Tip the carrots and parsnips into a large pan with the butter, star anise, thyme, maple syrup and 250ml water. Season with salt, then cover and boil for 10-15 mins until the water has evaporated and the vegetables are tender. Turn down the heat and cook until the carrots and parsnips are starting to caramelise and turn a light golden brown.

Shake the pan gently to cover the veg in the sticky syrup, then season with cracked black pepper and serve.