Prepare to transform ordinary baby carrots into a mouthwatering side dish that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! These Easy Balsamic Glazed Carrots are not just a simple vegetable side, but a culinary experience that marries the sweetness of honey with the tangy richness of balsamic vinegar. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive and tastes absolutely incredible – perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by washing the baby carrots thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and the honey is fully dissolved.
- Place the cleaned baby carrots into a large skillet or frying pan. Pour the balsamic mixture over the carrots, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cook the carrots for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The carrots should become tender and the glaze should thicken slightly. If the glaze becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up.
- As the carrots cook, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the balsamic vinegar will provide some acidity.
- Once the carrots are tender and glazed to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the carrots to cool for a minute before serving.
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish, drizzling any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Tips
- Choose fresh, uniform baby carrots for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor – the better the vinegar, the more delicious the glaze.
- Keep the heat at a gentle simmer to prevent burning and allow the glaze to reduce slowly.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the carrots are evenly coated and caramelized.
- If the glaze becomes too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out and prevent scorching.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before serving.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature – these carrots are most delicious when warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
