Tender and caramelized, these succulent morsels are slowly cooked in a rich brown sugar butter glaze that infuses them with deep, velvety sweetness. Discover the perfect accompaniment to your meal – a scrumptious side dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Here: – With a cooking time of just 15 minutes, these glazed carrots are a quick and easy option that demands only 5 straightforward ingredients. Easy peasy!
- The harmonious union of butter and brown sugar yields a luscious glaze that lavishly coats the carrots with delectable flavor.
- This delectable glazed carrot recipe makes a superb side dish suitable for any occasion – whether it’s a straightforward weeknight dinner or a festive holiday celebration.
- Our children thoroughly enjoy eating these carrots. Getting the entire family to consume a balanced diet that incorporates a variety of vegetables is an excellent strategy.
Ingredients Needed
- Using fresh, whole carrots is essential for this dish. You can also choose to slice the ingredients diagonally into 1-inch pieces or cut them into uniform rounds, depending on your personal preference. The cooking time may fluctuate marginally based on your knife skills.
- Butter’s essential richness lends itself perfectly to crafting a luscious, radiant glaze. Here: I opted for unsalted butter to minimize sodium intake; however, you may choose to use salted butter instead.
- adding a sweet and subtle depth that harmonizes with the dish’s rich notes. While personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right sweetener, I find that a balanced blend of light brown sugar and honey provides a rich, nuanced flavour profile.
- with a few judiciously chosen seasonings that elevate the inherent sweetness of the carrots.
Recipe Substitutions
- For those adhering to a dairy-free diet, consider substituting traditional butter with a plant-based alternative such as vegan butter or opting for coconut oil to impart a unique flavour profile. While olive oil is a suitable substitute, it will not replicate the same level of richness in this dish.
- You can substitute maple syrup or coconut sugar for brown sugar or honey in many recipes. With every choice, a distinct flair emerges, yet each will undoubtedly yield the luscious sweetness we’re striving to achieve.
- I adore incorporating a pinch of cinnamon to infuse a cozy, aromatic depth that harmonizes exquisitely with the rich, buttery glaze.
- Savoring this dish alongside a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds an undeniable depth of flavor and aroma to the culinary experience. This vibrant addition injects a burst of colour and revitalizes the space!
How to Make Glazed Carrots
Slice any oversized carrots into manageable halves to ensure even cooking and effortless preparation.
Cut carrots at a diagonal angle into 2.5-centimeter-long pieces. To ensure uniform cooking, it’s crucial that the pieces are roughly identical in size.
Place the carrots in a substantial saucepan, accompanied by sufficient water to attain a level of approximately one inch in height. Simmer vigorously for several minutes before reducing the heat to low, covering the pot, and letting it cook slowly for 8-10 minutes or until the carrots begin to tenderize.
Once you’ve removed the lid, proceed to drain any excess water. Here’s a dash of butter, a drizzle of brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper to elevate the dish. Continuing to cook without the lid, I let the carrots simmer at medium-low heat for approximately 5-6 minutes longer, or until they reached tender perfection and a rich glaze began to develop.
Brittany’s Tip!
Ensure you monitor your carrots closely while they’re cooking. You want them to be tender but still have a little bite? To achieve optimal tenderness, it’s crucial to avoid overcooking; if you do, the result will be a mushy texture that fails to hold its form when combined with the glaze.
How to Serve
Storing Leftovers
They’re always devoured in one sitting! They’re so addicting! Once cooked, allow the carrots to cool down thoroughly before storing them in an airtight container. They will remain fresh and edible when stored in the refrigerator for a period of three to four days.
To quickly reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, allowing the warmth to distribute evenly, or use your microwave on a short interval, ensuring precise and consistent reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While baby carrots are a convenient option, they won’t save you any significant prep time and might lack the crunch of fresh adult carrots. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as baby carrots might cook slightly faster than their larger counterparts.
Boiling the carrots beforehand allows for even cooking and accelerates the total cooking time. By cooking your carrots in short intervals, you ensure they achieve a consistently tender texture without having to wait indefinitely for them to soften in the pan.
