Golden Honey Buttered Carrots

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 5 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a dish that's both simple and irresistibly flavorful: Golden Honey Buttered Carrots. This recipe transforms humble carrots into a delightful side dish that shines on any table, be it a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday meal. With minimal ingredients, it's all about maximizing natural sweetness and rich, buttery goodness.

Ingredients for Golden Honey Buttered Carrots

Carrots: These are the star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and flavor.

Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base for the glaze. Unsalted is preferred to control the saltiness of the dish.

Honey: Balances the savory notes with its natural sweetness and helps caramelize the carrots.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste, adding depth and slight heat.

Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze.
  • If you prefer a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up nicely.
  • To save time, you can peel and slice the carrots a day ahead and store them in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

These honey buttered carrots pair wonderfully with roasted chicken or a hearty beef stew. They’re also a fantastic addition to a holiday spread, complementing turkey or ham beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?
Yes, you can. Just adjust the boiling time slightly as baby carrots might cook faster.
What if I don't have honey?
Maple syrup is a great alternative, providing a similar sweetness and flavor profile.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Golden Honey Buttered Carrots Recipe Walkthrough

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. While you're waiting, peel the carrots and cut them into 1/4-inch slices. This uniform size ensures they cook evenly. Once the water is boiling, add the carrot slices and let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. Drain them well and set them aside.

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. As it begins to melt, add the honey, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture until everything is well combined, creating a smooth glaze. Now, toss the drained carrots back into the pot. Stir them gently but thoroughly, ensuring every slice is coated with the luscious honey butter.

Continue cooking the carrots in the glaze for another 3 to 5 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally so they don’t stick and the glaze doesn’t burn. You’ll know they’re ready when the carrots are fully glazed and heated through. Remove from heat, and for a final touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
  • The sweet and savory glaze enhances the natural flavor of carrots.
  • Beautifully vibrant, making it a visual treat as well as a tasty one.

Ingredients

2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 5-7 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Return the carrots to the pot and toss to coat them evenly in the honey butter mixture.
4. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are glazed and heated through.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

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