Imagine transforming ordinary carrots into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and guests begging for seconds! These Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots are not just a side dish; they're a culinary experience that elevates simple vegetables into a sweet, caramelized delicacy. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks gourmet but takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel the carrots thoroughly, then slice them diagonally into uniform 1/4-inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Fill a medium-sized saucepan with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the sliced carrots to the boiling water and blanch for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Do not overcook.
- Drain the carrots in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their bright color.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes smooth and starts to shimmer.
- Add the blanched carrots to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure even glazing.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the carrots and drizzle the honey on top.
- Gently toss the carrots to coat them completely with the butter, brown sugar, and honey mixture.
- Cook the carrots for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become caramelized and develop a rich, glossy glaze.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish, allowing the carrots to rest for 2-3 minutes to let the glaze set.
- Serve warm as a delightful side dish, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and flavor.
- Slice carrots diagonally and uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Don't skip the blanching step - it helps maintain the carrots' vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Use medium heat when glazing to prevent burning the sugar.
- Stir occasionally during glazing to coat carrots evenly.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange zest.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and presentation.
- If you prefer softer carrots, extend the glazing time by 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
