Description
A delicious, sophisticated Roasted Carrots with Cranberries, Maple and Harissa: tender, caramelized carrots and tart cranberries coated in a spicy-sweet glaze. An ultimate side dish for holidays and entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.1 pounds (500 g) carrots, halved
- 1 cup (100 g) fresh cranberries
- 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 garlic clove, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup almond flakes, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Cranberries: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) conv. Toss cranberries with 1 tbsp maple syrup and orange zest; set aside.
- Make the Harissa Glaze: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, remaining maple syrup, harissa, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the carrots in the mixture.
- Roast Carrots: Arrange carrots on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
- Add Cranberries & Finish: Add cranberries for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Toast Almonds: Toast almonds in a dry pan until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Serve: Transfer carrots and cranberries to a platter and top with toasted almonds and fresh thyme.
Notes
- Harissa Level: Harissa paste spice levels vary greatly. Start with 2 teaspoons and increase 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Whisking
- Cuisine: North African Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Entire recipe (~4 servings total)
- Calories: ~880 kcal
- Sugar: ~70 g
- Sodium: ~750 mg
- Fat: ~47 g
- Saturated Fat: ~6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~39 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~108 g
- Fiber: ~20 g
- Protein: ~12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Roasted Carrots, Harissa Glaze, Cranberry Carrots, Maple Glaze, Holiday Side Dish, Fall Side, Spicy Carrots, Elegant Side, North African, Vegan Side