Description
This Candied Carrots recipe features tender carrots glazed in a luscious, naturally sweet coating that balances flavor with a vibrant color and effortless charm. Using simple, natural ingredients, it creates a sweet and easy side dish perfect for any meal, from weeknight dinners to special occasions.
Ingredients
Carrots
- Fresh carrots, firm and bright orange
Glaze
- Plant-based butter
- Brown sugar (natural)
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Fresh orange juice
- Natural gelling agent
- Salt
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Carrots: Start by washing and peeling the carrots. Then, cut them into evenly sized slices or sticks to ensure they cook uniformly and soak up the glaze properly.
- Cook the Carrots: In a large skillet, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Blanch the carrots for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they begin to soften but still maintain a slight crunch. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Glaze: In the same skillet, melt plant-based butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and fresh orange juice. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens lightly with the help of the natural gelling agent.
- Combine and Glaze: Add the blanched carrots back to the skillet, stirring gently to coat each piece thoroughly with the glossy glaze. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the carrots to reach a tender, luscious finish.
- Finish and Garnish: Season with a pinch of salt to taste, toss in freshly chopped parsley for brightness, and serve warm while the glaze shines beautifully over the carrots.
Notes
- Cut carrots to uniform sizes to ensure consistent cooking and glazing.
- Maintain a slight crunch for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Simmer the glaze gently to achieve a smooth, sticky coating without burning.
- Use fresh carrots for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- Taste the glaze as it cooks and adjust the sugar level to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: candied carrots, sweet glazed carrots, easy side dish, plant-based side, gluten free carrots, healthy side dish