a classic choice for roasted carrots, there are many other flavor combinations to explore. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Garlic and Parmesan: Toss the carrots with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil before roasting.
- Maple and Mustard: Mix together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, then coat the carrots in the mixture before roasting.
- Curry: Sprinkle the carrots with curry powder, cumin, and coriander before roasting for a savory, spicy twist.
Conclusion
Brown sugar oven roasted carrots are a simple yet delicious side dish that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you’re serving them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or vegetarian mains, they’re sure to be a hit with your dinner guests. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself just how tasty and nutritious roasted carrots can be.
