Sweet Caramelized Carrots

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Sweet Caramelized Carrots are a delightful side dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. With a simple glaze of butter and brown sugar, these carrots are a hit at any dinner table, especially during the holiday season.

Ingredients for Sweet Caramelized Carrots

Carrots: These are the star of the show, providing a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the glaze. Use fresh, firm carrots for the best texture.

Butter: Unsalted butter helps create a rich, smooth glaze. It complements the sweetness of the brown sugar without overpowering it.

Light brown sugar: This adds sweetness and helps in achieving that lovely caramelized texture.

Salt and black pepper: These seasonings enhance the natural flavors and balance the sweetness.

Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don't overcook the carrots in the boiling water; they should be tender but still hold their shape.
  • If the glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
  • For a deeper flavor, consider browning the butter slightly before adding the sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These caramelized carrots pair wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or beef. They also make a vibrant addition to a vegetarian platter alongside grains and salads. For a festive touch, serve them in a pretty bowl with a sprig of parsley on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baby carrots instead?
Yes, you can use baby carrots. They may need a bit more time in the boiling water, so check for tenderness before draining.
What if I only have salted butter?
You can use salted butter, but consider reducing the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

Sweet Caramelized Carrots Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your carrots. Peel them and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. This size ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Once that's done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, just until they're tender but not mushy. You'll want them to have a bit of bite left.

Drain the carrots well and set them aside for a moment. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it's fully melted, stir in the brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. You'll notice the mixture starts to bubble slightly as the sugar dissolves — that's exactly what you want.

Now, add the cooked carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently to ensure every piece is well-coated in that glossy glaze. Keep them on medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes, until the glaze is thickened slightly and the carrots are heated through.

Once they're done, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top. This little touch adds freshness and a lovely contrast of color to your dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make — ready in under 20 minutes!
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
  • Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
  • Kid-friendly and a great way to get more veggies into meals.

Ingredients

2 lbs fresh carrots (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook carrots until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain the carrots and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
4. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble.
5. Add the carrots to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly with the glaze.
6. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are thoroughly glazed and heated through.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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