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Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)

Glazed Carrots (Christmas Recipe & Thanksgiving Recipe)
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Glazed Carrots are a vibrant, sweet, and tender side dish perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving. They feature fresh carrots coated in a buttery, brown sugar glaze enhanced with optional honey or maple syrup and citrus notes, delivering a festive and family-friendly vegetable dish that pairs beautifully with holiday mains.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound medium-sized fresh carrots, peeled and sliced or baby carrots
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for spice)
  • Toasted pecans or walnuts, for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh grated ginger (optional, for ginger infusion)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots: Peel and slice fresh carrots into uniform rounds, or use peeled baby carrots for convenience. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
  2. Cook the Carrots: Place the carrots in a pot of salted boiling water and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain well to prevent the glaze from becoming watery.
  3. Make the Glaze: In the same pot or a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved and slightly bubbling. Add honey or maple syrup if using. Then add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of orange zest to brighten the flavor.
  4. Combine Carrots and Glaze: Add the cooked carrots back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly in the warm glaze. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and cling beautifully to the carrots.
  5. Final Touches: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in any optional fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish as desired before serving.

Notes

  • Slice carrots evenly for uniform cooking and texture.
  • Do not overcook carrots; keep them tender but slightly firm to maintain the glaze’s impact.
  • Use brown sugar for a deeper color and richer caramel flavor in the glaze.
  • Cook glaze over medium-low heat to prevent burning and keep a shiny finish.
  • Fresh lemon or orange zest adds bright festive aroma and flavor.
  • This recipe can be made vegan by substituting butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and honey with maple syrup.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water or butter if needed to restore moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: glazed carrots, holiday side dish, Christmas recipe, Thanksgiving recipe, sweet carrots, buttery glaze, festive vegetables, easy carrot recipe, family side dish

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/glazed-carrots-christmas-recipe-thanksgiving-recipe/