Sugared Carrots Delight is a simple yet elegant dish that elevates humble carrots into a sweet and buttery side. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe celebrates the natural sweetness of carrots with just the right touch of spices.
Carrots are the star of this dish, bringing their natural sweetness and vibrant color. Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture. Granulated sugar enhances the sweetness, while unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy layer to the flavor profile. A hint of salt balances the sweetness, and ground cinnamon and nutmeg introduce a warm, aromatic spice that complements the carrots beautifully. Finally, a bit of water helps steam the carrots to tenderness.
Sugared Carrots Delight pairs wonderfully with roasted meats such as chicken or pork. It’s also a delightful addition to a vegetarian spread, alongside dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or herbed rice. For a festive touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or toasted pecans.
Start by peeling and slicing your carrots into uniform pieces, which ensures they cook evenly. Place them in a large saucepan with the water. You’ll want to bring this to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and let them cook for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for tenderness, not mushiness.
Once the carrots are tender, drain them well and return them to the pan. Add in the butter, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir these over low heat. This step is where the magic happens: the sugar will dissolve, and the butter will melt, creating a glossy glaze that coats each carrot slice. This should take about 5 minutes. Then you’re ready to serve them up!
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