Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots

Note on the ingredients

• Carrots: You can use regular carrots or baby carrots for this recipe. Baby carrots will cook a bit faster and may require less time on the stovetop.
• Honey: Any type of honey works well in this recipe, but darker honeys like buckwheat or wildflower honey will give the dish a richer flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar provides a more intense caramel flavor, but light brown sugar can also be used for a milder sweetness. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar and a bit of molasses (about 1 teaspoon for every tablespoon of brown sugar).
• Thyme: Fresh thyme can be used for a more vibrant flavor, but dried thyme is perfect for a more rustic, concentrated taste.

How the prepare the Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots.

Stovetop Method:

1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir the butter gently as it melts to ensure even heating.
2. Add Carrots: Once the butter is fully melted, add the sliced carrots to the skillet. Stir the carrots to coat them evenly with the butter.
3. Season the Carrots: Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme). Add the minced garlic (if using) and stir everything together until the carrots are well-coated with the sweet glaze and seasonings.
4. Cook the Carrots: Sauté the carrots for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and the glaze has thickened. The carrots will release some liquid while cooking, but it will evaporate as they cook down. If needed, you can add a splash of water to help them cook without burning.
5. Serve: Once the carrots are cooked to your desired tenderness, serve them immediately. For an extra special touch, spread ricotta cheese on a serving platter and top with the caramelized carrots. Garnish with fresh parsley and thyme.

Oven Method:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Carrots: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced carrots with melted butter, brown sugar, honey, salt, pepper, thyme, and minced garlic (if using) until evenly coated.
3. Roast the Carrots: Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
4. Optional Step: For extra color and a bit of crispiness, you can broil the carrots for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of roasting. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
5. Serve: Serve the roasted carrots hot. As with the stovetop method, you can spread ricotta on a platter and top with the roasted carrots for added richness and garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Honey Carrots

1. Uniform Slices: Make sure the carrot slices are evenly cut so they cook at the same rate. This will ensure that all the carrots are tender and coated in the glaze.
2. Watch the Glaze: As the carrots cook, the glaze will thicken. If it gets too thick or starts to stick to the pan, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
3. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme will add a burst of freshness and color to the dish. You can even add some fresh rosemary if you want an earthy touch.

Variations

• Add Nuts: For some crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the cooked carrots.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet-and-spicy contrast.
• Maple Carrots: Swap the honey with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile. Maple syrup pairs wonderfully with roasted carrots.
• Roasted with Other Vegetables: Roast the carrots alongside other root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or beets for a hearty, colorful side dish.

What to Serve With

These sweet and savory brown sugar honey carrots pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, steak, pork chops, or even a simple grain like quinoa or rice. They can also be served alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for best results.
• Freezer: If you want to freeze the carrots, place them in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

FAQ