First Step: PREPARE THE CARROTS

1. Peel and Cut the Carrots: Start by peeling the carrots to remove the outer skin. Then, cut the carrots into even-sized pieces. You can either slice them into 1-inch thick rounds, cut them into sticks, or even halve them lengthwise for a more rustic look. The goal is to ensure that all pieces are roughly the same size so they roast evenly.
2. Dry the Carrots: After cutting, make sure the carrots are dry. Excess moisture can prevent them from roasting properly and achieving that golden-brown caramelization.

Second Step: MAKE THE MAPLE GLAZE

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. The maple syrup will form a sticky glaze that will coat the carrots, and the thyme will infuse the dish with its fragrant aroma.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning if needed. Depending on the sweetness of your maple syrup, you may want to add a pinch more salt to balance out the flavors.

Third Step: TOSS AND COAT THE CARROTS

1. Coat the Carrots: Place the prepared carrots in a large mixing bowl. Pour the maple glaze over the carrots and toss them to coat evenly. Make sure each piece of carrot is well-covered with the glaze, as this will help them roast to perfection.
2. Transfer to a Baking Sheet: Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Ensure that the carrots are not overcrowded, as this will cause them to steam rather than roast. Use a large enough baking sheet to give the carrots room to roast and caramelize.

Fourth Step: ROAST THE CARROTS

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roasting at this high temperature allows the carrots to cook quickly while developing a caramelized exterior.
2. Roast the Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the carrots for about 20-25 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through cooking to ensure they roast evenly on all sides. The carrots should be golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Check for Doneness: The carrots are done when they are soft in the center but still have a slight bite, with a crisp and caramelized exterior. If you want them more charred or crispy, leave them in the oven for an extra few minutes.

Fifth Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish with Fresh Thyme: Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
2. Serve Immediately: Maple Roasted Carrots with Thyme are best served warm. The sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors are most pronounced when the dish is fresh out of the oven.