Maple-Glazed Carrots with Roasted Walnut Oil and Orange Zest

Maple-Glazed Carrots with Roasted Walnut Oil and Orange Zest

A luxurious side dish featuring tender roasted carrots glazed with maple syrup, the rich nuttiness of roasted walnut oil, and a bright pop of orange zest, perfect for any festive table.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if small
• 2 tablespoons roasted walnut oil, plus more for drizzling
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon orange zest, plus extra for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish:
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Toasted walnut pieces for extra crunch

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the Carrots:

   • Arrange the carrot sticks or whole carrots on the baking sheet. Drizzle with roasted walnut oil and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Roast the Carrots:

   • Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are just tender and starting to caramelize.

4. Make the Maple-Orange Glaze:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and orange zest.

5. Glaze the Carrots:

   • Remove the carrots from the oven and drizzle them with the maple-orange glaze. Toss gently to coat the carrots evenly in the glaze.

6. Finish Roasting:

   • Return the carrots to the oven and roast for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and the carrots are tender and caramelized.

7. Garnish & Serve:

   • Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving platter. Drizzle with a little extra roasted walnut oil for richness and sprinkle with fresh orange zest for a bright finish. Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted walnut pieces, if desired.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a subtle heat.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted poultry, ham, or as part of a vegetarian holiday spread.

The combination of nutty roasted walnut oil, sweet maple glaze, and vibrant citrus zest makes these carrots a standout side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!