Maple mustard roasted carrots is a hardy and satisfying sweet and savoury winter vegetable side dish.
A Yuletide Feast
As the shortest day and longest night of the year approaches, we gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate Yule and welcome the winter season. Celebrated across many cultures, the Winter Solstice holds a dear place in the hearts of many. With warm candle light, garlands of evergreen, and a flaming Yule log, celebrate this Yuletide season with a lavish winter feast. Join us in raising a glass of cheer as welcome the coming of the light!
A roasted vegetable side
As the frost of winter settles in, we look to our cellars for the produce gathered during harvest. Hardy root vegetables are a winter staple. With a sweet and savoury glaze, these carrots are a delightful side for our Yuletide feast. Tangy mustard adds a punch of flavour while the sweet maple syrup caramelizes during roasting to create a delicious and balanced dish. With their elegant appearance, these roasted carrots are an easy yet impressive vegetable side dish, perfect for your winter menu.
Ingredients
Carrots: I like using slender carrots with green tops. Trim the greens, leaving a small part of the stem for aesthetics. If you are using large carrots, cut them into large batons so they will cook quicker.
Mustard: This recipe uses two kinds of mustard – Dijon and grainy mustard.
Maple syrup: Maple syrup adds sweetness and a slightly caramelized flavour to the carrots. You can substitute with honey if desired, although you may want to add a little less as it is sweeter than maple syrup.
How to make Maple Mustard Roasted Carrots
Make the glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the maple syrup, Dijon and grainy mustards along with the lemon juice, kosher salt, and pepper. Whisk until the glaze is fully emulsified and heated through.
Roast the carrots
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel the carrots and trim the green tops. Arrange the carrots on a baking sheet. Drizzle most of the glaze over the carrots, reserving 1 or 2 tablespoons for later. Toss the carrots in the glaze and then spread out on the baking sheet.
Roast the carrots for 30 to 35 minutes until tender. Check the carrots periodically to give them a stir and check that the glaze isn’t burning. If the glaze begins to darken but the carrots aren’t done, cover the baking sheet in foil and continue roasting.
Serve the Maple Mustard Roasted Carrots
The carrots are done when fork tender. Transfer the carrots to a serving platter and drizzle with the remaining glaze. Enjoy!
