Description
Maple-glazed carrots with cinnamon and butter elevate humble root vegetables into a delightful side dish. Sweet maple syrup, rich butter, and warm spices create a memorable companion for hearty meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- ⅓ cup (76 grams / 2.68 oz) butter, cubed
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters / 2 fl oz) real maple syrup
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters / 2 fl oz) packed brown sugar
- 2 pounds (907 grams / 32 oz) baby carrots
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preparation: Distribute baby carrots evenly across the slow cooker base, creating a uniform layer that ensures consistent cooking.
- Seasoning: Generously coat carrots with salt and ground cinnamon, thoroughly massaging the spices to achieve complete flavor integration.
- Sweetening: Sprinkle brown sugar and drizzle maple syrup over the carrots, gently tossing to guarantee an even, glistening coverage that will caramelize during cooking.
- Butter Infusion: Strategically place butter cubes throughout the slow cooker, allowing them to melt and permeate the carrots with rich, velvety essence.
- Slow Cooking: Cover and simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours, developing a tender texture while maintaining a subtle firmness that preserves the carrots’ natural integrity.
- Glazing Technique: During the final 30 minutes, uncover and elevate heat to high, encouraging liquid reduction and creating a luxurious, glossy finish that intensifies the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Final Touch: If desired, transfer carrots to a serving dish and reduce remaining liquid in a saucepan, whisking until the sauce transforms into a smooth, decadent glaze that clings perfectly to each carrot.
Notes
- Optimize Layering: Ensure baby carrots are spread evenly in a single layer for consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Master Seasoning Technique: Thoroughly coat carrots with salt and cinnamon by gently tossing, preventing clumping and ensuring uniform taste in every bite.
- Control Liquid Reduction: Watch closely during the final 30 minutes to achieve the perfect caramelized glaze without burning the sugars.
- Elevate Final Presentation: Use the saucepan method to create a glossy, concentrated sauce that transforms the dish from good to gourmet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 38 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg