Description
A healthy and hearty vegan dish featuring tender caramelized carrots and crispy roasted chickpeas drizzled with pure maple syrup. This easy-to-make recipe combines natural sweetness, smoky depth, and satisfying textures perfect as a side, snack, or main meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4–5 medium fresh carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
- Toasted sesame seeds or chopped walnuts
- Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar (a splash for finishing)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. Wash, peel, and cut the carrots into evenly sized sticks to ensure uniform roasting.
- Season the Carrots: In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated for perfect caramelization.
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and canned liquid. Pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel to ensure they become crispy when roasted.
- Combine and Roast: Add the dried chickpeas and maple syrup to the seasoned carrots in the bowl. Toss gently so the syrup and spices evenly coat both carrots and chickpeas. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to prevent steaming.
- Roast Then Stir: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to promote even browning and avoid burning on any side.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the carrots are fork-tender and chickpeas are crispy, remove from the oven. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or thyme and a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar before serving.
Notes
- Dry chickpeas well to ensure maximum crispiness instead of sogginess after roasting.
- Cut carrots evenly to promote uniform cooking and caramelization.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; spreading ingredients evenly helps roasting instead of steaming.
- Use pure maple syrup for authentic sweetness and perfect caramelization.
- Stir or shake the baking sheet halfway through cooking to encourage even browning and prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg