Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

$- 1 pound baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots) - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup vegetable broth Using the right ingredients makes all the difference in this dish. I recommend baby carrots for their sweetness and ease. If you choose regular carrots, peel and slice them to match the baby carrots' size for even cooking. Unsalted butter adds richness. It blends well with brown sugar to create a delightful glaze. The brown sugar gives a warm, caramel flavor. Don't skip the spices! Ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the sweetness and add depth. A pinch of salt and pepper balances the flavors perfectly. Finally, the vegetable broth adds moisture and richness. It helps the glaze stick to the carrots. This simple mix of ingredients makes for a side dish that shines at any meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} You can use baby carrots or regular carrots. Baby carrots are ready to cook. Regular carrots need peeling and slicing. Slice them into even pieces, about one inch long. This helps them cook evenly. If the pieces are too big or small, some may cook too fast, while others stay hard. Use a large skillet for melting butter. Heat it over medium heat. Place three tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet. Wait for one to two minutes until it melts and gets bubbly. Do not let it brown. That can change the flavor. Once the butter melts, add a quarter cup of packed brown sugar. Stir slowly until the sugar dissolves. This should take about one to two minutes. The mixture will become syrupy. You can mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a quarter teaspoon of ground nutmeg. This adds warmth and spice to your dish. Now, toss in the prepared carrots. Follow this with a quarter cup of vegetable broth. Mix the carrots in the glaze. Cover the skillet with a lid and lower the heat to medium-low. Let the carrots simmer for about ten to fifteen minutes. Stir them occasionally. You want them tender but not mushy. The glaze will thicken as they cook. Taste them to check if they are just right. Adjust with salt and pepper if needed. When making brown sugar glazed carrots, you want them just right. Overcooking makes them mushy. Under cooking leaves them too crunchy. Aim for tender carrots that still have a bit of bite. Use a fork to check tenderness after about 10 minutes of cooking. If they are still firm, let them cook a few more minutes. Adjusting the sweetness or spice of your glazed carrots is easy. If you like them sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some ginger. You can also balance flavors with a splash of lemon juice. Taste the glaze as you go. This way, you can find the perfect balance for your palate. Serving your glazed carrots nicely makes a big impact. Use a decorative bowl for a beautiful display. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top for shine. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. This adds freshness and makes the dish look inviting. A great presentation will impress your guests and make your meal even more special. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Selecting fresh, vibrant carrots will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Look for firm carrots with a bright color and avoid any that are soft or shriveled. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on your preference, feel free to adjust the quantity of brown sugar in the recipe. You can add more for a sweeter glaze or reduce it for a lighter flavor. Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon and nutmeg provide a lovely warmth, consider adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for a unique twist that complements the carrots beautifully. Use a Lid for Even Cooking: Covering the skillet while simmering ensures even cooking and helps the carrots retain their moisture, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. {{image_4}} You can switch up the brown sugar for other sweeteners. Honey works well for a floral note. Maple syrup gives a rich, earthy flavor to the carrots. Both options add their unique twist while keeping the dish sweet. Just use the same amount as the brown sugar in the recipe. Feel free to mix in other root vegetables. Parsnips, sweet potatoes, or turnips pair nicely with carrots. Cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. This mix adds color and flavor. It also boosts the nutrition of your meal. If you want some heat, try adding chili flakes or fresh ginger. Just a pinch of chili flakes can bring a warm kick. Grated ginger provides a fresh zing. Both options add depth to the sweet glaze. Adjust the amount to suit your tastes. To keep your brown sugar glazed carrots fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the carrots. You can also use a resealable plastic bag. This helps keep the carrots moist and flavorful. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, there are a few great ways to reheat them. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to help revive the glaze. Stir gently until warmed through. This keeps the carrots tender and flavorful. You can also use a microwave. Place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming. Freezing brown sugar glazed carrots is simple and effective. First, let the carrots cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw the carrots overnight in the fridge. To reheat, follow the tips above for the best results. To make brown sugar glazed carrots vegan, you can swap out the butter. Use vegan butter or coconut oil for a plant-based option. For sweeteners, you can stick with brown sugar or use maple syrup for a different taste. These alternatives keep the glaze rich and sweet while ensuring it's animal product-free. Yes, you can use frozen carrots for this recipe. They are easy and quick. When using frozen carrots, adjust the cooking time. They may need a bit longer to cook through. You should also remember to drain any excess water after cooking, as frozen carrots can release moisture. Brown sugar glazed carrots pair well with many dishes. They go nicely with roasted chicken or grilled pork. You can also serve them alongside quinoa or rice dishes. For a vegetarian option, pair them with lentils or a hearty salad. These carrots add a sweet touch to any meal! In this post, we explored how to make delicious brown sugar glazed carrots using simple ingredients like carrots, butter, and brown sugar. We covered choosing and preparing the right carrots, creating the perfect glaze, and cooking them to the ideal tenderness. Remember to avoid common mistakes and try our tips for flavor and presentation. You can also experiment with variations and store leftovers for later. With these steps, you’ll impress your family and friends with your cooking skills. Enjoy your tasty dish!$

A delicious side dish featuring tender carrots glazed with a sweet brown sugar and butter mixture, enhanced with warm spices.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 quarter cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 quarter teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 quarter cup vegetable broth
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Carrots: For regular carrots, begin by peeling the outer skin and slicing them into uniform pieces, about 1-inch long, for even cooking. If using baby carrots, they can be used directly without further preparation.
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, place the unsalted butter and heat it over medium heat until completely melted and slightly bubbly, approximately 1-2 minutes.
Add Brown Sugar: Gradually stir in the brown sugar into the melted butter, mixing until the sugar dissolves and you achieve a syrupy consistency, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Incorporate Spices: Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the butter and sugar mixture to infuse the flavors.
Toss in Carrots and Broth: Add the prepared carrots to the skillet, followed by pouring in the vegetable broth. Gently toss the carrots in the glaze until they are well coated.
Cook the Carrots: Cover the skillet with a lid and lower the heat to medium-low. Allow the carrots to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and the glaze thickens to your desired consistency.
Season and Serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. If you like, finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve in a decorative bowl, drizzled with remaining glaze and topped with parsley.

Keyword carrots, glazed, side dish, vegetables