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I stumbled upon honey-roasted carrots by accident one evening when I wanted to jazz up my regular side dish. They've now become my go-to signature accompaniment. Something magical happens when the honey caramelizes with garlic and thyme. Now my guests won't let me serve dinner without them.
A game-changing side dish
What I love about these carrots is their amazing contrast. The sweetness from honey works so well with the savory garlic, while thyme brings its aromatic touch. They go with everything - fish, meat, or even as part of a veggie meal. They turn ordinary dinners into something special.
Shopping list
- 800 g carrots: Go for medium-sized ones that are really fresh for even cooking.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Try thyme honey if you can find it - that's my hidden trick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Using quality oil really makes everything taste better.
- 3 garlic cloves: The fresher, the more flavorful they'll be.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: I grab some from my garden when it's growing.
- Salt and pepper: Add to your personal taste.
- Fresh parsley: It's the finishing touch that brings it all together.
Step-by-step cooking
- Getting the oven ready
- First, I heat it to 200°C and grab my favorite baking sheet with parchment paper on top.
- The crucial mix
- In a big bowl, I toss the carrots with oil, honey, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. I take my time making sure each carrot gets fully coated.
- The right arrangement
- I lay out the carrots in a single layer on the sheet - this is key for them to get that yummy caramelized edge.
- Oven transformation
- They need about 25-30 minutes to roast, with one flip halfway. I watch for that beautiful golden color.
- Serving them up
- I put them on a nice plate, sprinkle with parsley, and serve them while they're still hot.
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Tasty twists
When I want something with a kick, I add a tiny bit of cayenne pepper. For my vegan friends, I swap the honey for maple syrup, which tastes just as good. And if I'm feeling extra fancy, I throw in some toasted almonds right before serving - they add an irresistible crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the best way to cut carrots evenly?
- Slice carrots into same-size pieces, either sticks or rounds of similar thickness, so they all cook evenly.
- → Can these carrots be made ahead of time?
- Yes, prepare them earlier and reheat in the oven before serving. They’re also great warm or at room temp.
- → How do I know if the carrots are done?
- They’ll be tender when pierced with a fork and have lightly golden edges. A slight firmness adds texture.
- → What’s a good honey substitute?
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan version or with brown sugar for a classic twist. Both taste great!
- → What goes well with these carrots?
- They’re perfect with roasted meats, poultry, fish, or vegetarian options like lentils or chickpeas.