# Glazed Carrots: An Easy and Sweet Accompaniment
Glazed carrots make for an enjoyable side that merges the inherent sweetness of carrots with a luxurious, buttery brown sugar coating. This dish is not only straightforward to prepare but also introduces a lively burst of color and taste to any dining experience. Whether paired with a roast chicken or a festive ham, glazed carrots are bound to leave a lasting impression.
## Flavor Profile
These glazed carrots are soft and buttery, featuring a sumptuous maple-brown sugar sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with a touch of salt and pepper. The outcome is a dish that feels both cozy and elegant, making it popular among both kids and grown-ups.
## Skill Level and Preparation Suggestions
### Skill Level
This recipe is suitable for beginners, ensuring it’s approachable for cooks at any experience level.
### Preparation Suggestions
– **Even Size**: To achieve uniform cooking, halve the thicker ends of the carrots so that all segments are of comparable thickness.
– **Quick Option**: If pressed for time, opt for baby carrots. They need no peeling or cutting, streamlining the preparation process.
## Serving Recommendations
Glazed carrots complement an array of proteins beautifully. They can enhance:
– **Roast Chicken**: The sugary notes of the carrots amplify the savory tastes of the chicken.
– **Holiday Ham**: The glaze on the carrots mirrors the sweet finish often found on ham, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors.
## Ingredient Tips for Glazed Carrots
– **Carrots**: Use fresh carrots, baby carrots, or even a mix of rainbow carrots in this recipe. Peeling is optional, and fresh garden carrots will generally cook faster than those from the store.
– **Glaze**: A quick glaze can be created by melting light brown sugar with maple syrup. If you have just one of these ingredients available, feel free to use only that.
– **Variations**: For a festive flair, dress your glazed carrots with fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, thyme, or rosemary.
## Storing Glazed Carrots
Any leftover glazed carrots can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be reheated easily in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of additional butter.
Should you have more carrots than you can consume, consider freezing them in zippered bags for a duration of up to two months. Frozen glazed carrots can be added directly into hearty soups, like hamburger soup, for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
## Recipe Overview
### Ingredients
– Fresh carrots (or baby carrots)
– Butter
– Light brown sugar
– Maple syrup (or honey)
– Salt and pepper
### Cooking Instructions
1. Place carrots, water, brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring it to a boil.
3. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the carrots reach tenderness.
4. Take off the lid and raise the heat to high, cooking until the water evaporates and the carrots are glazed.
5. Season with salt and pepper prior to serving warm.
### Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 120
– **Carbohydrates**: 20g
– **Protein**: 1g
– **Fat**: 5g
– **Fiber**: 3g
– **Sugar**: 14g
## Conclusion
These glazed carrots are not just an uncomplicated and sweet side dish, but also a flexible addition to any meal. Their buttery coating and soft texture make them a favorite at family dinners and holiday festivities. So, next time you wish to enhance your meal, think about preparing this wonderful dish. Savor the sweet simplicity of glazed carrots, and be sure to leave a rating and comment to share your thoughts!