Ingredients
- Carrots (1 lb): Choose medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick rounds. Fresh carrots offer the best sweetness and vibrant color for this dish.
- Potatoes (1.5 lbs): Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes. These varieties hold their shape well during roasting and have a naturally buttery flavor that complements the glaze.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits. It helps the vegetables roast beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Use a good quality honey. The honey provides the signature sweetness and creates a beautiful, glossy glaze as the vegetables roast.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Dijon mustard adds a touch of tangy complexity that balances the sweetness of the honey and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Dried thyme provides a warm, earthy aroma and flavor that pairs perfectly with carrots and potatoes, adding depth to the dish.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Garlic powder offers a savory base note that complements the other flavors and adds a subtle aromatic touch.
- Salt (to taste): Kosher salt or sea salt is recommended to enhance the flavors of the vegetables and balance the sweetness.
- Black Pepper (to taste): Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and complexity, complementing the other seasonings.
- Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish): Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous note as a final garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare the vegetables. Wash and peel the carrots. Cut them into 1-inch thick rounds. Scrub the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the vegetables are cut to roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Combine Vegetables with Oil and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the prepared carrots and potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring all the vegetables are lightly coated. Sprinkle with dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly with your hands or a large spoon to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This step is crucial for flavor distribution and even roasting.
- Prepare the Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and Dijon mustard until well combined. The Dijon mustard will help to emulsify the honey and add a depth of flavor that isn’t just pure sweetness. Set aside the honey glaze mixture.
- Roast the Vegetables: Spread the seasoned carrots and potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the vegetables to steam rather than roast, resulting in less browning and less caramelized edges. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure even roasting.
- Initial Roasting: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes. Roasting initially without the glaze allows the vegetables to soften and develop some color before the honey is added, preventing the honey from burning.
- Add Honey Glaze: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Pour the honey-Dijon glaze evenly over the roasted vegetables. Toss gently to ensure the vegetables are coated with the glaze. Try to distribute the glaze evenly so every piece gets a touch of sweetness.
- Continue Roasting with Glaze: Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue to roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and beautifully glazed. Keep an eye on the vegetables during this stage to prevent the honey glaze from burning. The glaze should be caramelized and sticky, coating the vegetables.
- Broil for Extra Caramelization (Optional): For extra caramelization and color, you can broil the vegetables for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a very close watch to prevent burning, as honey can burn quickly under the broiler. Broiling adds a wonderful depth of flavor and visual appeal.
- Rest and Garnish: Once roasted to your liking, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the honey glazed carrots and potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the glaze to set slightly and the flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Honey Glazed Carrots & Potatoes hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main course. They are best enjoyed immediately while warm and the glaze is still sticky and delicious.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g