Candied Carrots Recipe
These candied carrots are a sweet and savory side dish featuring tender carrots glazed with a luscious mixture of brown sugar, honey, and butter. The carrots are cooked to perfection with a hint of seasoning, making them a delightful complement to any meal.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces (thicker pieces cut in half lengthwise for even cooking)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Heat oil in skillet: Place a large skillet with a lid over medium heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil. Allow it to heat until hot and shimmering, preparing the pan for sautéing the carrots.
- Add carrots and season: Add the peeled and cut carrots to the skillet along with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the carrots evenly with the oil and seasonings.
- Cook carrots: Sauté the carrots for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process helps them soften slightly and develop a light golden color on the outside.
- Add brown sugar and honey: Pour in the light brown sugar and honey. Stir continuously until the sugar and honey melt, coating the carrots evenly with a sweet glaze.
- Reduce heat and add water: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in ½ cup of water. Stir to incorporate, then cover the skillet with the lid to allow the carrots to steam and cook further.
- Cook until tender: Let the carrots cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and the glaze becomes syrupy. If the water evaporates before the carrots are fully cooked, add a splash more water as necessary.
- Remove lid and add butter: Uncover the skillet and stir in the unsalted butter. Continue stirring until the butter melts completely, making the glaze shiny and rich.
- Serve: Transfer the candied carrots to a serving dish, spooning any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor and shine.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the carrots for a pop of color and fresh herbal note. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For even cooking, cut thicker carrot pieces in half lengthwise.
- If the glaze dries out before carrots are tender, add a little more water to prevent burning.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; adjust seasoning as needed.
- This dish can be kept warm on low heat but is best served immediately after cooking.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and a subtle herb flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: candied carrots, glazed carrots, sweet carrots, side dish, vegetable side, honey glazed carrots