Honey Glazed Carrots
Recipe Overview
Overview
Honey Glazed Carrots are a classic side dish that brings a touch of sweetness to any meal. This recipe is incredibly simple, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The key to achieving the perfect glaze lies in the balance of flavors—sweet honey, tangy orange concentrate, and a hint of balsamic vinegar create a delightful gastrique that coats the carrots beautifully.
To start, the carrots are cooked in cold water, which helps them cook evenly and prevents them from becoming mushy. This technique is essential for achieving that perfect texture. Once they are nearly cooked through, a mixture of butter, honey, and orange concentrate is added, allowing the flavors to meld together as the carrots finish cooking.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, and the addition of fresh herbs like dill or tarragon can add a unique twist. Whether served at a holiday dinner or a casual family meal, these Honey Glazed Carrots are sure to impress.
In just a few minutes, you can transform ordinary carrots into a stunning side dish that not only looks beautiful on the plate but also tastes incredible. This recipe is a wonderful way to showcase seasonal produce and make your meals a little more special.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Cut carrots into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
Place carrots in cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
Tip: Use cold water to cook carrots to ensure even cooking.
After boiling, reduce heat and cook carrots until 90% done.
Tip: Cook carrots until they're about 90% done for the best texture.
Add butter to the cooked carrots for flavor.
Stir in orange concentrate and honey to the carrots.
Add hot sauce, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar to taste.
Tip: Add a little balsamic vinegar to balance flavors, especially if using a sour vinegar.
Tip: When zesting, place the tool on top of the orange for better results.
Reduce the glaze until it thickens slightly.
Tip: Finish with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for added flavor.
Serve the glazed carrots on a plate, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
Tip: Aim for a perfect balance between sweet and sour in your glaze.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Cooking carrots in cold water ensures they cook evenly without becoming mushy.
- •Adding honey and orange concentrate creates a sweet and tangy glaze that enhances the natural flavor of the carrots.
- •Balsamic vinegar can be used to add depth to the glaze, balancing sweetness with acidity.
- •Fresh herbs like dill or tarragon can elevate the dish with additional flavor.
