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Flavorful Honey Roasted Carrots with Pecans

honey roasted carrots with pecans - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring sweet honey-glazed carrots roasted with fresh thyme and crunchy pecans, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or chunks
  • 3 tablespoons (60 ml) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (about 68 sprigs) fresh thyme leaves
  • ½ cup (60 grams) pecans, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Peel 1.5 pounds (680 grams) of carrots and cut them into sticks about 3-4 inches long and ½ inch thick.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, 3 tablespoons (60 ml) honey, ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt, and ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat each piece thoroughly.
  4. Add fresh thyme leaves stripped from 6-8 sprigs (about 2 tablespoons) and toss gently again to distribute the herb.
  5. Spread the carrots on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they have space to roast evenly.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Halfway through (around 10 minutes), pull out the pan and stir the carrots to promote even browning. Add the chopped pecans (½ cup / 60 grams) at this stage to toast gently without burning.
  7. Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes until carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, and pecans are golden.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

If honey is too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds before mixing. Stir carrots halfway through roasting to ensure even caramelization. Add pecans halfway through roasting to prevent burning. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can replace pecans for nut-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey roasted carrots, pecans, healthy side dish, easy side recipe, roasted vegetables, fresh thyme, gluten-free, vegan option