The recipe has become a treasured aspect of our family’s culinary tradition, lovingly passed down and shared with friends and cherished ones.
Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar-Glazed Carrots
Flavorful Twist on a Classic: Enhances the natural sweetness of carrots with a delectable glaze. Effortless Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish remarkably easy to create. Versatile Side: Pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian dishes. Visually Appealing: Adds a vibrant burst of color and sophistication to your meal presentation.
Ingredients Notes for Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Carrots: Medium-sized carrots are ideal, peeled and sliced for uniform cooking. Brown Sugar: Imparts a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the glaze. Butter: Adds richness to the glaze and helps it adhere to the carrots. Spices: A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg can introduce warmth and complexity to the dish.
Recipe Steps
Prep the Carrots: Peel and slice the carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Cook the Carrots: Boil or steam the carrots until just tender, then drain. Make the Glaze: In a pan, melt the butter and brown sugar together, adding a touch of water to help combine. Stir in any desired spices. Combine: Add the cooked carrots to the glaze, tossing to coat evenly. Serve: Cook the glazed carrots for a few more minutes until the glaze thickens, then serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley or thyme for a fresh touch.
Storage Options
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Ingredients:
- Carrots: 1 pound, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick)
- Brown sugar: 1/3 cup, packed
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
- Optional for extra flavor: A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg; freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
- Cook the Carrots:
- In a large skillet, bring about 1/2 inch of water to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and a pinch of salt. Cover and reduce heat to medium. Let the carrots simmer until just tender, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain the carrots and set them aside. Wipe the skillet dry.
- Make the Glaze:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, salt, and pepper. If using, add the cinnamon or nutmeg and orange juice now.
- Cook and stir the mixture until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Carrots and Glaze:
- Add the cooked carrots back to the skillet with the brown sugar glaze. Toss to coat the carrots evenly in the glaze.
- Continue to cook and stir the carrots for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the glaze has thickened slightly and the carrots are well-coated.
- Serve:
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle a little more salt or pepper on top, or garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve warm as a delightful side to your main dish.
Weight Watchers Points: 8 points per serving