Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a baking tray.
Halve larger carrots lengthwise so they cook evenly; spread them on the tray.
In a small saucepan, warm the agave, oil, Dijon, vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Coat the carrots with the glaze using a brush or your hands.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and caramelized.
Transfer to a dish and top with parsley before serving.
Notes
Serving: These glazed rainbow carrots are best served warm as a beautiful side dish for roast mains, festive spreads, or simple weeknight dinners. They also work well in grain bowls or alongside hearty salads.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it softens the carrots and dulls the glaze.
Even roasting: If some carrots are much thicker than others, slice them lengthwise so everything cooks at the same speed.
Glaze texture: For a slightly looser glaze, add an extra teaspoon of olive oil. For a brighter finish, add a small squeeze of lemon just before serving.
Herb swap: Fresh thyme works well here - use roughly double the amount compared to dried.
Sweetener swap: Maple syrup can be used instead of agave for a slightly deeper, caramel-style sweetness.