Delicious Roasted Carrots with Cranberries, Maple & Harissa: Your Ultimate Holiday Side

Harissa Maple Roasted Carrots are a truly delicious, vibrant, and incredibly sophisticated side dish that delivers a stunning balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Imagine tender, caramelized carrots and tart cranberries, all coated in a sticky maple-harissa glaze and finished with crunchy toasted almonds. This elegant vegetable dish is perfect for holiday entertaining or elevating any weeknight meal.

This recipe celebrates the art of sophisticated contrasts: the earthy sweetness of the carrots against the intense heat of the harissa, and the floral sweetness of maple against the tartness of cranberries. It proves that a simple vegetable side can be the most memorable part of your meal. You can visit our New York for more delicious recipes.

Why You’ll Love These Harissa Maple Roasted Carrots

Feature	Benefit
Complex Flavor	Perfectly balances sweet maple, spicy harissa, and tart cranberries.
Stunning Presentation	The vibrant colors and sticky, glistening glaze are perfect for holidays.
Healthy & Wholesome	A delicious way to enjoy nutritious root vegetables.
Textural Delight	Combines tender, soft carrots with crunchy almonds.
Effortlessly Easy	Simple toss-and-roast method requires minimal effort.

An Overview of Flavors and Textures

The Roasted Carrots with Cranberries, Maple and Harissa are a masterpiece of contrasting, warm flavors and satisfying textures.

The carrots are the foundation, roasting until they are wonderfully tender and deeply caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness. They are coated in a rich, sticky glaze made with maple syrup for warmth and floral sweetness, and harissa paste for a crucial, complex heat and subtle smokiness.

The fresh cranberries burst during the final minutes of cooking, adding pockets of tart, bright flavor that cuts through the sweetness and spice. Toasted almond flakes introduce an essential, savory crunch.

Aromatic thyme and orange zest infuse the glaze with bright, holiday fragrance. This Roasted Carrots dish is a truly addictive blend of sweet, spicy, tart, and crunchy notes.

The Star of the Show: The Maple-Harissa Glaze

While the roasted carrots are the body of the dish, the true defining characteristic and “star” of this Roasted Carrots with Cranberries, Maple and Harissa is the innovative Maple-Harissa Glaze. This blend is the secret to the dish’s sophisticated flavor profile. It masterfully combines the deep, sticky sweetness of maple syrup with the bold, smoky, and complex heat of harissa. This fusion creates a caramelized coating that is simultaneously sweet, savory, and spicy, ensuring that every bite of the tender carrot is layered with flavor. This unexpected duo is what elevates the dish from a simple roasted side to an unforgettable gourmet offering.

How to Make Your Roasted Carrots with Cranberries, Maple & Harissa

This recipe is simple and designed for efficiency. The key steps are preparing the flavorful glaze and managing the timing of the cranberries to prevent burning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Servings: 4–6 portions

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Component	Amount	Ingredient	Notes
For the Glaze & Carrots:	1.1 pounds (500 g)	Carrots	Halved
	60 ml (1/4 cup)	Maple syrup	Divided
	Zest of ½	Orange
	2 tbsp	Olive oil
	3 tsp	Harissa paste	Or to taste
	A few sprigs of	Thyme
	1 clove	Garlic, grated
	To taste	Salt and pepper
For the Topping:	1 cup (100 g)	Fresh cranberries
	¼ cup	Almond flakes	Toasted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Cranberries: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) without fan or 340°F (170°C) with fan. In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with 1 tablespoon of the maple syrup and the orange zest. Set aside.
2. Make the Harissa Glaze: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, the remaining maple syrup, harissa paste, grated garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Coat and Roast Carrots: Coat the carrots thoroughly in the harissa glaze mixture. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they are tender and caramelized.
4. Add Cranberries & Finish: For the last 5 minutes of cooking, scatter the pre-tossed cranberries (with maple syrup and zest) over and around the carrots. Continue to roast until the cranberries are slightly softened but not burst.
5. Toast Almonds: While the carrots finish, toast the almond flakes in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden.
6. Serve: Transfer the warm carrots and cranberries to a platter. Top immediately with the toasted almonds and extra fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Serve warm.

Expert Tips for Your Roasted Carrots

Category	Tip
Harissa Level	Harissa paste spice levels vary greatly. Start with 2 teaspoons and increase to 3 if you prefer significant heat.
Carrot Prep	Halve the carrots lengthwise or cut them into thick coins to ensure they roast evenly and caramelize nicely.
Cranberry Timing	Add the cranberries only in the last 5 minutes of roasting. This prevents them from burning while allowing them to soften and release flavor.
Serving Suggestion	Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, fish, or rich holiday mains.
Storage	Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Conclusion: Your Deliciously Easy & Sophisticated Side

The Roasted Carrots with Cranberries, Maple and Harissa are a true delight—a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that makes for an unforgettable side dish. With their complex glaze and festive colors, they are a dish that promises to impress every guest. Easy to prepare and stunning to present, this Roasted Carrots with Cranberries, Maple and Harissa recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is harissa paste?

Harissa is a hot chili pepper paste, often mixed with olive oil, spices (like cumin, coriander, and caraway), and garlic.1 It is widely used in North African cuisine for both heat and deep flavor.2

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen cranberries. Do not thaw them before tossing with the maple syrup and adding them to the oven.

What other nuts can I use?

Chopped walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts would all work well as a substitute for almond flakes. Ensure they are toasted.

How can I make this dish vegan?

The recipe is naturally vegan if you use maple syrup (instead of honey) and ensure the harissa paste you buy does not contain any added animal products.

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