cooked baby carrots recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cooked baby carrots recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes that’s perfect for any occasion – cooked baby carrots. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few ingredients.

The baby carrots are tender and flavorful, and the cooking process brings out their natural sweetness. I love serving this dish as a side to many meals, especially during the holidays when I need a crowd-pleasing option. My kids adore helping me peel and chop the carrots, making it a fun family activity.

Plus, this recipe is an excellent way to get them to eat more veggies! The cooking technique is straightforward: simply boil the carrots until they’re tender, then serve with butter or olive oil. You can also add some herbs or spices to give it an extra boost of flavor.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as a snack, a side dish, or even as a base for other recipes like stews or soups. And did I mention how healthy it is? Baby carrots are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this recipe a guilt-free pleasure.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, cooked baby carrots are an excellent choice. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Butter Glazed Baby Carrots

4.5 from 1090 votes

Tender baby carrots are simmered in a buttery glaze with a touch of brown sugar and fresh herbs. This simple side dish brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots with a glossy, savory finish.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Carrots

1 pound baby carrots (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place a medium skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
2Once the butter melts and begins to foam, stir in the brown sugar until dissolved, about 1 minute.
3Add the baby carrots, water, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
4Stir to coat the carrots evenly with the butter mixture.
5Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.
6Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
7Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high.
8Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid reduces to a thick glaze that coats the carrots.
9The carrots should be glossy and lightly caramelized.
10Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Medium skillet with lid
Measuring spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 360mg🌾Total Carbs: 17g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For a savory twist, replace brown sugar with a teaspoon of honey and add a pinch of thyme. Leftover carrots can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Butter Glazed Baby Carrots Works

This cooked baby carrot recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or want to add some extra nutrition to your meals.

When storing leftovers, make sure to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

When reheating, you can either steam them again until tender or simply reheat them in the microwave with some added butter or olive oil.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Glazed Baby Carrots

What is the ideal cooking time for baby carrots?

The cooking time for baby carrots depends on their size and personal preference for tenderness. As a general rule, cook them for 10-15 minutes if they’re small to medium-sized, or 20-25 minutes if they’re larger.

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

While you can use regular carrots in this recipe, keep in mind that they’ll be slightly larger and may take longer to cook. Baby carrots are specifically designed to be bite-sized and tenderize quickly.

How do I store leftover cooked baby carrots?

You can store leftover cooked baby carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I add garlic or other seasonings to the water when boiling the carrots?

Sure! Garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary all pair well with boiled carrots. Just be sure not to overdo it – you want the flavors to complement the natural sweetness of the carrots.

Are boiled carrots still good for me if they’re not completely tender?

Absolutely! Even if they’re not fully tender, boiled carrots are still packed with nutrients and will retain some of their texture and flavor.

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