This is one of the most delicious side dishes I have made

 

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

These tender, sweet carrots are coated in a simple buttery brown sugar glaze, making them an elegant yet effortless side dish. Perfect for elevating a weeknight dinner or complementing a holiday feast.

• ⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes

• ⏰ Cook Time: 10 minutes

• 🍽️ Servings: 4

🧂 INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb carrots, peeled

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter

• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

• A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Carrots:

• Peel the carrots and slice them into uniform ¼-inch thick rounds. For a more elegant presentation, you can also cut them on a diagonal into oval slices.

2. Cook the Carrots:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrot slices and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are just fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook. Drain well.

3. Create the Glaze:

• While the carrots are draining, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the brown sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbly. If using, add the cinnamon/nutmeg and orange juice at this stage.

4. Glaze the Carrots:

• Add the drained carrots to the skillet. Toss and stir for 2-3 minutes, until the carrots are evenly coated and the glaze has thickened slightly.

5. Serve:

• Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve immediately.

💡 Pro-Tips:

• Uniform Slicing: Cutting the carrots to the same thickness ensures they cook evenly.

• Don't Overcook: The carrots should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente) before glazing, as they will cook another few minutes in the skillet.

• Flavor Variations: For a savory twist, add a minced garlic clove to the butter before adding the brown sugar, or finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.