Ah, carrots—those humble, orange wonders that often play second fiddle on the dinner table. But not today. Today, they’re the star, drizzled in a sweet honey glaze that could make even a rainy Tuesday feel like a celebration. Seriously, who knew a root vegetable could dance so well with a touch of sweetness?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) for standard or 200°C (400°F) for fan-assisted settings.
- Cut the carrots diagonally into pieces approximately 4 cm (1.75 inches) long, halving the thicker ends to ensure uniform size.
- In a bowl, mix the carrots with brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrot mixture onto a baking tray, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Roast the carrots for 15 minutes, then toss them and continue roasting for another 10 minutes until they are tender and caramelized on the edges.
- Once done, toss the carrots in the glaze that remains on the tray and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2 lb) carrots, peeled
- 1/4 cup (40g) brown sugar, loosely packed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter (30g), melted (or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 955 | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 2070mg | Potassium: 3270mg | Carbohydrates: 150g | Fiber: 25g | Sugar: 100g | Protein: 10g | Vitamin A: 167775IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 385mg | Iron: 3.5mg
FAQ
- What type of carrots are best for Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots?
- Any variety works well! You can use baby carrots, Dutch carrots, standard orange carrots, or even multi-colored ones. Just make sure to cut larger carrots to a manageable size.
- How long does it take to roast the carrots?
- Roasting the carrots takes just 25 minutes in a hot oven set to 220°C/425°F. This ensures the carrots develop caramelized edges without becoming too soft.
- Can I prepare Glazed Carrots on the stove instead of roasting them?
- While roasting enhances the flavor and sweetness of the carrots, you can use a stove-top method if your oven is occupied. However, the caramelization might not be as pronounced.
- How can I reduce the sweetness of the Glazed Carrots?
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the brown sugar amount from 1/4 cup to just 1 tablespoon. This adjustment will still provide a lovely glaze without overpowering sweetness.
- Is it possible to make Glazed Carrots in advance?
- Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time by cooking until they’re tender-crisp but not overly soft. Store them in the refrigerator for 2 to 5 days, and reheat them in the microwave when ready to serve.
Tips
- Combine Butter and Oil: Use both butter and oil to coat the carrots. Butter adds rich flavor, but it can burn at high temperatures, so mixing it with oil allows you to achieve caramelized edges without burning.
- Cut Carrots Evenly: For even roasting, ensure that all carrot pieces are roughly the same size. This helps in achieving consistent texture and caramelization throughout.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you find the carrots too sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar to as little as one tablespoon. This allows you to enjoy the glaze while customizing the sweetness to your preference.
- Make Ahead of Time: You can prepare these glazed carrots ahead of time. Ensure they are tender-crisp when you take them out of the oven. They will keep well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated in the microwave when ready to serve.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet or Roasting Pan: For roasting the carrots in the oven.
- Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevent sticking (optional but useful).
- Garlic Press or Mince Tool: For mincing garlic cloves efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like brown sugar, butter, and olive oil.
