Maple Bacon Carrots are a delicious side dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the savory, smoky flavor of bacon, all enhanced by the deep, rich taste of maple syrup. Here’s a simple recipe to create this delightful dish:
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb (450g) carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
6 slices bacon
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Carrots:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
If your carrots are large, cut them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s partially cooked but not completely crispy. You want it to be flexible enough to wrap around the carrots.
Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain. Cut each slice in half or thirds, depending on the size of the carrots.
3. Wrap the Carrots:
Wrap a piece of bacon around each carrot slice. If the bacon doesn’t stick by itself, secure it with a toothpick.
4. Season:
Place the bacon-wrapped carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If using, drizzle with a little olive oil.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then, brush the carrots with maple syrup and return to the oven.
Continue to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the bacon is crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the carrots from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added color and a fresh flavor.
Serve hot as a delicious side dish to complement any main course.
TIPS:
Substitutions: For a lighter version, turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon. For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and roast the carrots with maple syrup, olive oil, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor.
Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of maple syrup based on how sweet you want the dish to be. A little goes a long way with the natural sugars in the carrots.
Enhancements: To enhance the dish, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg before baking, which complements the sweetness of the carrots and maple syrup.
Enjoy your Maple Bacon Carrots, a dish that’s sure to entice everyone at the table with its appealing blend of flavors and textures!
