Sweet Tarragon-Glazed Carrots Delight
Elevate your side dish game with these Sweet Tarragon-Glazed Carrots Delight! These tender baby carrots are beautifully glazed with a luscious combination of honey and butter, highlighted by the aromatic herb tarragon. The hint of lemon juice adds a refreshing tang that balances the sweetness of the honey. Perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or as a vibrant addition to any meal, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Peeled Baby Carrots
2 lb (peeled)
Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
Butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
Honey
1/4 cup (raw or clover honey)
Dried Tarragon
2 teaspoons (crushed)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baby carrots, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook the carrots for 8-10 minutes or until they are tender.
2
Once cooked, drain the carrots and immediately plunge them into a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
3
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and honey together, stirring until combined and smooth.
4
Add the cooked carrots to the saucepan along with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, dried tarragon, and black pepper. Stir gently to coat the carrots evenly with the glaze.
5
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the carrots are heated through and the flavors meld. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet Tarragon-Glazed Carrots Delight?
Sweet Tarragon-Glazed Carrots Delight is a side dish featuring tender baby carrots glazed with a mixture of honey, butter, tarragon, and a hint of lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How long should I boil the baby carrots?
The baby carrots should be boiled for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are tender.
What type of honey is recommended for the glaze?
The recipe suggests using raw or clover honey for the best flavor.
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yes, you can use regular carrots; simply peel them and cut them into smaller, uniform pieces before boiling.
Why is lemon juice used in this recipe?
Lemon juice adds a refreshing tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey.
Is this dish suitable for holiday meals?
Yes, these glazed carrots are an excellent choice for holiday feasts, family dinners, or any special occasion.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
Can I use fresh tarragon instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh tarragon, though you may need to increase the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Why are the carrots placed in cold water after boiling?
Plunging the carrots into cold water stops the cooking process immediately, ensuring they don't become overcooked.
How much honey is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of honey for the glaze.
Is this carrot recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make a vegan version of this dish?
To make it vegan, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and the honey with maple syrup.
What seasonings are used for the carrots?
The carrots are seasoned with salt, black pepper, and dried tarragon.
How do I prevent the carrots from becoming mushy?
Do not boil them longer than 10 minutes and use the cold water bath to stop the cooking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can boil and cool the carrots ahead of time, then complete the glazing step just before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can glazed carrots be frozen?
While you can freeze them, the texture of the glaze and the carrots may change slightly upon thawing.
What does this side dish pair well with?
These carrots pair beautifully with roasted meats, poultry, or any savory main course.
How much dried tarragon should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of crushed dried tarragon.
Is this a healthy vegetable side dish?
It is a nutritious vegetable side, though it does contain added sweetness from honey and richness from butter.
Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?
Yes, maple syrup is a great alternative and will provide a slightly different but delicious flavor.
What is the flavor of tarragon?
Tarragon has a unique, aromatic flavor with hints of licorice or anise.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
The recipe specifies using peeled baby carrots for easy preparation.
What is the best way to reheat these carrots?
Reheat them gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding toasted pecans or walnuts would provide a nice crunch to the dish.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet honey glaze makes these carrots very appealing to children.
How is the salt used in the recipe?
The salt is divided: half is added to the boiling water and the other half is added to the glaze.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough saucepan to coat all the carrots.
How long do the carrots cook in the glaze?
Once added to the honey-butter mixture, cook the carrots for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.