Instant Pot Glazed Honey Carrots with Fresh Herbs
Experience the vibrant flavors of these honey-glazed carrots, perfectly cooked in your Instant Pot for exceptional tenderness and taste. The combination of sweet honey, rich brown sugar, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes creates a delightful balance that enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots. Finished with fresh parsley and optional za'atar seasoning, these carrots are not only visually stunning with their multi-colored hues but also an irresistible side dish that complements any meal effortlessly. Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners, this recipe will undoubtedly impress your family and guests alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
small multi-colored carrots
2 lbs (peeled)
water
1 cup
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons
light brown sugar
2 tablespoons
honey
2 tablespoons
salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
za'atar spice mix
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing a wire rack or steamer trivet inside the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
2
Arrange the peeled multi-colored carrots on top of the rack, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
3
Pour 1 cup of water into the pot to create steam during cooking.
4
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to 'Seal'.
5
Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 2 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release by switching the valve to 'Venting'.
6
Once the pressure has released, carefully open the lid and set the cooked carrots aside on a plate.
7
Discard the water from the pot and wipe it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Then set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and allow it to heat up.
8
Add the unsalted butter to the hot pot, and once melted, return the carrots to the pot.
9
Sprinkle the brown sugar, honey, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the carrots. Stir gently to combine and sauté for about 2 minutes, allowing the sugar to melt and the carrots to become fully coated in the glaze.
10
Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning, if desired.
11
Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The dish is Instant Pot Glazed Honey Carrots with Fresh Herbs, a vibrant and tender vegetable side dish.
How many pounds of carrots are required?
You will need 2 lbs of small multi-colored carrots.
Do the carrots need to be peeled?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the carrots should be peeled before cooking.
How much water is added to the Instant Pot?
Add 1 cup of water to the inner pot to create the necessary steam.
How long do the carrots cook under pressure?
Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for exactly 2 minutes.
What type of pressure release is used?
A quick release is performed by switching the valve to 'Venting' immediately after the cooking time ends.
What is the purpose of the trivet or wire rack?
The rack is used to keep the carrots elevated above the water while they steam.
How is the glaze prepared?
The glaze is made by melting butter and combining it with brown sugar, honey, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in Sauté mode.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much honey is in the glaze?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of honey.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar in addition to the honey.
Does this recipe have a spicy kick?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
What herbs are used for garnishing?
Fresh chopped parsley is used as the primary garnish.
What is the optional spice mix mentioned?
Za'atar spice mix is suggested as an optional sprinkle for extra flavor.
How long do you sauté the carrots after pressure cooking?
Sauté the carrots for about 2 minutes to allow the glaze to melt and coat them thoroughly.
Can I use regular orange carrots?
Yes, while multi-colored carrots are suggested for visual appeal, regular carrots work perfectly fine.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely, the glazed finish and fresh herbs make it an impressive side dish for holidays or dinner parties.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients, including the carrots, liquids, and spices.
What setting is used to finish the carrots?
The 'Sauté' mode is used to thicken the glaze and coat the cooked carrots.
Do I need to dry the pot after steaming?
Yes, you should discard the water and wipe the pot dry before switching to Sauté mode.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, the sweet honey glaze makes it a favorite for both children and adults.
What is the texture of the carrots?
They are described as having exceptional tenderness thanks to the pressure cooking process.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much black pepper is included?
It uses 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I serve these carrots cold?
While best served immediately and warm, they can be enjoyed cold in salads.
What is the benefit of using an Instant Pot for this?
It provides a quick, hands-off steaming method that ensures consistent tenderness.
Is the honey-to-sugar ratio equal?
Yes, both honey and light brown sugar are used in 2-tablespoon measurements.
What color carrots are recommended?
The recipe suggests multi-colored carrots for a visually stunning presentation.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The raw data provided does not list specific calorie or fat counts, focusing instead on ingredients and instructions.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy vegetable dish that highlights natural sweetness.