Imagine transforming ordinary baby carrots into a mouthwatering delicacy that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe! This Cinnamon Carrots Brown Sugar Glaze is not just a side dish; it's a culinary experience that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the warm, comforting notes of cinnamon and the rich depth of brown sugar. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that elevates your everyday meal from mundane to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound of baby carrots
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the baby carrots thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Place the clean baby carrots in a medium-sized saucepan and add enough water to barely cover the carrots.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer the carrots for 8-10 minutes until they are tender but still slightly crisp when pierced with a fork.
- While the carrots are cooking, prepare the glaze by melting butter in a separate small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add brown sugar and ground cinnamon to the melted butter, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Drain the cooked carrots completely using a colander, shaking off excess water.
- Return the carrots to the original pan and pour the warm cinnamon-brown sugar glaze over them.
- Gently toss the carrots to ensure they are evenly coated with the glaze.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the glazed carrots to enhance the overall flavor.
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose fresh, tender baby carrots for the best texture and sweetness.
- Don't overcook the carrots - aim for a tender-crisp consistency to maintain their nutritional value and vibrant color.
- Use a low-medium heat when creating the glaze to prevent the brown sugar from burning.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze.
- Ensure the carrots are thoroughly drained before adding the glaze to prevent a watery result.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and presentation, as the glaze will start to set as it cools.
- For a gourmet touch, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of toasted pecans before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 145kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg