Balsamic-Butter Glazed Carrots
Elevate your side dish game with these delectably glazed carrots, enhanced by the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar and butter. This recipe features tender baby carrots or regular carrots cut into hearty pieces, perfectly sautéed to achieve a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess. The fresh herbs add a burst of flavor, making it a visually stunning and palate-pleasing addition to any meal. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this dish is sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Baby Carrots or Regular Carrots
3 1/2 lbs (Peeled; regular carrots should be cut into 2-inch pieces, halved lengthwise)
Sugar
5-6 tablespoons (To taste)
Balsamic Vinegar
1/3 cup (None)
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a heavy large pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it is fully liquefied.
2
Add the peeled baby carrots (or cut regular carrots) to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the buttery flavor.
3
Cover the pot and cook for an additional 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are crisp-tender.
4
Stir in the sugar and balsamic vinegar, ensuring all carrots are well-coated.
5
Continue cooking uncovered for about 12 minutes longer, stirring frequently, until the carrots are tender and beautifully glazed.
6
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, giving it a final stir.
7
Remove from heat and toss in the chopped parsley or cilantro, ensuring even distribution of the herbs.
8
Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving bowl and enjoy warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Balsamic-Butter Glazed Carrots?
Balsamic-Butter Glazed Carrots are a flavorful side dish where tender carrots are sautéed in butter and finished with a sweet and tangy glaze made from balsamic vinegar and sugar.
What type of carrots should I use for this recipe?
You can use either store-bought baby carrots or regular whole carrots. If using regular carrots, peel them and cut them into 2-inch pieces, halving any thick pieces lengthwise.
How many carrots do I need?
This recipe requires 3.5 pounds of baby carrots or regular carrots.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of butter, which is equivalent to one stick.
What is the purpose of the balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar provides a rich, tangy depth that balances the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter.
How much sugar is required for the glaze?
The recipe calls for 5 to 6 tablespoons of sugar, which can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
Which fresh herbs are recommended for garnishing?
You can use 1/4 cup of either chopped fresh parsley or chopped fresh cilantro.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses butter and vegetables as its primary ingredients.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by melting the butter in a heavy large pot over medium heat until it is fully liquefied.
How long should I sauté the carrots initially?
Sauté the carrots in the melted butter for approximately 5 minutes to let them absorb the buttery flavor.
Why do I need to cover the pot during cooking?
Covering the pot helps trap steam, which ensures the carrots cook through to a crisp-tender texture.
How long do the carrots cook while covered?
The carrots should be cooked covered for about 7 minutes, with occasional stirring.
When should I add the sugar and balsamic vinegar?
Add the sugar and balsamic vinegar after the carrots have been cooked covered for 7 minutes.
How long does the glazing process take?
After adding the vinegar and sugar, cook the carrots uncovered for about 12 minutes longer.
Do I need to stir the carrots while they are glazing?
Yes, you should stir frequently during the final 12 minutes to ensure the carrots are evenly coated and the glaze does not burn.
How do I season the finished dish?
Season the glazed carrots with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
When are the fresh herbs added?
Toss in the chopped parsley or cilantro after removing the pot from the heat to maintain their fresh flavor and color.
What heat setting should I use?
The recipe is designed to be cooked over medium heat.
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yes, regular carrots work perfectly as long as they are peeled and cut into uniform 2-inch pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday dinners?
Absolutely! This visually stunning and palate-pleasing dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or holiday meals.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: butter, carrots, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs.
Can I use cilantro instead of parsley?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh parsley or cilantro depending on your preference.
What is the final texture of the carrots?
The carrots should be tender but beautifully glazed and not mushy.
Is this dish healthy?
Carrots are a nutritious vegetable, making this a healthy side dish option, though it does contain butter and sugar.
How should I serve the glazed carrots?
Transfer the carrots to a serving bowl and serve them while they are still warm.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are added at the end to taste.
How do I ensure the carrots are well-coated?
Stirring frequently after adding the sugar and vinegar ensures every carrot is covered in the glaze.
Can I make this dish in a standard skillet?
A heavy large pot is recommended to accommodate the 3.5 lbs of carrots and allow for even cooking and stirring.
How long is the total active cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 24 to 30 minutes once the butter is melted.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is considered an easy side dish recipe that is family-friendly and straightforward.