Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots with Herbs Recipe
Description
This delightful Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to cook carrots, making them the perfect appetizer or side dish for your next dinner. The sweet honey glaze combined with aromatic herbs brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, creating a satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s an excellent snacking option for kids’ lunchboxes, making this dish as versatile as it is delicious.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carrots (Gajjar), peeled and cut into finger-sized pieces or coins | 500 grams |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Balsamic Vinegar (or red wine vinaigrette) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Black Peppercorns, coarsely pounded | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Rosemary (or thyme or parsley) | 3 sprigs |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Carrots:
Start by peeling the carrots and washing them thoroughly to remove any dirt. Dry them off with a kitchen towel. Next, cut the carrots into finger-sized pieces or coins, depending on your preference. This helps to create uniform pieces that cook evenly. -
Steam the Carrots:
To retain the carrots’ nutrients and ensure they cook quickly in the next step, steam the carrots in a steamer with a pinch of salt. Steam until just tender but still firm, about 5-7 minutes. The carrots should remain slightly crisp when done, which will help them hold up during the roasting process. Once steamed, set them aside to cool. -
Roast the Carrots:
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steamed carrots to the pan. Season them with salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir fry the carrots on high heat, making sure the glaze forms evenly over the carrots and that they develop a few brown spots, giving them that perfect roasted texture. -
Taste and Adjust:
As the carrots cook, check the seasoning and adjust to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, or honey for extra flavor. Once the carrots are glossy and slightly caramelized, remove the wok from the heat. -
Add Fresh Herbs:
Just before serving, toss in the fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley (whichever herb you prefer), and give the carrots a final stir to distribute the herbs evenly. This step adds a fresh aroma and color, enhancing both the taste and presentation of the dish. -
Serve:
Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving platter and serve immediately. These Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots are best enjoyed fresh, when they are still warm and vibrant.
Serving Suggestions:
These flavorful honey-glazed roasted carrots pair beautifully with dishes like Creamy Mushroom Risotto or a Quick Roasted Vegetable Bread Pizza for a well-rounded dinner. They also make a wonderful side dish for family gatherings or weeknight meals.
Tips for Success:
- Steaming the Carrots First: Steaming the carrots before roasting helps them retain most of their nutrients while cutting down on the time needed for roasting. It also ensures they cook to the perfect tender yet firm texture.
- Herb Options: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley, depending on what you have available or what suits your taste preferences.
- Make It Kid-Friendly: If you’re preparing this for kids, adjust the sweetness of the honey and make sure the carrots are cut into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Enjoy your vibrant and nutritious Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots with Herbs — a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare!
