Maple Glazed Carrots & Pistachio Sauce

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our extraordinary Baked Carrots, a masterpiece of flavors and textures that promises to delight every palate. These carrots are perfectly roasted, with a sweet and savory maple glaze, a hint of garlic, and fragrant thyme, enhancing their inherent sweetness. As if that weren't enough, they're crowned with crunchy, buttery pistachios for an irresistible finish. But the indulgence doesn't stop there – these delectable carrots are served with a luxurious white sauce infused with the rich and nutty essence of pistachios. This dish is a delightful celebration of seasonal produce and a true crowd-pleaser, whether for a special occasion or as a side to elevate your everyday meals.

Ingredients:

For the Roasted Carrots:

• 2 lbs (about 900g) fresh carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

For the White Sauce with Pistachios:

• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Roasted Carrots:

• In a large bowl, toss the carrot sticks or rounds with olive oil, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic, and maple syrup until well coated.

3. Roast the Carrots:

• Spread the seasoned carrots out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the carrots are tender and have a slight caramelization.

4. Prepare the Pistachio White Sauce:

• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely ground pistachios and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and lightly toasted.

• Pour in the heavy cream (or non-dairy cream for a vegan option) and continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

• Top with chopped pistachios

5. Serve:

• Arrange the roasted carrots on a serving platter, drizzle the pistachio white sauce over them, and sprinkle with the roughly chopped pistachios for added crunch and flavor.

These Baked Carrots with Thyme, Maple Syrup, Garlic, and Pistachios, served with a luscious pistachio white sauce, are a crowd-pleasing side dish that combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. They are perfect for any occasion and will add a touch of elegance to your meal. Enjoy!