Glazed Carrots Recipe

There’s something delightfully nostalgic yet refreshingly modern about transforming a simple bunch of carrots into a sweet, buttery masterpiece that feels like a warm hug in a dish. Let’s dive into making this melt-in-your-mouth glazed carrot recipe!

How lovely it is that glazed carrots can be such a wonderful blend of natural sweetness and savory flavor! When we cook them in unsalted butter, brown sugar, and honey, they transform into such a lovely side dish.

I confess that I do not always eat my carrots, but when they are prepared in this manner, I cannot help but demolish them. Also, I speak from experience when I say that they taste even better the next day—if there are any left.

Ingredients

• Fresh Carrots: Rich in fiber and beta-carotene, support vision and immune health.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creamy texture, contains healthy fats.
• Brown Sugar: Offers sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener with antioxidants, provides flavor depth.
• Salt: Enhances flavor, balances sweetness, essential in small amounts.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat, complements the sweet glaze.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish, adds freshness and color.
• Water: Helps soften carrots and incorporates flavors into a glaze.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound fresh carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
• 1/2 cup water

How to Make this

1. Put the carrot slices into a large skillet and pour in 1/2 cup of water.

2. Heat the water at medium-high setting until it comes to a boil.

3. Lower the heat to medium, put a lid on the skillet, and let the carrots simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or just until they are tender.

4. Remove any leftover water in the skillet.

5. Put 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into the skillet with the carrots.

6. Mix in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of honey.

7. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

8. At medium heat, stirring now and then, let the melt—the butter and sugar, that is—to form a glaze and coat the carrots until the carrots are tender, which should take about 5 more minutes.

9. Keep stirring until the glaze thoroughly coats the carrots.

10. Move the contents to a dish suitable for serving and, if you wish, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley over the top for garnish. This dish is most enjoyable when served warm.

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet with lid
2. Stove
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Stirring spoon or spatula
6. Serving dish

FAQ

• Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?Indeed, one can use baby carrots. One must, however, adjust the time of cooking, for the little ones may cook faster.
• What can I substitute for honey?In this recipe, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey.
• Can I make this recipe vegan?Of course! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil.
• How should I store leftovers?Leftover glazed carrots should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator, where they will be safe for up to 3 days.
• Can I prepare these carrots ahead of time?It is possible to prepare the carrots and the glaze mixture ahead of time, but for the best results, it is recommended to cook them just before serving.
• Is there a low-sugar version of this recipe?The amount of brown sugar and honey can be lessened, or a dietary-suitable sugar substitute can be used. This helps in reducing the sugar content of the recipe.
• Can I add other vegetables to the dish?Without a doubt, incorporating other root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips into the dish can offer both diversity and texture.

Glazed Carrots Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute the same amount of olive oil or a plant-based butter for unsalted butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Brown sugar: Substitute sweetener. Use granulated sugar for a different flavor profile. Or maple syrup. Count on using 1 1/4 cups for every cup of maple syrup called for in a recipe.
Honey: Use agave nectar or maple syrup as a vegan alternative.
Sodium chloride: Sea salt could work well for this. A tiny splash of soy sauce also adds depth; however, you must consider soy sauce as a flavor. If you don’t want to taste soy sauce, use sea salt.
Parsley: Fresh parsley can be substituted with fresh cilantro or fresh thyme, which will lend a different herbal aspect.

Pro Tips

1. Cut Evenly for Consistency Ensure your carrot slices are evenly cut to 1/4-inch thickness. This will help them cook uniformly and achieve the perfect tender texture.

2. Test for Tenderness During step 3, test the carrots for tenderness by piercing them with a fork. If they seem too firm, extend the simmering time slightly, as this will ensure the best texture before glazing.

3. Enhance the Glaze For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of cinnamon when mixing the brown sugar and honey. This can elevate the taste with a hint of citrus or warmth.

4. Opt for Fresh Herbs If available, use fresh parsley for garnishing. The fresh herbs add a bright contrast in flavor and enhance the visual appeal of the dish.

5. Finish with a Broil For a caramelized finish, after step 8, transfer the glazed carrots to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 2-3 minutes. This will give a nice char to the glaze, adding extra depth of flavor.