🥕 Baby Carrots With Brown Sugar and Mustard 🍯🍴
Overview:
Baby Carrots With Brown Sugar and Mustard is a delightful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of baby carrots with the rich flavors of brown sugar and tangy mustard. This dish is easy to prepare and serves as a great accompaniment to various main courses. It’s both sweet and savory, making it a hit at family dinners and gatherings.
History:
The exact origin of this dish is unclear, but it draws inspiration from classic glazed carrot recipes, which have been a part of culinary traditions for centuries. The combination of brown sugar and mustard provides a unique twist, adding depth of flavor to an otherwise simple vegetable side dish.
Components:
- 1 pound of baby carrots
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Carrots:
- Wash and peel the baby carrots if desired, although it’s not necessary.
- If the carrots are large, you can cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
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Boil the Carrots:
- Place the carrots in a pot of boiling water.
- Boil for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still firm.
- Drain the carrots and set them aside.
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Prepare the Glaze:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and Dijon mustard to the melted butter.
- Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well combined.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
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Glaze the Carrots:
- Return the drained carrots to the pot.
- Pour the brown sugar and mustard glaze over the carrots.
- Stir to coat the carrots evenly with the glaze.
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Cook and Caramelize:
- Cook the glazed carrots over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze thickens and caramelizes.
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Serve:
- Once the carrots are nicely glazed and caramelized, transfer them to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Total Time:
The preparation and cooking time for Baby Carrots With Brown Sugar and Mustard is approximately 25-30 minutes. It’s a relatively quick and straightforward dish to make, making it suitable for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions.
This sweet and tangy side dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, such as roasted chicken, grilled pork, or even a vegetarian dish. The combination of brown sugar and mustard adds a delightful complexity to the natural sweetness of baby carrots, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy! 🥕🍯🍴
Certainly! Here’s some nutrition and health information for the Baby Carrots With Brown Sugar and Mustard dish:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 100-120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Sugars: 10-12 grams
- Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Fat: 4-6 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
Key Nutritional Points:
- Baby carrots are low in calories and provide essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin K, and potassium.
- Brown sugar is a source of simple carbohydrates and calories, contributing to the sweetness of the dish.
- Mustard adds flavor without significant calories.
- Butter adds some fat and flavor.
Health Information:
- Baby carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which can be converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for vision, immune function, and skin health.
- The dish contains fiber from the carrots, which can aid in digestion and help you feel full.
- While the brown sugar adds sweetness, it’s important to consume sugary foods in moderation, as excessive sugar intake can lead to health issues like obesity and tooth decay.
- Mustard is a low-calorie condiment that can add flavor without adding many extra calories.
- Butter, while providing a rich flavor, is a source of saturated fat. It should also be used in moderation for those concerned about their fat intake.
Overall, Baby Carrots With Brown Sugar and Mustard can be a tasty and nutritious side dish when consumed in moderation. It provides important vitamins and fiber from the carrots, but it’s essential to be mindful of the added sugar and butter, especially if you’re following a specific dietary plan or watching your sugar and fat intake.
