Nifty Carrots: A Delightful Vegetable Dish for Festive Gatherings
Introduction
This delightful recipe for Nifty Carrots, adapted from the beloved “Best of Bridge,” has become a cherished addition to my holiday dinners, especially during Christmas and Thanksgiving. It’s a dish that received rave reviews, not just from family but also from friends who couldn’t resist asking if I’d be serving those amazing carrots again. The combination of fresh carrots with a creamy horseradish sauce creates a flavor that perfectly complements any festive meal, making it an excellent choice for your next gathering. Let’s dive into the details and prepare this delicious dish that will leave your guests wanting more.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Carrots | 1 lb |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Sour Cream | 1/4 cup |
| Horseradish | 1/4 cup |
| Onions | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 91.4 |
| Total Fat | 5.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 6.8 mg |
| Sodium | 165.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugars | 5.2 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
Preparation Time
| Preparation | Cooking | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes |
Instructions
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Prepare the Carrots: Begin by washing and peeling the fresh carrots. Once cleaned, cut them into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. You can choose to boil or steam them; however, I recommend steaming as it helps to retain the vibrant flavor and nutrients of the carrots. In a steaming pot, place the carrots and add enough water to the bottom to create steam.
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Cook the Carrots: Steam the carrots until they are just tender, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes depending on their thickness. If you opt to boil, cook until fork-tender but still firm, approximately 10 minutes. Remember to reserve the carrot water if boiling, as it can be utilized in other dishes or for soups.
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Prepare the Sauce: While the carrots are cooking, gather a mixing bowl and combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and horseradish. Stir in the finely chopped onions to the mixture for added flavor. The horseradish provides a delightful kick, so feel free to adjust the quantity according to your preference; if you prefer a milder taste, you can certainly reduce the amount.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the carrots are cooked and slightly cooled, place them in a shallow casserole dish. Pour the creamy horseradish mixture over the warm carrots, ensuring they are well coated. Mix gently to distribute the sauce evenly.
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Add the Butter: If desired, melt the butter and pour it over the top of the carrot mixture. For an added twist, the original recipe suggests mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling it on top. However, I personally prefer to omit the breadcrumbs as they can sometimes overpower the dish. If you wish to try it, simply combine the melted butter with breadcrumbs before sprinkling.
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Bake the Carrots: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The goal is to heat through and allow the horseradish sauce to become bubbly and fragrant.
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Serve: After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. The Nifty Carrots are now ready to be served alongside your festive spread. They make a wonderful addition to any meal and are sure to impress your guests with their creamy texture and unique flavor profile.
Conclusion
Nifty Carrots is a simple yet sophisticated vegetable dish that can elevate any holiday table. With its appealing taste and creamy texture, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends, just as it has in my home. Whether for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests, this dish is both easy to prepare and delicious to eat. Enjoy the rave reviews that will surely come your way!
