Maple roasted carrots with cranberries

Step 1

Set the oven to 170° C / 340° F fan forced (or 190° C / 375° F no fan) and line one large baking tray (or two smaller ones) with baking paper.

Step 2

Trim the green tops off the carrots (you can make pesto out of them or add them to soups) and cut carrots into halves lengthwise.

Step 3

Coat cranberries in 1 tbsp of maple syrup and mix in orange zest.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, 3 tbsp maple syrup, harissa paste, thyme leaves (about 1 tbsp), garlic, salt and a good pinch of black pepper.

Step 5

Coat dry carrots in the maple and harissa mixture (keep any leftovers) and space them out on a large baking tray,. If you have a large tray, place cranberries at the other end, if not use two separate trays.

Step 6

Roast for about 20-25 minutes, until carrots are tender and the exterior slightly caramelized and cranberries are soft and jammy. If cranberries are done sooner, remove them from the tray with a spatula and set aside. If you have any leftover carrot marinade, apply it with a brush again half way through the baking time.

Step 7

Toast almonds lightly in a hot pan until lightly browned and fragrant.

Step 8

Place roasted carrots and cranberries on a large serving platter. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and fresh thyme or finely chopped carrot tops (but go easy on them as they taste bitter).