These glazed carrots are sweet, colorful, and super easy to make! The carrots are cooked until tender and then glazed with a little butter and brown sugar for a tasty treat.
Honestly, these carrots can turn anyone into a veggie lover! I love serving them at dinner, and they always bring a smile. Who knew veggies could be this fun? 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: Baby carrots are perfect here since they cook quickly and look beautiful. If you can’t find them, regular carrots cut into similar lengths work well too. Just remember to peel them for a smoother texture!
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control over the saltiness. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter instead. Both alternatives will still give a nice richness.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that luscious glaze. If you want a healthier option, consider substituting with honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the amount, as they are sweeter than brown sugar.
Fresh Rosemary: The rosemary gives a fantastic flavor. If fresh isn’t available, use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. You can also try thyme or parsley for a different twist!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Glaze?
The key to a wonderful glaze is patience! After the carrots become tender, you’ll remove the lid and let the liquid reduce. Follow these steps for best results:
- Cook the carrots covered first to soften them without burning.
- Once they’re tender, remove the lid to help the liquid evaporate, creating that shiny glaze.
- Keep stirring frequently to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking.
- When the glaze is thick and coats the carrots nicely, it’s ready!
No need to rush; give it time, and you’ll be rewarded with deliciously glazed carrots! Enjoy your cooking! 🥕✨
How to Make Glazed Carrots with Rosemary
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound baby carrots (or small whole carrots, peeled)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (about 3-4 small sprigs)
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 15 minutes cooking the carrots until they’re perfectly glazed. It’s a quick and easy side dish that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
Begin by rinsing and peeling the carrots if they are not pre-peeled. Trim the ends but make sure to keep the carrots whole. This makes for a beautiful presentation on your plate!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. It should melt gradually, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
3. Add Brown Sugar:
Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar to the pan. Stir it gently until the sugar is fully dissolved into the butter. This creates a sweet base for the glaze!
4. Coat the Carrots:
Now, toss the carrots in the pan, making sure they are thoroughly coated in the butter and brown sugar mixture. This step is key to achieving that lovely glaze!
5. Add Liquid and Seasoning:
Next, pour in the water or vegetable broth, and place the rosemary sprigs into the pan along with the salt. This will add flavor as the carrots cook.
6. Simmer the Carrots:
Cover the pan with a lid and let the carrots simmer over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’re looking for them to be tender but still slightly firm.
7. Create the Glaze:
After the carrots are tender, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid reduces and forms a shiny glaze that coats the carrots evenly. This should take about 5 minutes.
8. Final Touches:
Carefully remove the rosemary sprigs and taste the carrots. Feel free to adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving plate and drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over them. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful, sweet, and buttery treat!
This recipe results in tender, sweet, buttery carrots with a bright shine from the glaze and an aromatic hint of rosemary, just like the dish in the image. Enjoy your meal! 🥕✨
Can I Use Frozen Carrots Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots! Just be sure to thaw them completely first, as this will help them cook evenly. You may need to reduce the cooking time slightly since they’re already partially cooked.
What Can I Use Instead of Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses to mimic that rich flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can work well too—just adjust the quantity as they are sweeter.
How Should I Store Leftover Glazed Carrots?
Store any leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to help refresh the glaze!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with other veggies like green beans, peas, or even parsnips. Just ensure that the cooking times are similar, so everything cooks evenly.
