Name: Spicy Maple Roast Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 Dutch carrots, scrubbed clean and tops trimmed (keep 2cm/1″ of tops for looks); OR 600 g / 1.2 lb regular carrots (5 medium), peeled, cut into quarters; 3 tbsp maple syrup (or 2 1/2 tbsp honey); 2 tbsp sriracha; 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 400 g / 14 oz can chickpeas, drained but not dried; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1/2 tbsp sriracha; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/2 tsp garlic, finely grated; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt; 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander/cilantro leaves (substitute parsley if desired); 3 tbsp toasted pistachios, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 39 reviews

If you’re looking to infuse your dinner routine with an explosion of flavor and a perfect balance of sweet heat, you absolutely cannot miss the Spicy Maple Roast Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce Recipe. This dish takes humble carrots to a whole new level, glazing them in a beautifully spicy maple sauce that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. Paired with crispy, smoky chickpeas and a cooling lemon garlic yogurt sauce, it’s a vibrant, wholesome dish that pleases both the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving an exciting veggie-forward meal, this recipe will quickly become your favorite go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a metal baking tray filled with a single layer of small, round, roasted chickpeas that are golden brown and slightly crispy, scattered unevenly across the tray’s surface with a few chickpeas near the edges, the texture of the chickpeas showing a crunchy and dry outer coating, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet each one plays an essential role: from the natural sweetness and texture of the carrots to the rich tang of the yogurt sauce and the satisfying crunch of chickpeas. Together, they create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.

Carrots: Choose Dutch carrots for a pretty presentation with leafy tops or regular carrots peeled and quartered for a rustic, hearty bite.
Maple syrup: Provides the perfect natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
Sriracha: Adds a kick of spicy heat, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Olive oil: Keeps the carrots and chickpeas luscious and helps with roasting for crispness.
Salt & black pepper: Enhance every layer of flavor while balancing sweetness and spice.
Chickpeas: The star of the crispy component, these add a protein-packed crunch and smoky undertones.
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder: Spice blend for chickpeas that delivers warmth and depth.
Plain yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy sauce that cools the palate and complements the spiced elements.
Garlic & lemon juice: Add zest and punchiness to brighten the yogurt sauce wonderfully.
Fresh coriander/cilantro & toasted pistachios: Garnishes that bring freshness, nutty crunch, and visual appeal.

How to Make Spicy Maple Roast Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Start by scrubbing the carrots clean and trimming their tops — keeping about one inch for a rustic look if using Dutch carrots. If you’re opting for regular carrots, peel and quarter them lengthwise to ensure even roasting and a tender finish with crispy edges. The size difference will help the maple glaze stick beautifully for that glossy, caramelized coating.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Maple Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, sriracha, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This sauce is the heart of the dish, where sweetness meets vibrant spice. Don’t be shy with the sriracha if you like more heat — it’s all about your personal preference. Toss the carrots in this mixture until each piece feels irresistibly sticky and coated.

Step 3: Roast the Carrots

Spread the coated carrots out on a roasting tray lined with parchment paper. Roast them in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 25-30 minutes or until they’re tender and beautifully caramelized. Keep an eye out for that perfect golden hue, which signals that the spicy maple glaze has transformed into a sticky, flavorful crust.

Step 4: Prepare Crispy Seasoned Chickpeas

Drain a can of chickpeas well, but don’t dry them completely — a little moisture helps with crisping. Toss the chickpeas in olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Scatter them on another baking tray and roast alongside the carrots for about 25-30 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure they get evenly crispy and smoky tasting. These crunchy chickpeas add an addictive texture contrast.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While your carrots and chickpeas are roasting, mix plain yogurt with finely grated garlic, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt. This sauce is refreshingly tangy and cooling, balancing the spicy-sweetness with creamy citrus notes. Make sure the garlic is finely grated to infuse without overpowering.

How to Serve Spicy Maple Roast Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Finish this gorgeous dish by sprinkling freshly chopped coriander or parsley for a bright herbaceous note, and add some toasted pistachios on top. The nuts bring a lovely crunch and a buttery richness that makes each bite feel luxurious and layered with flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish can shine as a main vegetarian course or a stunning side. Serve it alongside fluffy couscous, fragrant quinoa, or even a chilled grain salad to soak up the flavors. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish, too, adding a sweet, spicy, and creamy dimension to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, arrange the carrots each direction on a large platter and drizzle with extra yogurt sauce. Scatter the crispy chickpeas liberally on top and garnish with herbs and pistachios. Serving it family-style encourages everyone to help themselves, making dinner feel communal and cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover carrots, chickpeas, and yogurt sauce in separate airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, they will keep well for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce apart prevents it from making the carrots soggy and ensures the chickpeas stay crunchy.

Freezing

Because the yogurt sauce doesn’t freeze well, only freeze the roasted carrots and seasoned chickpeas in freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the carrots and chickpeas in a hot oven (around 180°C/350°F) for 10-15 minutes to regain that wonderful roast and crispness. Add the yogurt sauce fresh after warming up so it retains its cool, creamy texture and bright flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of carrots for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both Dutch carrots and regular carrots work perfectly. Dutch carrots offer a charming look with their leafy tops intact, while regular carrots provide a meatier texture after roasting. Just adjust roasting time if your carrots vary significantly in size.

Is there a substitute for sriracha if I don’t like too much heat?

Yes! You can swap sriracha for a milder hot sauce or even use just a bit of smoked paprika to add warmth without intense spice. The maple syrup adds plenty of sweetness, so play with the heat to suit your taste buds.

Can I make the yogurt sauce dairy-free?

Definitely! Use a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt for a dairy-free twist. Just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened to complement the savory and spicy flavors in this wonderful recipe.

How do I get the chickpeas extra crispy?

Make sure to drain but not completely dry the chickpeas — a little moisture helps them crisp up as they roast. Also, give them plenty of space on the baking sheet so they aren’t crowded. Shake the tray halfway through roasting for even crisping.

Can this dish be served warm or cold?

While this recipe tastes best warm straight from the oven, it’s also delicious at room temperature. The yogurt sauce chilled against warm carrots and chickpeas offers a refreshing contrast that works beautifully for lunchboxes or picnics.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope the Spicy Maple Roast Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Yogurt Sauce Recipe inspires you to treat your taste buds to something special. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate simple ingredients with bold flavors and textures that dance beautifully on the plate. Give it a try — your kitchen will fill with inviting aromas and your friends or family will be asking for seconds in no time!