Glazed Baby Carrots with Honey and Brown Sugar
Indulge in the sweet tenderness of these Glazed Baby Carrots, a delightful side dish perfect for any meal. Cooked to vibrant perfection and coated in a luscious blend of honey, brown sugar, and butter, these carrots elevate your dining experience. The zesty kick from fresh lemon juice adds brightness, making them an irresistible addition to your table. Enjoy them warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper or a handful of parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to please everyone!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
baby carrots
1.5-2 lbs (rinsed and trimmed)
salt
1.5 teaspoons (for boiling water)
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted, for sautéing)
honey
4 tablespoons (for glazing)
brown sugar
3 tablespoons (packed, for sweetness)
lemon
1/2 (juiced)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground, for garnish)
parsley
to taste (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the baby carrots thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Place the rinsed carrots into a medium saucepan and cover them with water. Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt into the water.
2
Bring the water to a rapid boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer the carrots for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
3
While the carrots are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a separate sauté pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add in 4 tablespoons of honey and 3 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
4
Stir the mixture gently until the sugar has completely dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the pan and stir to combine.
5
Carefully drain the cooked carrots and add them to the sauté pan with the glaze. Gently toss the carrots in the glaze, ensuring they are evenly coated. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the carrots are heated through and beautifully glazed.
6
Serve the glazed carrots immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper or chopped parsley for added flair and flavor.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
11g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Glazed Baby Carrots with Honey and Brown Sugar?
They are a sweet and tender vegetable side dish made by simmering baby carrots and coating them in a rich glaze of butter, honey, and brown sugar with a hint of lemon.
How many calories are in this carrot recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it uses only vegetables, butter, honey, sugar, and natural seasonings.
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yes, you can use regular carrots. Simply peel them and cut them into 2-inch sticks or rounds before boiling.
How long do I need to boil the carrots?
The carrots should be simmered for approximately 15 minutes until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice to the glaze?
Lemon juice adds a zesty kick and brightness that balances the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What should I serve with glazed baby carrots?
They pair excellently with roasted chicken, turkey, grilled steak, or even as a side for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Do I need to peel baby carrots?
No, bagged baby carrots are typically pre-peeled and rinsed, though a quick rinse under cold water is still recommended.
How much honey is required?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of honey for the glaze.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh parsley provides a better burst of color and a cleaner flavor for the final garnish.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can use coconut sugar or extra honey, although the flavor profile will slightly change.
Should the glaze be thick or thin?
The glaze should be smooth and liquid enough to coat the carrots evenly, thickening slightly as it heats with the carrots.
Can I reheat glazed carrots?
Yes, reheat them in a pan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are approximately 3 grams of fat per serving.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, the natural sweetness of the honey and sugar makes this a very kid-friendly vegetable dish.
Can I add other spices?
Certainly! Spices like cinnamon, ginger, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the glaze for extra depth.
What is the best type of pan to use for the glaze?
A medium-sized sauté pan is ideal for melting the glaze ingredients and tossing the carrots.
How many carrots do I need?
The recipe uses 1.5 to 2 pounds of baby carrots.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe suggests unsalted butter, but if you use salted, you may want to reduce the extra salt added to the boiling water.
What does 'packed' brown sugar mean?
It means to press the brown sugar firmly into the measuring spoon to ensure you are getting the correct amount.
Why do I boil the carrots before glazing?
Boiling ensures the carrots are cooked through and tender, as the glazing process is too short to cook raw carrots completely.
How much protein is in this recipe?
There is approximately 0.5 grams of protein per serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can boil the carrots in advance and store them, then perform the glazing step right before serving.
What kind of black pepper should I use?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor and aroma.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While the specific amount isn't listed in the raw data, carrots are naturally a good source of dietary fiber.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning?
Keep the heat at medium-low while melting the butter and sugar, and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup is a great substitute and provides a slightly different, earthy sweetness.