# Glazed Carrots: An Easy and Tasty Side Dish
Glazed carrots serve as a charming addition to any meal, providing a sweet and tender taste that pairs well with numerous dishes. This recipe is simple to make and adds a warm, inviting element to your dining experience. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a side dish that is bound to impress.
## Recipe Overview
– **Servings:** 4
– **Prep Time:** 10 minutes
– **Cook Time:** 15 minutes
– **Total Time:** 25 minutes
– **Cuisine:** American
– **Course:** Side Dish
– **Rating:** 4.98/5 from 103 votes
## Ingredients
To prepare glazed carrots, gather the following components:
– 1 pound of carrots (fresh or frozen, whole or baby)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey as an alternative)
– Salt and pepper to taste
## Instructions
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a skillet over medium heat, add the carrots, water, brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup.
2. **Melt Butter:** Stir frequently until the butter has fully melted. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. **Simmer Carrots:** Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the carrots are just tender when pierced with a fork.
4. **Glaze Carrots:** Remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Keep cooking until the water has evaporated and the carrots are glazed.
5. **Season and Serve:** Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
## Notes
– Maple syrup is suggested, but honey can be used as a substitute or omitted for brown sugar-glazed carrots.
– Ensure the carrots are uniform in size for even cooking; halve thicker ends if needed.
– Fresh garden carrots will cook quicker than those from the store.
– For a faster method, microwave the carrots with about ½ inch of water, covered, for 6-7 minutes until tender, then mix in the glaze ingredients and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
– Leftovers may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
## Nutrition Information (per serving)
– **Calories:** 120
– **Carbohydrates:** 20g
– **Protein:** 1g
– **Fat:** 5g
– **Saturated Fat:** 3g
– **Cholesterol:** 11mg
– **Sodium:** 261mg
– **Potassium:** 383mg
– **Fiber:** 3g
– **Sugar:** 14g
– **Vitamin A:** 19075 IU
– **Vitamin C:** 7mg
– **Calcium:** 50mg
– **Iron:** 0.4mg
This recipe for glazed carrots makes for an ideal side dish that is not only straightforward to create but also rich in flavor and nutrition. Savor this sweet and savory delight at your upcoming meal!