There’s something magical about beets—especially when they’re enveloped in a luscious orange maple glaze. I first stumbled upon this recipe during one of my many kitchen experiments. Let me tell you, I had a fridge full of beets just sitting there, and I was searching for a way to make them shine. This roasted beets with orange maple glaze recipe instantly stole my heart (and taste buds!). The sweet, citrusy glaze transforms the earthy flavor of the beets into a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that makes even beet skeptics believers.
What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. You can serve these beauties warm as a side dish, or let them cool and toss them in a salad for a pop of color and flavor. It’s like bringing a little piece of sunshine to your dinner table! Plus, the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delightful recipe!
What’s in Roasted Beets with Orange Maple Glaze?
- Beets: These vibrant root vegetables are the star of the show! I use fresh beets that are firm to the touch, which give the best flavor and texture after roasting.
- Olive oil: A little drizzle helps in roasting the beets and enhances their natural sweetness. I prefer a good quality extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor.
- Salt and pepper: A simple seasoning that brings out the earthiness of the beets. Don’t be shy with it—season to taste!
- Maple syrup: This golden sweetness is the backbone of our glaze. I love using pure maple syrup, as it gives depth and a wonderful caramel-like flavor.
- Orange: Both the juice and zest bring a delightful tanginess. I always choose organic oranges since we’re using the zest as well!
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash of this adds a lovely acidity to balance the sweetness of the glaze and brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley: This bright herb not only adds color but a fresh, peppery taste that complements the dish beautifully.
- Zest of 1 orange: This is purely for garnish, and it adds a fragrant finish to the roasted beets.
Is Roasted Beets with Orange Maple Glaze Good for You?
Absolutely! Beets are nutritional powerhouses, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re especially high in folate and manganese, which are great for supporting your overall health. The sweet maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness but also comes with minerals like zinc and potassium. However, if you’re watching your sugar intake, you could use a sugar substitute or a smaller amount of syrup without compromising the integrity of the dish. As for the olive oil, it provides heart-healthy fats.
But hey, let’s be honest: when you roast those beets and douse them in that fabulous glaze, you’re indulging in a little sweet decadence. So enjoy them in moderation and savor each delicious bite!
Ingredients List
- 4 medium beets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 orange (for juice and zest)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)
How to Make Roasted Beets with Orange Maple Glaze?
- First things first, preheat that beautiful oven of yours to 400°F (200°C). We want it nice and hot!
- Give those beets a good wash to remove any dirt. Trim the tops and tails (no one needs to munch on that!), then wrap each beet in aluminum foil. Place them on a baking sheet for easy handling.
- Roast the wrapped beets in your preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork glides in easily!
- Once they’re done, remove the beets from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle. Then unwrap and peel the skins off using your hands or a paper towel. They should come off without much fuss. Cut them into lovely wedges.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, juice from the orange, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly—this intensifies the flavor!
- In a large bowl, toss the roasted beet wedges with the warm orange maple glaze until they’re well coated. Oh my, this is going to be heavenly!
- To serve, place the glazed beets on a platter, drizzle any remaining glaze over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and some orange zest.
Sweet and Savory Tips
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for entertaining!
- For a twist, try adding some crumbled feta cheese on top for a salty contrast—trust me; it’s worth it!
- If you’re preparing this ahead of time, keep the glaze separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid sogginess.
I can’t stress enough how delightful these roasted beets with orange maple glaze are. They add a beautiful pop of color to any meal and elevate your dinner parties from ordinary to extraordinary. So, gather your ingredients, follow along, and make sure to tag me in your culinary creations! I can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed them!
