Description
This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining tender roasted carrots and apples with a rich maple syrup and mustard glaze. Perfect as a flavorful side dish, it features aromatic thyme and a hint of garlic that elevate its comforting taste. Roasting at high heat caramelizes the ingredients, creating a beautifully glazed and tender medley.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Fruits
- 4 large carrots (about 1 pound), sliced on the bias into ¼” thick pieces
- 3 large apples (about 1 pound), cored and chopped into ½” cubes
- 1 onion, diced into ½” pieces
- 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
Glaze and Seasonings
- ¼ cup olive oil (or aquafaba as substitute)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons stone ground Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Core the apples and chop them into ½-inch cubes to ensure even roasting and tender bites.
- Slice Carrots: Cut the carrots on the bias into ¼-inch thick slices to allow them to roast evenly and caramelize well.
- Dice Onion: Chop the onion into ½-inch pieces to blend flavors during roasting.
- Chop Garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves for maximum flavor infusion; if using garlic powder, it will be added later.
- Make the Glaze: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, stone ground Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and thyme to create a well-balanced sweet and savory glaze.
- Toss Ingredients: Add the prepared carrots, apples, onions, and garlic to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat every piece with the glaze.
- Initial Roasting: Spread the mixture on a roasting pan and roast at 425°F for 15 minutes, allowing the side in contact with the pan to brown and start caramelizing.
- Flip and Continue Roasting: Flip the mixture over to brown the other side and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze is beautifully caramelized.
Notes
- Using aquafaba instead of olive oil provides a lighter texture and a vegan alternative.
- Roast at high heat (425°F) to achieve excellent caramelization and flavor development.
- Flipping the mixture halfway ensures even browning on all sides.
- Adjust garlic quantity or substitute with garlic powder for convenience.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or can be served as a hearty vegetarian side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: roasted carrots, roasted apples, maple dijon glaze, side dish, vegetarian, autumn recipe
