This is a simple side dish of carrots cooked in a buttery and mildly sweet glaze made of butter and honey with a little touch of orange flavor. A perfect Thanksgiving side-dish that can also be enjoyed all year long.
This glazed carrots with honey is definitely a keeper! It is so simple and easy to make and done in just under 15 minutes. It tastes also really good! Mildly sweet with a pleasing citrusy take from the addition of freshly squeezed orange juice and zest. Not only is it good, carrots are also very healthy too!
Why eat Carrots?
Glazed Carrots with honey is tasty, filling, and highly nutritious. A carrot is a root vegetable that is often claimed to be a perfect health food since it contains beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants.
According to various studies, eating carrots promote many health benefits, including weight loss and lower blood cholesterol. Also, carrots can help improve eye and skin health, boost immunity, strengthen bones, and prevent cancer.
How to Cut Carrots?
You can cut them any way you like as long as they are uniform in size, not too big but not too small. The ideal cuts would be bâtonnet or simply round or diagonal slices that are not too thin. You can use baby carrots too and no need to cut!
I chose to use small carrots so I just have to cut them into four long strips each. It does not really matter that they are not perfect rectangular cuts. Didn't want to waste!
How to Cut Carrots in Bâtonnet Style?
Bâtonnet is a French vegetable cut which translates to “little stick” or “baton.” It is a vegetable cut commonly used for cutting round vegetables into sticks or strips. Also, bâtonnet is a base for other styles of cuts like julienne and brunoise, which are suitable for stir-fries and salads. Technically, bâtonnet cut measures 1//4 inch across and 2-3 inches long.
- Start by peeling the carrots and cut the knobble ends , top and tail.
- Then cut the carrot into half or smaller depending on your desired length.
- You may choose to cut the outer, uneven sides to make even bâtonnet sticks.
- Cut a piece into ¼-inch slabs.
- Finally, stack the pieces and cut it into ¼ inch strips.
To boil or to steam carrots?
I, personally, prefer steaming vegetables over boiling them in water. Since the vegetables are cooked from the steam heat, it retains most of the nutrients. Unlike when they are boiled in the water where some nutrients leached into the cooking water. I also find that steamed vegetables retain their color and flavor than when they are boiled.
But no matter how you wish to pre-cook your carrots, remember one thing. To achieve your perfect glazed carrots dish, make sure that the carrot is fork-tender but still hold its shape with a slight bite to it.
How to Steam Carrots?
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Arrange the cut carrots evenly in the steamer basket of your steamer cooker.
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Pour 1 cup of water to the bottom pan of the steamer and bring it to boil over high heat.
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Place the steamer basket over the pan of boiling water and steam the carrots for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp. Do not let the carrots become too tender.
How to Boil Carrots?
- The pan should be filled with water enough to cover the carrots about 1 inch.
- Place the carrots and add a pinch of salt if desired. Adding salt adds extra flavor to the dish, and it helps to raise the water’s boiling point, thus, shortening the length of cooking.
- Once it boils, cover the pan and lower heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
Check if the carrots are tender enough by sliding a fork in the vegetable. Once you are satisfied, drain the carrots and set aside it for the next step in making glazed carrots.
OTHER SIDE DISH IDEAS FOR THANKSGIVING
Cheesy Potato Casserole |
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese |
Baked Sweet Potato Cubes with Parmesan |
Pan-Roasted Garlic Mushrooms and Baby Potatoes |
Printable Recipe
Glazed Carrots with Honey
Ingredients
- 1 - 1.5 pounds carrots
- 1 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- fresh ground pepper
- salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- orange zest from 1 orange
Instructions
- Wash and peel carrots and cut them into batonnets. Arrange them evenly in the steamer basket of your steamer cooker.
- Pour 1 cup of water to the bottom pan of the steamer and bring it to boil over high heat. Place the steamer basket over the pan of boiling water and steam the carrots for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp. Do not let the carrots become too tender.
- In a pan, add butter, honey, and orange juice. Heat over medium heat while stirring regularly until butter is melted.
- Once it starts to bubble, add the steamed carrots and toss to coat the pieces completely. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, while stirring from time to time, until the sauce becomes thick, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer glazed carrots in a serving dish and sprinkle with orange zest and chopped parsley.
Nutrition
What do you think?