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Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots

Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots
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Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots are a delightful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness and earthiness of fresh carrots through caramelization. Tossed with brown sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted to tender perfection, this easy recipe offers a rich, flavorful complement to a variety of main courses. Whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these carrots provide a healthy, vibrant, and irresistibly delicious addition to your meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh, firm carrots, washed and peeled
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (dark brown preferred for richer flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for herb finish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for spiced variation)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, as alternative to brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling after roasting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots to remove any dirt and skin. Cut them into even-sized sticks or rounds to ensure they cook uniformly and roast evenly.
  2. Season and Coat: In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrot pieces with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to lightly and evenly coat each piece so the sugar can melt and caramelize during roasting.
  3. Roast to Perfection: Spread the coated carrots evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through the cooking time. The carrots should be tender on the inside with golden, caramelized edges when ready.
  4. Optional Herb Finish: Once roasted, sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the carrots if desired. This adds a fragrant aroma and an additional layer of flavor that complements the sweetness.

Notes

  • Cut carrots to uniform sizes for even roasting and caramelization.
  • Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
  • Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to prevent steaming instead of roasting.
  • Turn carrots halfway through roasting for even color and texture.
  • Add fresh herbs after roasting to maintain their flavor and prevent burning.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep carrots slightly crisp, avoiding the microwave if possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar roasted carrots, caramelized carrots, roasted vegetables, easy side dish, healthy carrots, vegan side dish

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/brown-sugar-roasted-carrots/