Honey-Balsamic Caramelized Carrots
Elevate your vegetable side dish game with these Honey-Balsamic Caramelized Carrots. This recipe melds the natural sweetness of carrots with a touch of honey and balsamic vinegar, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Perfectly caramelized until golden brown, these carrots make a stunning accompaniment to any meal or can be enjoyed on their own as a healthy snack. With the addition of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or potlucks, these honey-balsamic carrots are sure to impress family and friends alike.
8
Servings
38
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
butter
25 (g)
medium carrots
8 (sliced thickly)
white sugar
1 (tablespoon)
brown sugar
1 (tablespoon)
fresh parsley
1 (tablespoon, finely chopped)
balsamic vinegar
1 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and fragrant.
2
Add the thickly sliced carrots to the pan and toss to coat them in the oil and butter mixture.
3
Cover the pan with a lid and cook the carrots on low heat, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 10-12 minutes.
4
Once the carrots are just tender, sprinkle in the white sugar and brown sugar, stirring continuously to ensure even caramelization.
5
Continue to cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the carrots are beautifully caramelized and golden brown.
6
Remove the pan from heat and gently stir in the finely chopped parsley and balsamic vinegar, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Serve warm as a scrumptious side dish or a delightful appetizer.
Nutrition Information
1.75 g
Fat
5.25 g
Carbs
0.125 g
Protein
3 g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Honey-Balsamic Caramelized Carrots?
They are a sweet and savory vegetable side dish where carrots are softened and then glazed with a mixture of sugars and balsamic vinegar until golden brown.
What ingredients are needed for this carrot recipe?
You will need olive oil, butter, 8 medium carrots, white sugar, brown sugar, fresh parsley, and balsamic vinegar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
How many calories are in one serving of these carrots?
Each serving contains approximately 38 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
Is this carrot dish gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How long does it take to soften the carrots in the pan?
The carrots should be cooked covered on low heat for about 10-12 minutes to soften.
How long does the caramelization process take?
After adding the sugars, it takes an additional 8-10 minutes to reach a golden brown caramelization.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 1.75 g of fat.
How many grams of sugar are in each serving?
There are 3 g of sugar per serving.
How should the carrots be prepared before cooking?
The 8 medium carrots should be sliced thickly before being added to the pan.
When do I add the balsamic vinegar?
The balsamic vinegar should be stirred in at the very end, after removing the pan from the heat.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley?
While the recipe calls for fresh parsley for color and freshness, dried parsley can be used in a smaller amount if fresh is unavailable.
What type of heat should I use to melt the butter and oil?
The olive oil and butter should be heated over medium heat until melted and fragrant.
Is there any protein in this dish?
Yes, there is a small amount of protein, approximately 0.125 g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving has about 5.25 g of carbohydrates.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
The recipe does not specify peeling, but it is generally recommended to wash and peel carrots before slicing.
Can I substitute the butter to make this vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative or use additional olive oil to make the dish vegan.
Why do I need to cover the pan while cooking the carrots?
Covering the pan helps trap steam, which ensures the carrots soften properly before the caramelization step.
What does the balsamic vinegar add to the flavor profile?
The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the sugars and the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Is this recipe good for holiday meals?
Yes, its visually appealing golden color and sophisticated flavor make it perfect for holiday feasts and potlucks.
Can I use baby carrots instead of medium carrots?
Yes, you can use baby carrots, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as they might soften faster than thick slices.
What is the purpose of using both white and brown sugar?
The white sugar provides clean sweetness while the brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor for a deeper caramelization.
How do I know when the carrots are done?
The carrots are done when they are tender and have a beautiful, golden brown caramelized exterior.
What should I serve with Honey-Balsamic Caramelized Carrots?
These carrots pair well with roasted meats, poultry, or as a colorful addition to a vegetarian spread.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data does not list a specific fiber amount, though carrots naturally contain fiber.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The nutritional information lists cholesterol as null, though the butter may contribute a small amount depending on the type used.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
While best served warm, you can slice the carrots in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are a total of 7 ingredients.