Prepare to elevate your side dish game with these irresistible Honey Glazed Brandied Carrots - a culinary masterpiece that will transform ordinary vegetables into a gourmet experience! Imagine tender, caramelized carrots kissed with a luxurious honey-brandy glaze that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe. This simple yet sophisticated dish combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the rich depth of brandy and golden honey, creating a side that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, sliced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel the carrots, then slice them diagonally into uniform 1/4-inch thick pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Fill a medium 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 slightly foamy and golden.
- Add the blanched carrots to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to coat with butter.
- Pour the honey and brandy into the skillet, stirring to combine with the carrots and butter.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the carrots, continuously basting them with the honey-brandy mixture for 5-7 minutes.
- Cook until the liquid reduces and creates a glossy, sticky glaze that coats the carrots evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish, spooning any remaining glaze over the carrots.
- Serve hot as a delightful side dish, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and flavor. Look for carrots that are bright orange and free from blemishes.
- Slice carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking. Diagonal cuts not only look professional but help the carrots cook more evenly.
- Don't skip the blanching step - it helps preserve the carrots' vibrant color and creates the perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Use a high-quality brandy for the best flavor. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a rich, complex taste.
- Watch the glaze carefully during the final reduction. You want a sticky coating, not a burnt mess. Stir frequently and adjust heat as needed.
- For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley before serving.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the brandy with apple juice or orange juice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
