Imagine transforming ordinary baby carrots into a mouthwatering side dish that will have your family and guests begging for seconds! These Honey Glazed Carrots are not just a simple vegetable side, but a culinary experience that combines the natural sweetness of honey with the earthy warmth of thyme, creating a simple yet elegant dish that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the baby carrots thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Place the carrots in a medium-sized saucepan and add enough water to just cover the carrots.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer the carrots for 8-10 minutes until they are tender but still crisp when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the carrots completely in a colander, shaking off excess water.
- Return the saucepan to the stove and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add butter to the pan and let it melt completely, swirling the pan to coat the bottom.
- Pour in the honey and sprinkle dried thyme over the melted butter, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked carrots back into the pan and gently toss to coat evenly with the honey-butter glaze.
- Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all carrots are glazed and heated through.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with a light sprinkle of fresh thyme if desired.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Tips
- Choose fresh, uniform-sized baby carrots for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Be careful not to overcook the carrots during the initial boiling - you want them tender but still crisp.
- Use high-quality honey for the best flavor; local, raw honey works wonderfully.
- Keep the heat at medium-low when glazing to prevent burning the honey.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of fresh herbs like rosemary or a splash of orange zest.
- If you prefer a glossier finish, you can add a small splash of water to help the glaze coat the carrots more evenly.
- Serve immediately after glazing to enjoy the carrots at their peak temperature and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
