Zesty Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots and Fennel Twist

Step 1

To begin, preheat your oven to a toasty 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and grab a baking sheet, lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2

Now, let's get those carrots ready - slice them diagonally into charming 1/4-inch pieces and arrange them at the heart of your baking sheet. Next, prepare the fennel by trimming the bottom and removing any leafy green parts. Halve the fennel bulb, then slice each half into delicate 1/4-inch pieces. Place these lovely fennel slices alongside the carrots on the baking sheet.

Step 3

For some flavor magic, sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and fragrant thyme over the veggies. Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil and give everything a gentle toss to ensure each piece is coated in deliciousness. Spread the veggies out in a cozy single layer on the baking sheet.

Step 4

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the veggies roast until they're tender, remembering to give them a gentle flip halfway through, which should take around 20 minutes. As the veggies near perfection, give them a sweet touch by drizzling with maple syrup and a sprinkle of zesty orange zest in the last 5 minutes. Toss everything gently to blend the flavors, then back into the oven it goes.

Step 5

Once the veggies are beautifully roasted, serve them immediately, perhaps garnishing with a sprinkle of extra orange zest for a burst of freshness. Enjoy this delightful dish straight from the oven!