These glazed carrots are not only colorful but also super sweet and tender! With just a bit of butter and brown sugar, they make a lovely side dish for any meal.
I love how quick they are to prepare. Just cook them on the stove and watch them shine! Sometimes I even sneak a few straight from the pot. Who can resist? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are sweet and tender, perfect for quick cooking. If you can’t find them, regular carrots can be used. Just peel and slice them into sticks. I find that the shape helps them cook evenly!
Unsalted Butter: The butter adds richness to the glaze. If you want a healthier option, olive oil works well too, though it will slightly change the flavor.
Brown Sugar: This gives the carrots that lovely sweetness and a caramelized finish. If you’re looking for a sugar substitute, try maple syrup or honey. They can add their unique flavors too!
Herbs: Rosemary gives a wonderful fragrance. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, use thyme or parsley instead to add a different twist to the flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Glaze for My Carrots?
Getting the glaze just right can really elevate your carrots. Here are my tips to ensure they come out perfectly:
- Start with a good skillet to ensure even cooking.
- Let the butter and sugar melt completely before adding the carrots so they get coated well.
- Keep the heat at medium-low for a longer cook time. This allows the carrots to become tender without burning the glaze.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to coat the carrots well with that delicious glaze.
Trust me, these little tips will help you serve up beautifully glazed carrots that everyone will love!
Glazed Carrots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb baby carrots (or regular carrots peeled and cut into sticks)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary sprigs (or 1/2 tsp dried rosemary)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 25-30 minutes to make these delicious glazed carrots. Perfect for a quick side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
Rinse your baby carrots under cool water. If you’re using regular carrots, peel and cut them into sticks that are similar in size to baby carrots. This helps them cook evenly!
2. Start the Glaze:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and water or vegetable broth. Turn the heat to medium and stir until the butter melts and the sugar completely dissolves. It should look smooth and syrupy.
3. Add the Carrots and Herbs:
Next, toss the carrots into the pan along with the rosemary sprigs. Season them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This is your chance to flavor the carrots well!
4. Cook and Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and leave it uncovered. Stir or toss the carrots occasionally to coat them evenly with that lovely glaze. You want them to absorb all that buttery sweetness!
5. Check for Tenderness:
Continue cooking for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re ready when they are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork, and the glaze has thickened around them.
6. Serve Your Glazed Carrots:
Once they’re perfect, remove the rosemary sprigs (they’ve done their job!). Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. If you like, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for that gourmet touch and serve them warm.
These glazed carrots are sweet, buttery, and bursting with flavor. A wonderful side dish that everyone will love! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Carrots for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots! Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since they’re already cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of white sugar) for a similar flavor. Honey or maple syrup can also work in a pinch.
How Do I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the glaze, or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can enhance this dish by adding other vegetables like green beans or peas. Just be mindful to adjust the cooking time so everything cooks evenly—go for veggies that have similar cooking times!
