Welcome to My Kitchen: Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots
Hi there! If you’re looking for a side dish that is both sweet and savory, you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe. I absolutely love making these Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots! They are super easy to whip up, and you wouldn’t believe how delicious the combination of flavors is. Plus, they make your house smell wonderful while they roast! Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your regular meal rotation.
Nutritional Benefits of this Dish
You’ll be happy to know that this dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients! The apples bring in antioxidants, the carrots are full of beta-carotene (great for your vision), and the potatoes provide you with fiber and vitamin C. Plus, using maple syrup as a natural sweetener means you’re cutting back on refined sugars without sacrificing flavor. It’s a win all around!
Fun Variations to Try
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Herb Garden: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage if thyme isn’t your favorite.
- Sweet Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a sweet and spicy treat!
- Vegan Option: Just make sure to use maple syrup that’s 100% plant-based—it’s a fantastic vegan dish!
Easy-Peasy Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and sliced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 medium red potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced apples, carrot sticks, potato wedges, and onion wedges. Just looking at this colorful mix gets me excited!
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is combined nicely—this is where the magic happens!
- Pour this delicious mix over your veggies and apples. Get in there with your hands, and toss everything together until every piece is coated.
- Now, spread the mixture out on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleaning up a breeze later!
- Roast in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, giving it a good stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. The goal is to have everything tender and slightly caramelized.
- Once they are nice and golden, take them out of the oven and let them cool a bit. If you like, sprinkle on some extra fresh thyme for a pretty presentation.
- Enjoy this warm side dish alongside your favorite protein or as a comforting veggie meal!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- To save time, chop all your veggies in advance and store them in the fridge. You’ll be ready to roast in minutes!
- If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Want to reheat? Pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes to regain that caramelized texture, or microwave for a quick fix.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of the tools that will make this cooking process smooth and easy:
- A large mixing bowl for tossing everything together
- A smaller bowl for whisking the sauce
- A sharp cutting knife and a sturdy cutting board
- A large baking sheet lined with parchment paper (trust me, you’ll thank me later!)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- What if I don’t have Dijon mustard? You can use yellow mustard or even honey mustard, but the flavor will be a bit different.
- Do I have to peel the apples? You don’t have to! If you enjoy the skin, go ahead and leave it on—that adds extra fiber!
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add some red pepper flakes to your maple-Dijon mixture for that extra kick.
- Can I prepare this in advance? Yes! You can chop your veggies the night before and store them in the fridge; just add the sauce right before roasting!
Let’s Connect!
Did you try making these delicious Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots? I’d love to know how they turned out! Share your experience and any fun variations you tried. Follow me on Pinterest for more delightful recipes that will warm your heart and kitchen. Happy cooking!
