Description
These sweet honey glazed carrots are a delightful and surprisingly simple side dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. They’re tender, perfectly caramelized, and bursting with a beautiful balance of sweetness and earthy carrot flavor. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds fresh carrots (preferably with tops attached), peeled
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons high-quality honey
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional, to balance the sweetness)
Instructions
Prepare your carrots by peeling them. Leave small baby carrots whole. If your carrots are thicker, slice them diagonally into half-inch pieces for even cooking.
Boil salted water in a medium pot. Add the carrots and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender but still have a slight firmness. Drain them thoroughly in a colander.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Stir the honey, salt, and pepper into the melted butter until the mixture thickens into a syrup and begins to bubble.
Add the drained carrots to the skillet. Toss them in the honey-butter glaze for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and coat the carrots.
Take the skillet off the heat.
Mix in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the carrots and toss gently once more.
Serve warm immediately.
Notes
Cutting your carrots into similar sizes ensures they will all cook at the same rate, leading to a more even result.
If you’re making a large batch, consider using a larger saucepan or cooking in batches. Overcrowding can steam the carrots rather than allowing them to glaze properly.
Keep an eye on the glaze as it thickens. It can go from perfectly syrupy to burnt very quickly, especially once the butter starts to brown.
Before serving, always give the glaze a taste. You might want to add a touch more salt or honey depending on your preference and the sweetness of your carrots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American