Honey-Mint Glazed Carrots
This delightful Honey-Mint Glazed Carrots recipe showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh, organic carrots sourced from quality growers. Emphasizing whole carrots over mediocre 'baby carrots' ensures a superior texture and taste. Our dish features tender carrots glazed with a luxurious butter and honey mixture, complemented by the refreshing aroma of fresh mint. Perfect as a side dish for holiday gatherings or family dinners, these carrots are seasoned to perfection and served immediately for a warm, comforting experience that pleases the palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole carrots
2 bunches (tops removed; small left whole, medium cut in half lengthwise)
butter
1/3 lb (cut into small pieces for even melting)
sugar
2 tablespoons (unbleached or raw)
fresh mint
1 tablespoon (chiffonade)
salt
to taste (preferably French grey sea salt)
black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked for best flavor)
Instructions
1
Prepare the carrots by removing their tops. If using medium-sized carrots, cut them in half lengthwise, leaving smaller carrots whole.
2
Lightly steam the carrots in a steamer basket until they are fork-tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3
In a clean saucepan, dry it thoroughly, and heat it over medium heat.
4
Add the butter and sugar to the pan, stirring gently until the butter has melted and the sugar has fully dissolved, creating a syrup-like consistency.
5
Carefully add the steamed carrots to the saucepan, tossing them in the butter-sugar mixture. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the butter begins to brown and the carrots emit a nutty fragrance.
6
Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving platter.
7
Season the dish with salt (we recommend French grey sea salt) and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish generously with the chiffonade of fresh mint. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Honey-Mint Glazed Carrots?
Honey-Mint Glazed Carrots is a side dish featuring tender whole carrots glazed in a butter and sugar mixture and garnished with fresh mint.
What is the main ingredient in this recipe?
The main ingredient is 2 bunches of whole carrots with the tops removed.
Should I use baby carrots for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using whole organic carrots over baby carrots to ensure superior texture and taste.
How should the carrots be prepared before cooking?
Remove the carrot tops. Leave small carrots whole and cut medium-sized carrots in half lengthwise.
How long do you steam the carrots?
Carrots should be steamed in a steamer basket for about 8 to 10 minutes.
What is the desired texture for the steamed carrots?
The carrots should be steamed until they are fork-tender.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 lb of butter, cut into small pieces for even melting.
What type of sugar is used for the glaze?
Two tablespoons of unbleached or raw sugar are used for the glaze.
How do you make the glaze syrup?
Heat a dry saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and sugar, and stir gently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
How long do the carrots cook in the glaze?
The carrots should be tossed in the butter-sugar mixture and cooked for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
How do you know when the glazed carrots are finished?
They are ready when the butter begins to brown and the carrots emit a nutty fragrance.
What seasoning is recommended for this dish?
Season with French grey sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
How is the fresh mint prepared for garnish?
The fresh mint should be prepared in a chiffonade, which means sliced into thin ribbons.
When should the dish be served?
It should be served immediately to enjoy the warm, rich flavors.
Is this dish suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is described as a perfect side dish for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Does the recipe use organic ingredients?
Yes, the recipe emphasizes using fresh, organic carrots sourced from quality growers.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 ingredients in total: carrots, butter, sugar, mint, salt, and black pepper.
What type of salt is specifically recommended?
French grey sea salt is the recommended choice for seasoning.
How many bunches of carrots are needed?
The recipe requires 2 bunches of whole carrots.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is classified as a side dish and a vegetable dish.
Can I use regular table salt?
While you can use regular salt, the recipe specifically recommends French grey sea salt for the best flavor profile.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
The instructions focus on removing the tops and cutting them; peeling is not explicitly required if using quality organic carrots.
How much mint is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of fresh mint chiffonade.
What heat level should I use for the saucepan?
The saucepan should be heated over medium heat.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and focuses on whole, organic ingredients.
What provides the 'nutty fragrance' mentioned in the instructions?
The nutty fragrance comes from allowing the butter to brown while cooking the carrots in the saucepan.
Should the carrots be dried after steaming?
The carrots should be drained after steaming before they are added to the butter and sugar mixture.
Can I leave medium carrots whole?
The recipe suggests cutting medium-sized carrots in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
Is black pepper required?
The recipe suggests adding freshly cracked black pepper to taste for the best flavor.
What should the butter and sugar look like before adding carrots?
The butter and sugar should be stirred together until they reach a syrup-like consistency.