Imagine a side dish so tantalizing that it turns ordinary carrots into a culinary masterpiece. Our Maple Cardamom Glazed Carrots are not just a vegetable—they're a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for the recipe! With the warm, exotic whispers of cardamom dancing with the rich sweetness of maple syrup, these carrots transcend the mundane and elevate your meal from simple to spectacular.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel the carrots, then slice them diagonally into uniform pieces approximately 1/2 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water and carefully add the sliced carrots.
- Blanch the carrots for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still retain a crisp texture. Be careful not to overcook.
- Drain the carrots in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright color.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly foamy and golden.
- Add the blanched carrots to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the ground cardamom over the carrots and stir to distribute the spice thoroughly.
- Pour the maple syrup over the carrots and increase the heat to medium-high.
- Cook the carrots, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until they are glazed and caramelized, with the maple syrup creating a rich, sticky coating.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with a light sprinkle of additional cardamom if desired.
- Serve hot as a delightful side dish that combines sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and flavor.
- Slice carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Don't skip the blanching step—it helps preserve the carrots' vibrant color and creates the perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Watch the heat carefully when glazing to prevent burning the maple syrup.
- Use real maple syrup for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- For extra depth, try toasting the cardamom briefly in the butter before adding carrots.
- Serve immediately for the most impressive presentation and optimal taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
