Imagine transforming ordinary carrots into a mouthwatering side dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! These Honey Glazed Carrots are not just a simple vegetable side, but a culinary adventure that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with a luxurious honey glaze. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both incredibly easy to make and absolutely delectable. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this foolproof recipe that turns humble carrots into a star attraction on your plate!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, sliced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Wash and peel the carrots carefully, then slice them diagonally into uniform pieces approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Select a large skillet or sauté pan with a wide bottom to allow carrots to cook in a single layer for optimal caramelization.
- Place the skillet over medium heat and add butter, allowing it to melt completely and start to shimmer without browning.
- Add sliced carrots to the melted butter, spreading them evenly across the pan's surface to maximize contact with heat.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the carrots to enhance their natural sweetness and help with the cooking process.
- Cook the carrots for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even browning on all sides.
- Drizzle honey over the carrots, gently tossing to coat each piece thoroughly with the sweet glaze.
- Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the honey to caramelize and create a rich, glossy coating on the carrots.
- Remove from heat when carrots are tender but still have a slight crispness, and the glaze has thickened.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and a touch of fresh herb flavor.
- Serve immediately while the carrots are warm and the honey glaze is still glistening.
Tips
- Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and flavor. Uniform slicing ensures even cooking.
- Use a wide skillet to prevent overcrowding, which allows carrots to caramelize instead of steam.
- Watch the heat carefully when adding honey to prevent burning - medium heat is your sweet spot.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or a splash of fresh orange zest to the glaze.
- Don't rush the caramelization process. Patience creates that beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Fresh parsley is key for adding a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- If you prefer a deeper flavor, you can substitute some of the honey with maple syrup.
- For a more intense glaze, let the carrots cook a minute or two longer to reduce the honey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
