Sweet Apricot Orange Glazed Carrots with Cranberries
Elevate your side dish game with these Sweet Apricot Orange Glazed Carrots with Cranberries. This delightful recipe combines tender, vibrant carrots with a sweet and tangy glaze made from fresh orange juice and velvety dried apricots. The addition of cranberries adds a burst of color and a hint of tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly. This dish not only looks stunning on your dinner table but is also a healthy and nutritious option that pairs well with any main course, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or holiday meals. Simple to make and brimming with flavor, these glazed carrots are a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal produce.
N/A
Servings
35
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
8 (medium, sliced)
Dried Apricots
1/2 cup (sliced)
Dried Cranberries
1/4 cup (none)
Orange Juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
Unsalted Butter
1 tablespoon (cut into pieces)
Brown Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (packed)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Orange Zest
1/4 teaspoon (minced)
Ground Ginger
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing the carrots: peel and slice them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
2
2. In a large saucepan, fill it with 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
3. Add the sliced carrots to the boiling water, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the carrots for 9-11 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender.
4
4. Once cooked, drain the carrots well and set them aside temporarily.
5
5. In the same saucepan, combine the orange juice, sliced dried apricots, dried cranberries, butter, brown sugar, salt, minced orange zest, and ground ginger.
6
6. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes slightly thickened, which should take around 3-5 minutes.
7
7. Gently return the cooked carrots to the saucepan and toss them in the glaze until they are well coated and heated through, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully.
8
8. Serve the glazed carrots warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest if desired.
Nutrition Information
0.8g
Fat
7g
Carbs
0.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet Apricot Orange Glazed Carrots with Cranberries?
This is a side dish featuring tender carrots tossed in a sweet and tangy glaze made from orange juice, dried apricots, and cranberries.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients required for this carrot recipe.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
This dish contains approximately 35 calories per serving.
How many carrots should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 medium carrots that should be peeled and sliced.
How long do the carrots need to simmer?
The carrots should be simmered in water for 9 to 11 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
What ingredients are used for the glaze?
The glaze is made from orange juice, dried apricots, dried cranberries, butter, brown sugar, salt, orange zest, and ground ginger.
How much orange juice is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
What type of apricots are used?
The recipe specifically uses 1/2 cup of sliced dried apricots.
Are the cranberries fresh or dried?
This recipe uses 1/4 cup of dried cranberries.
How much butter is used in the glaze?
The glaze requires 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, cut into pieces.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains about 0.8g of fat.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of packed brown sugar.
What is the preparation method for the orange zest?
The orange zest should be minced, and you need 1/4 teaspoon for the recipe.
Is ground ginger included in this recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger is used to flavor the glaze.
How do I prepare the carrots before cooking?
You should peel the carrots and slice them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
How much water should I use to boil the carrots?
Fill a large saucepan with 1 inch of water to boil the carrots.
How long does it take for the glaze to thicken?
The glaze mixture should be cooked over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
What is the final step in the cooking process?
The final step is to return the carrots to the saucepan and toss them in the glaze until well coated and heated through.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished carrots with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest if desired.
What are the nutritional values for protein and carbohydrates?
This dish provides 0.3g of protein and 7g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday meals?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for holiday meals or family gatherings due to its stunning appearance and seasonal flavors.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and nutritious option that uses fresh produce and minimal fat.
What level of heat should I use to boil the water?
You should bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Should the saucepan be covered while simmering carrots?
Yes, cover the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer after adding the sliced carrots.
What is the amount of salt used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Are the apricots added to the glaze or the boiling water?
The dried apricots are added to the glaze mixture, not the boiling water.
Does the recipe require constant stirring for the glaze?
Yes, you should stir the glaze mixture constantly while it thickens over medium heat.
What should the texture of the carrots be after simmering?
The carrots should be cooked until they are crisp-tender.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of freshly squeezed?
While the recipe specifies freshly squeezed, bottled orange juice can be used as a substitute.
What type of dish is this categorized as?
This recipe is categorized as a side dish or vegetable dish.